May 19th, 2025, Auction - Press Release
An intricately carved Qing Dynasty ivory vase with pavilions and figures in relief will be offered in the May 19th auction, one of many Chinese and Japanese collectables from a single owner collector who spent time in Japan in the 1950’s. Other items were collected over a period of sixty years and to be offered in this and a later 2025 sale. The items in this sale include large carved ivory and bronze sculptures, several hardstone carvings appearing to be jade or jadeite, Qing Dynasty silk robe, Chinese Export porcelain, cinnabar, wood and lacquered buddha figures, woodblock prints, etc.
From a family with European ties comes a collection of Continental paintings, furniture and bronzes. The largest and possibly oldest painting, dating back to the 17th C. and likely Antwerp School, is “Adam and Eve” (or alternatively called “The Fall of Man”), depicts the couple passing the apple and ensconced by a wide array of animals including parrots, peacocks, a camel, etc. Other early European works are portraits of saints and a Polish noble, genre scenes and a classical study of nudes. Also from the same collector are five Renaissance or Baroque Revival case pieces, each with elaborate carvings of classical figures, putti, heraldic shields, foliate scrollwork, etc. and a variety of 19th C. bronzes.
A 31” bronze “Salome” by Charles Octave Levy is the largest of the Classical theme sculptures, the biblical figure is depicted in ornate dance attire and has sword in hand- indicating the beheading of John the Baptist. Other bronzes include a charming life-size toddler bathing and holding his hands to his face by Raffaello Romanelli, a seated figure of Lorenzo de Medici modeled after Michelangelo, Grand Tour type busts and others. Two Japanese Meiji era acid etched bronzes of big cats will attract attention from both art lovers and Asian collectors, each signed and the largest measuring 27” l.
Galle and Lalique continue to be favorites with collectors, who should take note of a 11 ½” h. Galle cameo vase with blown out decoration of rowan-berries, a technique introduced in the mid-1920’s. Galle’s innovative techniques and Art Nouveau styling created unique pieces famous for their beautiful forms, rich colour palettes and inspired decoration.[i] Also desirable is a 7 ½” h. deep blue “Piriac” trumpet form vase by Rene Lalique, the center encircled by an overlapping ring of tropical fish in high relief. More desirable than clear glass, the cobalt color is emphasized by contrasting translucent and frosted finishes, a method synonymous with the artist’s work. These pieces are offered alongside of numerous signed 20th C. pieces of art glass platters, vases and paperweights with makers such as Libbey, Harrach and Steuben and sourced from Connecticut homes.
Other items to be offered include four original oils on canvas by Linda Nelson Stocks with proceeds to benefit local charities, a large selection of Southwestern jewelry including squash blossom necklaces, concho belts, rings, cuffs and other bracelets, etc., some signed, along with five Thomas Moser barstools, Contemporary artworks, silver flatware and hollowware, and a variety of Oriental carpets.
This sale will be live at the Plainville CT gallery starting at 5:30pm on May 19th. Winter Associates’ auction catalog is available online at www.AuctionsAppraisers.com as of Wednesday, May 9th. Winter Associates, Inc. is located in central Connecticut at 21 Cooke Street in Plainville, CT. Previews are Friday, May 16th from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, May 18th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.; and on Monday, May 19th from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Previewers are welcome at other times, please call to schedule an appointment. (860) 793-0288.
Absentee bids can be submitted prior to the sale and bidders are welcome to actively bid during the sale online or by phone bid. Pickup will be by appointment only, please call the office and we will do our best to accommodate you.
[i] Collecting guide: Gallé glass | Christie's