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DRAMATIC FORM
Early Melon-Shaped
Painted
Woodsplint Basket
......sale pending
Probably New England, ca. 1830-1850, in rich original green paint and over-varnish.
From an accomplished maker with strong basketmaking skills and an equally artful eye, this basket has an especially bold and exciting sweeping-upward form, superior to most baskets one will see.
Excellent condition. About 13 inches to the top of the fixed handle, 9 to the rim, and about 15 inches longest side of the base.
See David Schorsch "American Baskets, A Folk Art Tradition", figure 21 for a similar example.
Provenance includes years ago Ted and Carole Hayward (Yankee Smuggler Antiques), and dealer/collector Sandra Cutchin.
Choice Small
Early Bowl
Deep Blue Paint
.....SOLD
Probably New England, ca. 1780–1820.
Maple, retaining rich early blue paint over the first black. A classic early form, lathe-turned with pronounced beehive turnings, a molded rim, and an elevated foot. The underside retains chisel marks where the turning block was removed. Wear on the projecting high points reveals wood burnished smooth by generations of contact with tables and other surfaces.
The bowl stands out for its deep blue color and complex, authentic surface. Natural wear reveals the underlying black, lending considerable depth and variation to the blue while emphasizing the turned contours.
Shrinkage across the grain has softened the round shape into a slight oval, with appealing undulation, often called “potato chipping”, without cracking.
A scarce and desirable small size: about 8 3/4 x 8 3/8 inches diameter, x 3 inches tall.
From a private Northeast collection.
BLUE
“WORCESTER” BOX
Exceedingly Rare Color
....SOLD
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. ..
Country Chippendale
Red Painted
Meetinghouse
Speaker’s Box
.....SOLD
Imagine a gathering in a colonial meetinghouse more than 200 years ago. A speaker stands before them, with a book, bible, or papers resting on the sloping lid of this box……
Northeast, likely New England, ca. late 18th century. Original historic very dry early red paint over the first red, all on white pine.
An exceedingly rare survivor, this box was designed for use in a Meetinghouse, typically the focal center of a colonial town, used for meetings, church, political speeches, emergency gatherings, militia mobilization, and many other civic events.
With a distinctive early American character, this country cabinetmaker-made box is sized to sit on a tabletop or chest, its gently sloping overhanging lid providing space for the speaker’s readings. The case sits on a square-bracket base and is fitted with thumbnail-molded drawers. The lid is edged with applied moldings. Joinery is by large DOVETAILS and WOODEN PEGS, no nails were used.
In a high state of preservation with a superb, complex, dry crackled painted surface. Heavier wear on the right side of the lid apparently reflects many speakers grasping that side with their right hand as they spoke. The back and underside have a rich, undisturbed natural patina. Excellent structural condition, with only a minor ancient loss to a portion of the lip of one drawer. Iron hinges, and patinated brass pulls, appear original. Given the stout pine stock, the box is weighty.
Dimensions (inches)…Case: 24x12 (a perfect 2:1 ratio); lid 25 ½ x 12 5/8; base: 25 ½ x 12 ¾; height: 15 7/8 x 14 5/8; pine stock: 1 inch thick.
Provenance includes: An important long time Lancaster, Pennsylvania collection.
A compelling piece for collectors of early Americana who value rarity, original painted surfaces, and untouched character.
Colorful Diminutive
Paint Decorated
Oval Box
.....SOLD
Northeast, likely Pennsylvania, ca. 1820-1850. Original very dry paint. Ash sidewall on the lid, probably maple on the body, with pine top and bottom; glue joinery.
This delicate little box is ornamented on all sides and across the lid with delicate foliate sprigs painted in green, cream, and pale yellow, enlivened by white and black dotted flourishes, all on a bittersweet ground.
The decoration has a light, spontaneous quality particularly appealing in combination with the box’s diminutive scale.
Measuring just 3¾ inches long, it was likely intended to hold a small personal possession or keepsake. Excellent condition, retaining its original dry painted surface, with expected minor wear and an old stain on the lid.
From a fine private Northeast collection. .
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.
Sliding-Lid Spice Box
Pokadots on an
Earthy Red
.....SOLD
Northeast, ca. 1820-1840.
Dry original paint on poplar. Distinguished by an animated pattern of dots against an earthy red ground.
The decoration has an engaging freehand character, its variations in size, spacing, and shape creating a lively visual rhythm across the lid and sides.
Skillfully and robustly made by a skillful country cabinet-maker, with fine dovetails on the case corners and a projecting molded base. The sliding lid opens to an interior divided into six sections for the separate storage of spices.
About 10 ½ inches long x 3 tall x 5 ½ deep. . .
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.