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BLUE
“WORCESTER” BOX
Exceedingly Rare Color
.....sale pending
Made in the region between Worcester and Sturbridge, Massachusetts, ca. 1820–1830.
The form and distinctive paint decoration are associated with a group of boxes made in this area. Nearly all known examples have black-painted grounds; this box is especially rare for its oxidized-blue ground and unusually small size—just 12 inches wide. Some examples of the form are nearly three times as large.
The combination of rare color, diminutive scale, and strong painted decoration places it among the most desirable examples of this form known.
Years ago, I sold another with a red-painted ground; that box and this blue example are the only two non-black examples I have encountered.
The beautiful painted decoration includes swagged drapery with tassels, garlands, and flowers in bittersweet-red, mustard-yellow, and green.
The box retains its original hinges, oval brass carrying handle, shaped brass lock plate and keeper, interior dust barrier, and especially striking block-printed floral wallpaper lining.
Structurally exceptional condition. Expected paint imperfections with minor touch-up.
Approximately 12 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 5 inches high. Its unusually small scale allows it to be displayed easily on a candlestand, mantel, shelf, or chest. A special box. ..
Beehive Bowl
Apple Green Paint
Rare Period Repair
New England, ca. 1780-1820.
Original dry apple-green paint on maple with exceptional color and a time-worn complex well-patinated mottled surface.
No doubt owing to the then hard to acquire beautiful green pigment, and continued usefulness of the bowl, it was expertly mended long ago with copper-wire (now heavily oxidized) in a manner that we often see on early ceramics.
The combination of delightful color, complex surface, and period repair elevate this bowl considerably in interest and value above most we see. It also speaks to the resourcefulness of colonial New Englanders.
A good example of the beehive form, it is thinly turned, has a molded rim, is footed, and shows widely-spaced slow-lathe tool marks between prominent beehive “ribs”. Note the burnishing of the raised outer edges of the foot, and within it the chiseled-off remains of the lathe block.
With strong shrinkage across the grain almost to an oval, this medium-sized bowl has a diameter of about 12 x 11 inches (a full inch of shrinkage) and about 3 inches tall. From a fine New York State collection. An exciting example of an otherwise common form. .
THOMAS CHAMBERS
Dramatic Landscape with Mount Vesuvius
Ca. 1843–1860
. Oil on canvas.
Described as America's "first modern", Thomas Chambers (1808–1869) is well known for his highly imaginative paintings with a distinctive style characterized by broad areas of luminous, flat color, sharp contrasts of light and dark, and romantic exaggeration of natural forms, qualities that perfectly suited the tastes of his prosperous patrons in New York and New England.
This striking view of Mount Vesuvius is a museum-worthy example of Chambers’ work. The erupting volcano rises against a glowing sky, while richly detailed foreground flora and trees frame the exotic setting producing a scene of both visual drama and luxurious warmth.
Two related views of Vesuvius by Chambers are illustrated in Thomas Chambers: American Marine and Landscape Painter, 1808–1869 by Foster (pp. 66–67).
Paintings by Thomas Chambers are represented in major public collections, including the American Folk Art Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, Fenimore Art Museum, Indiana University Art Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, National Gallery of Art, New-York Historical Society, Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and the Shelburne Museum.
In excellent condition with very-minor touchup at the perimeter. New stretcher; cleaned and re-lined by Yost Conservation in 2015. The choice gilt frame is period, frame size 28 ¼ wide x 22 5/8 tall. Site size 23 1/8 x 17 ¾ inches.
Provenance includes the Kennedy Galleries, New York City; private New York City collection; Joan Brownstein American Folk Paintings; private Massachusetts collection.
A rare opportunity to acquire a particularly dramatic example of Chambers’ landscape painting.
Folk Art
Paint-Decorated
Bird Trick Box
.....sale pending
Attributed to Absalom Bixler, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. ca. mid-19th century. Other examples are in the collection of Winterthur.
A rare Pennsylvania folk-art trick box retaining a highly patinated crackly salmon-painted case. Pulling back the sliding lid activates an ingenious concealed mechanism, causing a carved and boldly painted bird to rise unexpectedly from the box. The bird is especially appealing, with a vivid yellow body, red-orange head and wings, dark collar, black bill, and small white eyes.
Most surviving trick boxes feature a snake as the surprise; the use of a colorful bird makes this example particularly unusual and desirable. Its straightforward construction, untouched surface, and charming mechanical action embody the wit and imagination found in the best Pennsylvania folk art.
Wear and minor imperfections are consistent with age and use.
When the lid is fully opened it serves as a counter-weight to keep the bird perched on top. .
Redware Salt
Brilliant
Emerald-Green Glaze
....sale pending
Northeast America, Pennsylvania to New England, ca. early to mid-19th century.
This wheel-thrown redware salt has a sophisticated form of a flaring bowl boldly contrasted against a narrow stem, supported by a broad circular pedestal foot…..Made very special by a radiant, mottled, emerald-green glaze, its vibrant color almost certainly produced by the addition of copper oxide to the glaze. The brilliant color gives this otherwise utilitarian table vessel a striking visual presence….and a strong color-complement against other redware pieces.
Fine condition with expected minor glaze wear. Bowl diameter about 2 ½ inches, height about 1 7/8. From a Pennsylvania collection.
My primary focus continues to be exceptional pieces at the intersection of EARLY and COLOR, as embodied in this scarce survivor. . .
Patriotic Star Gameboard
.....SOLD...
American, probably New England
ca. 1840-1860.
Some objects simply have "it".
Across a room filled with antiques, paintings, and folk art, this is the piece your eye returns to again and again.
We see many antique gameboards, yet very few have the ability to stop people in their tracks. This one does because it transcends its category, functioning simultaneously as a gameboard, an expression of patriotism, and abstract art.
Although it is unique there is a profound familiarity to it. It’s like an American flag that isn’t. It’s authentic, reflecting the sentiments of that period, not some later craft interpretation......
.....much more >>>>>
Teenage Girl
In Salmon Dress
....SOLD
Prior-Hamblin School, probably William Mathew Prior, New England, ca. 1840. Oil on paperboard.
A wonderfully appealing American folk art portrait of a charming teenage girl, about thirteen or fourteen years old.
Fashionably dressed, she wears her dark hair pulled back beneath a red ribbon while wearing an off-the-shoulder salmon dress, with wispy lace collar and gathered ribbon bow centered by a coral-colored brooch, perhaps set in gold.
She is painted with confidence and sensitivity, especially in the slightly oversized almond-shaped eyes with extra long lashes, graceful neck, finely drawn brows and lips, and skin tones of youthful softness and radiance. The simplified treatment of her clothing, shadowing, and background give the work the unaffected honesty we hope to find in early American portraiture.
Prior offered portraits at different price levels, from inexpensive flat likenesses to fully developed examples for wealthier clients. This portrait strikes an especially appealing folk art balance between the two. And just a reminder, this portrait was likely a big deal for this girl. Pre-photography having one’s likeness taken was usually an important and memorable event.
Nearly perfect condition with just one tiny touch-up spot in the background.
The vibrant period green-painted frame (probably not original, though exceptionally well chosen) creates a striking color contrast with the salmon dress, red ribbon, and luminous flesh tones. Frame size about 17 inches x 13 1/8; sight size 13 ½ x 9.
Provenance: Acquired by a fine Midwest collection over twenty years ago from Sam Herrup, Sheffield, Massachusetts.
Thrilling Maine
Spoon Rack
Wall Box
.....sale pending
Maine, ca. mid-18th century, yet could well be earlier.
Untouched. Original bone-dry red, gray, and black paint on pine.
A remarkable one-of-a-kind survivor with a mix of primitive joinery (early nails, including rose heads with simple butted joinery) yet inventive folk-art carving showing how important this box was in its 18th century home.
The shaped backboard is centered by three deeply carved roundels (two six-point rosettes flanking a bold pinwheel) executed with the uncomplicated ornamentation typical of early upper New England. One can easily see and feel the tool marks of the maker.
Stirring scale of about 25 ½ inches tall x 14 wide x 6 deep. The modest means of the original owners shown by spaces for only a handful of spoons. The deep well probably held knives, candles, etc.
That it has survived is sufficient representation of condition to those who understand its desirability and rarity…..Ancient losses can be seen particularly in the lower right corner and behind at the shoulders and neck.
This is for the passionate collector who seeks special country early Americana and covets the visual and emotional character of an untouched ancient painted surface. It would be a highlight of a collection.
Provenance includes Hollis Brodrick who acquired it from an early Maine home; then private Northeast collections.
Exceedingly Rare
MINIATURE
Sea Chest
.....SOLD
New England, ca. 1820-1830.
A delightful tiny sea chest GEM, the form mirroring full-size sailor’s chests, retaining its original, richly oxidized blue paint with vibrant mustard-yellow features (and a bit of red). The lid is centered by a bold six-pointed star, a diamond escutcheon frames the keyhole, and carved wooden beckets are attached to the ends.
Tiny cut nails join the box and the attached canted moldings on the lid and base. Original hinges. Inside is an open till. The high-character surface is dry and well patinated. This little chest was clearly actually used, probably for holding small valuables. Excellent condition with minor expected wear and imperfections.
Just 6 1/4 inches long x 3 1/2 wide a 3 1/2 tall.
A little painted Americana treasure that one will likely never see the likes of again.
Provenance: For more than 50 years in the personal collection of Ted and Carole Hayward, Yankee Smuggler Antiques, Richmond, NH, a piece that they would never sell despite being frequently asked; Sandra Cutchin, Dover, NH; most recently in a fine Midwest collection. .
Sensational
10th Anniversary
Tin Basket
Bursting
with Velvet Fruit
.....SOLD
American, the basket ca. 1820-1860, the velvet fruit antique to vintage.
This basket is a superior example of a classic 19th century tenth anniversary gift.
The tenth, or "tin" anniversary, was one of great celebration. Whimsical gifts, made by professional tin smiths, were often presented to the married couple. Tin symbolized the durability and flexibility of a decade of marriage. It is elaborately designed in a Federal style, meticulously hand-made by a master tin-smith, retaining a rich dark patina. A finer example is unlikely to be found.
The charming assortment of beautiful velvet fruits are a delightful example of decorative and functional folk art. These fruits were very popular as both whimsical home decorations and practical sewing pin cushions. They were stuffed with sawdust, emery powder, or even horsehair to provide weight and pin-holding capability, while the soft velvet exterior added tactile appeal and visual charm. Such velvet fruit arrangements were commonly displayed in bowls, baskets, or on mantels.
The basket stands about 10 inches tall x 8 ½ diameter, in superb condition as are the fruits. Provenance: the basket twenty years ago from Judy Wilson, Wiscasset, Maine to a fine Midwestern collection; the fruit carefully selected since then.
Outstanding
Folk Art
Sidewinder
Paddlesteamer
Sailing Ship
.....SOLD
American, ca. 1840-1860. Oil on canvas.
A striking maritime folk art painting depicting a sidewinder under both steam and sail.
The artist captures the vessel with clarity and directness, cutting cleanly through a choppy green sea beneath a luminous sky. The American ensign flies proudly at the stern, with additional signal flags aloft. Note the eagle figurehead (sailors believed that the sharp eyes of the eagle would be constantly on the lookout for hazards).
Steam-powered sidewinder sailing ships first came into service about 1840. Initially, these ships were prone to mechanical failure, so early paddle wheelers were fitted with a full complement of masts, rigging, and sails due to captains’ mistrust of the new steam technology.
By 1860, they were reliable enough, and now significantly faster than sailing-ships, so the sailing apparatus, including spare sails, rope, and all things needed to sail were eliminated, creating space for passengers and their belongings, enabling much faster trans-Atlantic service for many more travelers. At the outbreak of the Civil War, it was found that the side paddlewheel could easily be disabled, so the paddlewheel in later ships moved behind the stern.
Terrific condition, with very minor in-painting and craquelure.
The chamfered black painted frame appears original (with a bit of frame repair on the lower edge). Overall frame size is 35 ¾ inches x 25 ¼.
Provenance includes private collections, Robert Thayer, Stephen-Douglas; Don Olson.