Catalog (971)

A fine multicolored velvet ikat from Uzbekistan, carefully mounted on acid free fabric. The condition is quite fine with one very small area with some thread separation, and the sight size is 20 1/2" by 15 1/2".

NOTE: This sample can be shipped on the board, or removed with its backing and shipped rolled up.

An extremely rare Chaffers porcelain hexagonal beaker, painted in pale and dark tones of blue. The sides depict a scene of a seated lady holding a bunch of flowers, a rock out of which grow similar flowers, a child jumping into the air, and two bare trees on a hill. The interior has a lattice and root border, while the underneath of the beaker has 4 pseudo Chinese characters. Retains the label of Rod Jellicoe, a highly esteemed London ceramics dealer.

The condition of the beaker is excellent, ...

A truly lovely and engaging portrait miniature, on natural wafer, of a beautiful young woman. The subject, attired in a green velvet dress with a black cape and a white fichu, is seated in front of an orange drapery with a view of a landscape. The framing of this gem is of fine construction, with an inner gold plated frame that is easily removable (and replaced) if a smaller overall size is desired. Both frames are in very fine order.

The condition of the painting is excellent, with bright col...

A wonderful exemplar of an Italian voided velvet textile, done in a deep red. Similar examples are shown in "European Textiles in the Keir Collection 400BC to 1800AD".

The overall condition is excellent, and the sight size is 21 3/4" by 8 1/2".

Provenance: The Spinx Collection

Signed "Inman 1842" along the right edge, this fine miniature portrait is purportedly of Theodore Roosevelt's grandmother. Painted with watercolors on organic material, it shows the sitter simply attired in a black dress with a lace collar, with the only other adornment being a brooch on that collar.

A later note on the back of the bronze frame states that the sitter is Mrs. Cornelius Van Schaack Roosevelt (nee Margaret Barnhill). Margaret was the mother of Theodore Roosevelt Sr., the grandmo...

A large elaborate and beautiful patch mark Derby porcelain figure group of "Music" from the Muses series. Some sources refer to a very similar group as "Poetry". However, this particular group is somewhat different and is a rare variant.

The group shows a woman, holding a lyre, standing in front of a reeded column on top of which is a book and a sheet of music. Atop the base is a standing putto holding a music pipe in one hand and some type of instrument in the other. A second putto is seated ...

A beautiful handmade tablecloth and napkins set of Italian needle lace of Pointe de Venice type, with the characteristic scrolling floral patterns with additional floral motifs worked in relief (embroidered).

The condition is excellent, with no tears or other flaws of anything but minor note. The tablecloth is 106" by 70" and the 12 napkins are 21" by 21".

An exceptional and uncommon William Reid porcelain coffee cup, with an oriental figure beside a table, flanked by a dragonfly and birds flying over a leafless tree, the whole painted in bright colors. The handle is of the angular loop type.

The condition is excellent, with no chips, cracks, fading, paint loss, or restoration. Height is 2 3/8" with a diameter of 2 1/8".

NOTES: 1. Because the factory was in business for so short a period (1756-1761), and its output was quite limited, porcela...

A deep cobalt blue salt or sweetmeat, probably of German origin. The bowl has a silvered everted rim with silver leaf decoration and is above an inverted baluster stem. Rough pontil. No condition problems, and with a maximum diameter of 4" and a height of 3 1/2".

An endearing small English or continental miniature of an attractive young woman with reddish-brown hair with a pearl clip, and wearing a blue and white gown with pearl decorations at the shoulders. The glazed reverse of the frame features hair in a basket weave pattern.

No condition issues to speak of. The length is 1 1/2" with a 1 1/4" width.

Another wonderful offering of Vauxhall porcelain, this one a tea bowl and saucer, finely potted and painted in the highly desirable "sticky blue". The scene on both pieces features a pagoda and houses in the background, with a large rock in the foreground.

The condition is excellent, looking factory fresh, with no chips, cracks, paint loss, staining, restoration, etc. Any apparent shadows, white areas, streaks, or other issues are only due to photographic flaws and are not present when vie...

An exceptional and rare Italian cut and voided velvet panel, probably Genovese, done in a dark green on a beige foundation. The motif features mythological animals and urns, all surrounded by foliate scrolls.

The condition is quite fine, even for a textile 250 years younger. The length is 64 1/2", with a width of 10 1/2".

A superb piece for display or use as an accent, and should appeal to collectors and decorators.

A sweet tinsel (foil) painting of a large bouquet of flowers. The painting itself is in very good condition, with no chips, breaks, or image loss. The period or earlier gilded wood frame has normal expected wear. Period wood backboard. The sight size is 11 1/4" by 9 5/8", and the overall size is 12 3/4" by 11".

NOTE: Between September 12, 2012 and January 13, 2013 the American Folk Art Museum held an exhibit on this art form. The following is excerpted from the catalog of that exhibition: "T...

An early and rare c1754 Bow porcelain sparrow beak creamer painted with oriental scenery. This fine piece had been part of the important Watney collection, and then was shown at the Amor exhibit . The underside has the 3 dot mark and retains the label from Amor. It has been part of our collection for 20 years.

Excellent condition with no issues, the jug is 3 1/4" tall.

A beautiful early 17th century silk floss textile embroidered with a variety of flowers in a panoply of colors. The central section has larger and more elaborate examples, while the borders have smaller meandering flora. Most probably of Italian origin.

The condition is quite fine, and the dimensions are 67" by 16". This wonderful piece has been part of my collection for 25 years and has not been previously shown or offered.

A beautiful decanter set composed of 3 barrel shaped decanters, each heavily cut and retaining the original target stoppers. The stand is electroplate silver and of elegantly molded trefoil form, with rings to hold the stoppers.

Both the stand and decanters are in excellent condition, the glass without chips, etc., and the stand with little to no bleeding. The height is 10" and the width is 9".

Nicely painted on organic wafer, this miniature portrait is of a handsome gentleman set against a bluish-gray background. Housed in a low karat gilded cast foliate pendant case with an empty glazed aperture verso. The miniature is in a specially made leather case that opens and props open to allow the miniature to be displayed or removed.

The condition of the miniature and case are excellent, with no issues to speak of. The white areas along the top edge and at the lower left are due to re...

A nicely decorated Christian's Liverpool coffee cup with a grooved loop handle and featuring a large rose and other floral motifs. Interior with a flower sprig on the bottom and an iron red border at the interior rim. The condition is excellent with bright colors and no chips, breaks, or paint loss. 2 1/2" in height and having a 2 3/8" diameter. ...

An exceedingly rare portrait miniature, done in watercolor on organic wafer, by John Miers (1756–1821) who was the most famous profilist or painter of silhouettes in Britain. (Actually, the term “silhouette” was not used until the 1830’s. Prior to that, black silhouettes were known as “shades,” “shadow portraits,” or “profiles.”) Although Miers was known to have done tens of thousands of shades, only a very few full color portrait miniatures are thought to exist.

The p...

A fine example of a Longton Hall porcelain tea bowl and saucer, hand painted in the "Windswept" pattern. The scene features an oriental type interpretation of tall trees, rocks, and foliage with a small flock of birds flying above.

Beautifully and thinly potted, the condition of both the bowl and saucer is excellent, with bright, clear colors and no issues at all. The saucer has a 4 1/2" diameter, while the bow has a 3" diameter and a height of 1 5/8". Each piece with a workman's mark on t...

An excellently painted miniature portrait of a gentleman, rendered by Thomas Richmond in watercolor on organic wafer. The sitter, with powdered hair, is attired in a black coat, matching waistcoat, and a frilled white shirt and stock.

Presented in a gilt metal frame, with printed interior scene on the reverse. The condition is excellent, with strong colors and no issues. Any white specks in the photo are dust motes. The overall size is 2 5/8" by 2".

It should be mentioned that Richmond sign...

A beautiful Chelsea Porcelain Factory coffee cup and saucer in the highly uncommon and sought after spiral molded scolopendrium pattern form. Specifically, the cup has an iron-red undulating rim , and a spiral molded tapering body. The handle is of a notched scroll type with a raised central ridge, clearly influenced by Nicholas Sprimont (the first director of the Chelsea factory) and his prior experience as a silversmith. The body of the cup is fulsomely decorated with a variety of blooming flo...

A nicely executed miniature portrait painted on organic wafer by Thomas Hull. The sitter is a blue-eyed gent in a blue coat, frilled chemise, and white waistcoat. Presented in a gilt metal frame with a collection label on the reverse.

The condition of the painting and the frame are excellent, with no issues. The dark areas at the edges of the painting are due to light refraction in the photos and do not appear in person. The overall size is 2 3/16" by 1 3/4".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Thom...

A wonderful example of a creamware dish made by Sewell and Donkin of Newcastle (St. Anthony's until 1819). The painted central scene shows a dying patient receiving his unction above the motto "T Oliesel" (Last Rites), and is surrounded with a colorful floral border. The reverse of the dish has the partial impressed manufacturer's name.

The condition of this 10" diameter piece is excellent, with good color, no cracks, chips, or restoration. Normal very faint, non-intrusive and expected cra...

A signed Hyacinthe Mercier miniature portrait, painted on natural wafer. The beautifully rendered sitter is a pleasant looking woman wearing a lace bonnet with lavender and light blue bows, and a dark blue robe or gown. "Mercier 1824" in script along the right side.

The painting is in excellent condition, with some rough edges which do not show while the piece is in its period bronze frame. Sight size is 2 3/8" by 1 7/8", with a frame size of 2 3/4" by 2 1/4".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Mlle Hy...

A fine Lowestoft porcelain strap-handled creamboat, the ovoid molded body with an undulating rim. Hand painted in a dark blue with the "Two Porter Landscape" pattern, which features two figures in a landscape with trees and birds. The reverse side, the interior center, the rim, and the lip all with floral sprays.

This particular example is particularly uncommon because of the small size, being almost an inch less in length than other examples. A "17" workman's mark is on the bottom rim. ...

A c 1840 signed portrait miniature by Gabriel Aristede Passot, done on natural material. As is usual with his work, it is superbly painted, and is of a gentleman in a black coat with a multi-colored merit award ribbon.

The miniature is in fine condition, with no chips, cracks, paint loss, or bowing. A light area along the top edge is due to light reflection. The case, of high quality silver with a royal crown and a mother-of-pearl reverse, is in excellent condition. Sight size is 1 5/8" by...

A fine and early Bow porcelain pickle dish with a serrated rim and short stalk, painted in shades of blue with bamboo and peonies issuing from rocks, all surrounded by a low fence. Workman's marks in blue on the underneath.

The condition of this gem, which was part of a private collection for over 15 years, is all that one could possibly hope for and rarely finds, with no flaws whatsoever, and vibrant colors. Any skips or dullness in the photos are due to reflections. The width is 4" and the ...

A well painted c1800 - 1812 miniature of a British officer. The sitter is wearing the uniform of a major general, with a red tunic, blue lapels and collar, and gold epaulettes and buttons. The miniature is signed lower left, with a somewhat indecipherable calligraphic monogram of "RM"?. Presented in a gilt metal frame with a bevelled blue glass back. Excellent condition, with an overall size of 2 1/2" by 2"

Nothing less than superb would describe the quality of this c1835 American portrait miniature. The artist, as yet to be identified, even went so far as to show the shadow cast on the cheeks of the sitter by the lower rims of the glasses. The sight size is 2 7/8" by 2", with the size of the modern black painted wood frame being 5 1/2" by 5".

A nicely done late 18th century miniature of a woman wearing a blue dress and white fichu, her powdered hair with an interwoven white ribbon. Presented in a gilt bracelet clasp mount. Excellent condition with an overall size of 1 3/8" by 1 1/8".

A fine miniature by Charles Dixon, signed "CD" and dated 1750. The subject is a gentleman with his hair tied back, wearing a blue coat, red waistcoat, and black stock. Presented in a gilt metal mount with bracelet clasp, measuring 1 3/8" by 1 1/8".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Information about Charles Dixon (fl 1748 - 1798) appears to be quite sparse, and there is not even certainty that his first name was Charles since those pieces he signed were done so with "CD". It is known that Benjamin Frankl...

A fine portrait miniature attributed to John Downman, although Charles Hayter is a secondary possibility. Simply attired in a white gown, and with powdered hair, the sitter is shown with a pensive and somewhat downcast expression. Presented in a gold frame, the glazed reverse having a plaited hair border and a hairwork wheat-sheaf with seed pearls on opalescent glass. The condition is excellent, and the overall size is 3" by 2 3/8".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: John Downman (1750 - 1824), born in W...

A fine c1751 miniature watercolor on natural wafer, signed and dated by J. Lacon. The sitter is wearing a décolleté white dress and a lace underslip. The trimming of the blue ribbons provides a pop of color and wonderful contrast to the rest of the painting. Presented in a gilt metal reeded frame with remnants of collection labels on the reverse. 1 7/8" by 1 1/2".

Lacon (fl. c1740 - 1760) worked in Bath, England, painting miniatures and water color portraits. He also owned a popular pup...

A beautiful, extremely rare, and early First Period Worcester coffee cup and saucer, each piece finely molded with fluting resembling pleats. The small, bell shaped cup has a crisply molded triple scroll handle with a pronounced thumb rest and a full blown rose in the inside. Both pieces have a strap-fluted ground reserving embossed rococo cartouches edged with scrollwork and leaves in purple and green enamel, the principal panels painted in bright puce with European landscapes including a ruine...

Considering all the feathers and foliage, I wouldn't be surprised if there were a bird actually living in the mass of ostrich feathers, flowers, and upswept hair of the blue-eyed sitter. This late 18th century miniature is in excellent condition and is presented in a 1 5/8" by 1 3/8" gold bracelet clasp.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Francisca Efigenia Meléndez y Durazzo, sometimes given as Francisca Meléndez de Múquiz (1770–1825) was a Spanish miniaturist and pastellist. She was the daughter of J...

An uncommon c1840 miniature by Richard Morrell Staigg, signed lower right. The sitter is a blue-eyed young woman, simply posed in a black dress with lace edging at the bodice. Presented in 1/2 of a dag case. The sight size is 3" by 2 1/4".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Richard Morrell Staig was born in England in 1817 and moved to the U.S. in 1831, first settling in Newport, RI. While there, Staigg studied under Jane Stuart, Gilbert Stuart's daughter. He then moved to Boston where he maintained a stu...

A wonderful and uncommon Worcester Scratch Cross period high-footed silver form sauce boat of desirable small size. This charming piece has a scroll handle with an upturned thumb rest, the body molded with scroll panels painted with "strutting birds" near a triangular fence and flowering rocks.

The length, including the handle, is 6 1/2 ", the width is 3 1/4", and the height is 2 1/2". Superb condition with vibrant colors and no flaws.

A striking American rendering of a handsome gentleman, nattily attired in a black jacket and tie, and with a patterned vibrant blue vest. In a 2 3/4" by 2 1/4" gilt metal cast foliate frame with a glazed aperture on the reverse.

A portrait miniature of a young and handsome man unabashedly directly facing the viewer. He is dressed in the height of fashion, wearing a black jacket, light orange cravat (which nicely matches his hair), and a white vest. Presented in a gilt cast foliate case, the reverse of which features a glazed tightly woven field of plaited hair.

Because of the convex glass, the photos unfortunately show reflections, white streaks, dots, and shadows, none of which are in the miniature. The overall...

A nice English c1795 miniature of a gent wearing a white shirt and ascot, with a red waistcoat and black jacket. The reverse of the gilded metal case has a a central fabric section set into an opalescent surround over guilloche work. Excellent condition with an overall size of 2 5/8" by 2 1/8".

A rare and signed portrait miniature by Charles Byrne. Done in an almost impressionistic style, the sitter is a blue-eyed woman simply presented in a white gown with fur trimming along the top edge. She is posed against a gauzy white background with blue tints to complement her eyes.

The miniature has a sight size of 2 1/2" by 2" and is in excellent condition. The backing paper of the painting has the following artist and sitter identifications: "Painted by / Ch Byrne / 1801 / Mary Lambor...

A well executed miniature of an English gent. The reverse of the painting identifies the sitter as Thomas Sheppard, painted by W. Bate in 1802. Presented in an unusual gold painted frame with the miniature displayed in the diagonal direction. The condition of the miniature is excellent, with the inside rim of the frame having a "ding" at around 2:00 o'clock. Sight size is 2 7/8" by 2 3/8" with an overall size of 4 1/2" by 4 1/2".

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: There is not much known about William B...

A striking and colorful R. Mills miniature portrait of a blue-eyed blonde woman. The subject is wearing a white gown with lace edging and balloon sleeves, a blue necklace and sash belt. Those colors nicely complement the carefully chosen background, which is blue with pink tinges, which also complements her ruddy or over-rouged cheeks.

The painting is signed on the backing paper "Painted by Rd Mills Birmingham 1829" and is housed in a 4 1/4" by 3 5/8" bronze frame. The painting itself mea...

An English wine glass featuring a pointed round funnel bowl with a solid teared base above a short plain stem section above a ball knop topping a four-sided molded pedestal stem. Lead glass. Conical foot with folded rim. Rough pontil.

Fine condition with no issues, standing 5 1/2" tall with a bowl diameter of 2 3/8" and a foot diameter of 2 5/8". Good color and striations. The glass has museum and collection labels and marks on the foot, all easiy removed if desired.

Deaccessioned from...

A delightful c1908 miniature painted by Mildred E. Walker (listed in Who's Who of American Art as having worked in New York.) The young child has a mass of red hair, brown eyes, and is dressed in a blue blouse. The reverse of the gilt metal case identifies the sitter as "Spiky/Aged 3 years/October 1908." Artist signed along the left edge "Mildred E. Walker 1908."

The case size is 3" by 2 3/8". The condition of the painting is excellent, with the case having some wear and oxidation on t...

A striking miniature portrait by Johann Christian Schoeller. The sitter is a girl child, dressed in purple, with a basket of flowers on her lap and posed in front of a window showing a landscape. Charming and colorful, this is an fine example of Schoeller's work. Presented in a period bronze frame, with an overall size of 3" by 2". The reverse has a label and a backing paper with the artist's name. Excellent condition.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Schoeller (1752 - 1851) was born in Alsace, traine...

A wonderful and special Worcester Barr Flight Barr campana vase with snake handles, beautifully painted with a scene marked on the base as "Ruins of Bayham Abbey Church." The reverse of the scene with a salmon ground and having detailed urn and foliage gilding. The rim of the body proper and the top of the supporting column with faux pearls. The bottom also inscribed with "Barr Flight & Barr Worcester Manufac' to Their Majesties."

The vase is 6" tall and 6" wide across the handles. Conditi...

An extremely fine depiction of an older woman, attributed to Charles Jagger, done in watercolor on natural wafer. Jagger was known to draw with a high degree of accuracy and talent, especially in the faces of his subjects, and that is certainly the case here. Also note the way the lace edges and the satin dress are highlighted. The condition of this 3 1/8" by 2 1/2" work is excellent, as is that of the period 5 1/4" by 4 5/8" wood frame.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Charles Jagger (c1770 - 1827)...

An English wine featuring a pointed round funnel bowl with a solid base above a short plain stem section above a ball knop topping a four-sided molded pedestal stem. Lead glass. Conical foot with folded rim. Rough pontil.

Fine condition with no issues, standing 5 3/8" tall with a bowl diameter of 2 3/8" and a foot diameter of 2 1/2". Good color and striations. The glass has museum and collection labels and marks on the foot, all easiy removed if desired.

Deaccessioned from the Bennin...

A nice c1814 example of a Frederick Buck miniature of a woman in a blue dress. The backing of the mini has "Caroline ??? 1814". Presented in what might be the original frame, which measures 4 3/4" by 4 1/8". The sight size is 2 3/4" by 2 1/8". Excellent condition.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Frederick Buck, the younger brother of Adam Buck, was born in Cork in 1771, where he had a thriving practice as a miniaturist for an extended period. During the Peninsular War (1808 - 1814), when Cork was a bu...

An American portrait miniature of a woman with strong features and striking presence. Excellent condition, although the photo came out somewhat blurry. A card with illegible writing was inside the traveling case which measures 4" by 3 1/8" when closed. The sight size is 2 5/8" by 2".

A wonderful folksy American mirror featuring an original paint decorated frame with a red ground and black stripes. All original, including the glass and the backboard. Excellent condition, and with overall measuments of 16 1/2" by 12 3/4".

A c1753 rare and highly desirable Chelsea Raised Anchor Period octagonal tea bowl painted by Jeffrey Hamet O'Neal (also spelled Jefferyes Hammett O'Neale and other variations). Highly detailed and beautifully decorated with a man standing by a barrel, and two other men with some kind of measuring stick. A building and foliage are in the background. There are 4 insects arrayed around the exterior of cup while the interior has a central flower spray, leaves and a butterfly.

Raised Anchor war...

A fine c1790 portrait miniature of a woman with a somewhat serious demeanor, wearing a white fichu with lace trim, her powdered hair beneath a white bonnet with blue bows. The painting is in a period gold bracelet clasp frame. Excellent condition with an overall size of 1 5/8" by 1 1/4".

An interesting portrait miniature, by William Baldwin, of a nattily attired gent. The sitter, with a very rakish look about him, is set against a bright blue background, has long thick hair, a soul patch, and is wearing a stickpin with multi-colored jewels. These are motifs, along with the use of a strong blue background, that seem to appear in a number of his minis, as uncommon as they are. In all, a strong and amusing painting, and possibly conjuring up visions of a Mississippi River gambler.

A nice portrait miniature of a handsome young clergyman, posed in front of drapery at his true right side. The painting is in a bronze surround set into a period ebonized wood frame. Excellent condition with a sight size of 3 1/4" by 2 1/2" and a frame size of 7" by 6 1/4".

An uncommon and fine English wine glass with a pan top round funnel bowl atop a multiple spiral air twist (MSAT) stem with a medial swelled knop. Lead glass, rough snapped pontil.

No condition issues at all, and with excellent color, striations, and tool marks. The glass is 6" tall, with a bowl diameter of 2" and a nice foot diameter of 2 3/8".

Provenance: Bennington Museum, Bennington VT.

A charming portrait miniature that can be strongly attributed to the highly thought of artist Francois Dumont (1751-1831). The sitter is an attractive young woman wearing a white dress tied over a blue shirt that is accented by the blue ribbon in her hair. The overall diameter of the fabric-backed brass frame is 2 1/8".

A very similar work by Dumont is coming up at a European auction house in December 2022, with an estimate of 1500 Euro, not including premium.

Provenance: From an...

A strong English portrait miniature on natural wafer that will cause you to see spots before your eyes. However, they are on a high-necked dress worn by this woman whose attire also features a cap or wide headband. The reverse of the 2 1/2" by 2 1/8" gilt metal case has interwoven plaits of hair. Excellent condition.