An impressive selection of antiques is going up for sale in under two weeks' time. A mix of impressive Chinese export porcelain, mid-century modern furniture and a unique Tiffany Studios lamp will be offered in a Michigan Modern and Decorative Art Auction.
The auction will begin at 6 p.m. A preview will begin Friday, February 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) was a groundbreaking Italian-American metal sculptor. Bertoia created great artworks, but not always in conventional categories, extending the idea of art and sculpture out into modern jewellery, furniture and other utilitarian objects.
For example, Bertoia took the time to make a series of utilitarian articles out of metal which reminded him of the hammered copper bowls he saw created by gypsies in his hometown of San Lorenzo, Italy as a child. This included the hammered copper vase with flaring rim ($4,000-$6,000), which is on offer here.
 The Tiffany/Gudebrod antique nautilus and mermaid bronze lamp |
In 1899, years before Bertoia was even born, Louis Tiffany commissioned another sculptor, Louis A. Gudebrod, to design the stunning Tiffany Studios "Nautilus" lamp ($20,000-$30,000). Louis Tiffany created a great legacy in glass sculpture and the lamp is one of the earliest electrified designs produced by Tiffany.
Gudebrod, studied in Paris under the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens - these days perhaps best remembered by collectors for his extraordinary US gold coins.
The lamp's striking design shows a strong, reserved bronze mermaid hoisting a glowing nautilus shell above her head, whilst waves surround her waist. The effect is to make the glow of the nautilus seem almost magical, even though it is achieved by conventional means.
Full internet bidding will be available in the sale which takes place on Thursday, February 16.
