Whimsical, refined, unexpected; for collectors of American decorative arts and furniture, catalogs like the one coming up at Skinner are exactly what one needs to get the wheels of intrigue spinning. Artworks and objects point to specific events and persons, highlighting inventive craftsmanship and the tenacious colonization of our recent past.  We called upon Skinners’ Associate Deputy Director for American Furniture & Decorative Arts and Historic Arms & Militaria Specialist, Christopher Fox, for guidance and insights into their much-anticipated American Furniture & Decorative Arts sale coming up on March 3rd. Lot 48, Remarkable Pieced and Appliqued Cotton Civil War Memorial Quilt; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000 BSQ: Two of the highest estimates in your upcoming auction are for antique quilts, each having their own special story. One of them...Read More

On March 3rd, Potter & Potter Auctions will be offering, 'The Magic Collection of John Daniel' for auction. John Daniel was a well-known magician and an extraordinary collector and dealer of all things magic-related. This auction contains 491 pieces of magic memorabilia from his collection including vintage posters and photographs, books, props, equipment and costumes.  From an Asian Art perspective, some of the more interesting items in this sale are the silk embroidered Chinese dragon robes from the 19th Century that were actually worn by magicians during their shows. Lot 304, Virgil’s Chinese Imperial Chestnut Dragon Robe; Estimate $2,000 - $3,000 The first dragon robe is lot 304, Virgil’s Imperial Chestnut Dragon Robe. Made in the second half of the 19th Century, the brown tone denotes a duke wore this garment. The robe is typical in it...Read More

In the present era of excessiveness, where daily news has been replaced by minute-to-minute hearsay and same day delivery still isn't fast enough, nostalgia seems to be making an ironic comeback. Retro technology is trending; vinyl records, turntables, film cameras, vintage videogame consoles, etc. It appears that when Millennials come up for air from the depths of their phones, they are looking to appreciate the media that came before them - objects with manual interaction and a single function.   Although, major retailers like Urban Outfitters are aiding in the effort to redistribute first generation technology and fashion, auctions remain the best place to find the genuine article. Let's be honest, it feels good to take a step back and simplify every now and then. Here are 5 things you didn't know you needed, coming up on Bidsquare: 1. N...Read More

Concert promoter and impresario, Bill Graham organized, produced and marketed rock music from the mid-1960’s until his untimely death in a 1991 helicopter crash. Over the course of a career that spanned nearly three decades, Bill Graham promoted a Hall of Fame of rock and folk music stars. The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin (with and without Big Brother and The Holding Company), and Jefferson Airplane are among the bands with whom he is most closely associated. Many of the performances Bill Graham promoted were held at the now historic Fillmore and Winterland Arena in San Francisco and nearly all were heralded by bright, bold and brilliantly designed concert posters produced by prominent artists contracted by Graham. These “Bill Graham Presents” concert posters are among the most collectibles artifact of Bill Graham’s music legacy and have bee...Read More

When it comes to metalwork, the age, value and character of an object can be mistakenly lifted away with one fell swoop of a Lysol wipe. For instance, if you have or happen to uncover your great-grandmothers' Tiffany Studios candlestick holders, we command you to drop the polish! Antique sculptures and decorative objects develop what is known as a “patina” (pa-TEEN-uh) over the course of time. A patina refers to surface changes caused by chemical reactions, dirt buildup, scratches or any other naturally occurring events. However, when it comes to metal castings in materials such as copper or bronze, an artist often chooses a finish right away; and that becomes its original and most valued patina. Color choice, texture and finish are an integral part of the artwork and collectors simply swoon over patina’s that are left undisturbed.  For thi...Read More

Mid-century modern design hasn't seen a dim day in desirability since its conception in the 1940s. In addition to experimenting with materials and inventive silhouettes, the overarching appeal of modernism rests in its straightforward utility and clean concepts that click. This is especially true for lighting. Lamps don't have to be busy to make a statement and these upcoming bulb holders are anything but bleak.  Beginning on February 23rd, Rago will host their 3-Day Unreserved sales (Session 1, Session 2, Session 3) posing an exciting opportunity for those looking to score authentic mid-century modern designs for much less than usual. In an unreserved auction, there are no "safety net" prices keeping you from winning an item at the highest price (no matter how low) that's offered. No, this is not too good to be true, and that's why we're c...Read More

They say that dedicated sports fans ( the ones who scream, cry and brawl in the stands ) tend to exhibit exaggerated emotional responses because they’ve attached themselves, to their game of choice, religiously. They don't simply watch the game - they live vicariously through it. I'll admit, I never quite understood this...until the 2018 Winter Olympics. Perhaps, it’s because these games often depend on the sheer determination of an individual, opposed to an entire team. All I know is, I've been passionately commentating from my couch, about sports I hardly know anything about, for the past three days. How deep must one person dig to rise up and become an Olympian? The commitment, honor and sheer danger that come with participating in these games can jump-start anyone’s competitive spirit! To celebrate team U.S.A's six-medal count in Pyeong...Read More

Do you ever wonder what famous chef's are cooking at home? Are they settling for a late night grilled cheese or perfectly pinching handmade pierogies? When top industry elites do for themselves, what they vehemently do for others, what decisions are being made?  The same question stands for interior designers. Didier Gomez, an expert talent who has reimagined private homes for the likes of Pierre Bergé of Yves Saint Laurent and retail treasures such as Céline, Christan Dior, De beers and Louis Vuitton as well as the Renassance République, Marriott in Paris – also has a space to call his own.    Taking his early career as an opera singer into consideration, it isn't surprising to notice how Didier Gomez employs a chorus of time periods with oscillating volumes of background noise into his home decor. We scanned the platform for past auction ...Read More

How can one tell when they’ve found true love? What does it look like? How long does it last? When something as small as a wink can create tidal changes that wash over your senses forever, it seems an important question to ponder. However, courtly love isn’t the only soul-quenching sort! We often overlook youthful romance, fantastical beauty, familial comfort, and first and foremost – friendship!   Seeing that we are a week away from Valentine’s Day, we thought it would be uplifting to recognize love in all forms, and perhaps, inspire you to feverishly profess your infatuation (or appreciation) for someone with a token of tenderness.  Lot 1834, Robert Knight Ryland, Love (The Hand of God), Oil on canvas; Estimate $700 - $900 Dont forget to call your mother next week! Reaching up toward divinity, this imaginative painting by Robert Knight Ry...Read More

If you've ever looked up at the clouds long enough to watch them carelessly conjoin and stretch away from one another, then you will easily understand Jean Arp’s seemingly enigmatic sculptures. Consider the simplicity of admiring the empty space in between things for a start. Lot 108, Jean (Haans) Arp, Constellation, Painted wood relief, 1956; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000 Marked by white biomorphic shapes placed atop a white board, with cast shadows offering the only secondary tone, this example (lot 108) is one of many abstract Constellation works created by Arp since he began producing them in the 1930s. His Dadaist approach was to leave the compositions up to chance. For Arp, this concept would mimic nature in its true state, unlike the traditional Illusionistic tastes that fine art was so heavily based - and which Arp felt was utterly con...Read More