Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 124

November 3-4 Winter Collectibles Auction

Ethnic Arts

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 233		Beautiful Copper Enamel Still Life of Orchids from Japan of Exceptional Quality Dated 1945. Superior enamel on copper of a pair of cattleya orchids on a slightly convex copper panel. Absolutely exquisite craftsmanship especially in the transition of colors within the various parts of the plant. Further enhancing this work is the artist's use of a fine line of gold gilt that gives the orchids extra dimension and luxury. The background is the normal oxidation of copper with very handsome swirls of greenish blue and brown tones. There is Japanese writing on verso and able to translate Tokyo, August, 1945 and Yoshiyui Morita. The framing and velvet mat and frame are in excellent condition. This work was kept and displayed exceptionally well. We only note dampstaining on verso. Copper panel is 10 x 14 and framed to 17 x 22. Estimated Value $800 - 1,200 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 234		Exceptional Mid-Century Kpwan Plé Mask, Boule, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast, West Africa). Striking mid-century, Kpwan (Kpan) Plé ceremonial mask which is larger and heavier than other Boule masks as it is attached to enormous cascades of raffia nearly covering the entire body of the dancer. Carved from a single piece of wood the mask boasts far greater craftsmanship than those masks available "to the trade" meaning tourists. The typical details found in the face area of mask is set apart by the carved rams horns and enhanced greatly by the large female figure sitting atop symbolizing fertility. Piece is just at 20" tall, 4½ wide having no fissures or cracks. Mask is carved from a single piece of hardwood and given the open arms, the horns extended from sides and the high relief details, this mask rises above most. Mask has wire attached on back where it can be safely hung and displayed. Estimated Value $400 - 600 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $240
Lot 235		Magnificent Yoruba Shango Priest, Elaborately Beaded Ceremonial Tunic Mid-20th Century. Ethnic masterpiece from the Yoruba people in Nigeria, worn by the Shango priest when officiating at ceremonies. The thousands of glass beads in intricate patterns and shapes are all hand stitched, with the embellishments in the tunic instrumental in delivering the spiritual powers conveyed upon the priests. The glass beadwork on the front and back is dense and completely covers every square inch. Figures of tribesmen, lions and a number of reptiles are exceptionally well beaded and also quilted, creating a remarkable work of dazzling shapes and raised contours interspersed with traditional geographic designs. One of the most dazzling pieces of ethnographic art we have ever offered, a masterpiece of the traditional textile arts of the Yoruba. Laid flat, the tunic is 82" x 32". It folds over to wear with its angular collar slipping over the head. Tunic is lined in rough cotton-like fabric and certainly displays age but integrity of hand stitching is very sound. A museum quality piece enhancing any collection. Estimated Value $1,250 - 2,000 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 236		Exceptional Hand Painted Tibetan Thangka Scroll Painting, Lhasa, Tibet, Mid-20th Century, In Colors and Gilt Gold. Outstanding hand painted Tibetan Thangka acquired decades past from an art dealer in Lhasa, Tibet, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, which lies on the Lhasa River's north bank in a valley of the Himalayas. Thangka paintings, importantly, are religious art is used as a meditation tool to help bring one further down the path to enlightenment. The Buddhist Vajrayana practitioner uses a Thangka image of their yidam, or meditation deity, as a guide, by visualizing themselves as being that deity, thereby internalizing the Buddha qualities. Thangkas hang on or beside altars, and may be hung in the bedrooms or offices of monks and other devotees. They also can teach historical events, stories of previous Lamas and Buddhist mythologies. But what remains universal for all peoples is the astounding artistry in these pieces spanning centuries. This particular Thangka is far superior than those sold to the trade. The details are magnificent, precise and extraordinary throughout this work down to the smallest leaf, the embroidery and patterns on the fabrics. 38 x 30" and in superior condition. Estimated Value $900 - 2,000 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 237		Late 19th Century Hindu Folk Art Painted on Silk of Bhagwan Vishnu Taking Form as the Kurma Avatar. Fascinating and Appealing Piece. Hindu legends and stories involving Bhagwan Vishnu, preserver and protector of the Universe, are know throughout the world. Lord Vishnu took on 10 different avatars and Kurma was his second. To calm the seas between gods and demons (Asuras and Devas) Lord Vishnu took on the form of a sea turtle (Kurma) saving the planet Earth from a massive cosmic mishap. Offered is a unique and fascinating interpretation of the legend painted on silk. A historian of note dated this piece late 19th century. The silk has toned from age with areas of dampstaining. Nevertheless the colors are still quite vivid and the artistry, while not temple quality mesmerize in their compositions and detail surrounding Vishnu. In many works, Vishnu as Kurma is depicted wasted deep in a turtle shell. Here he rides on the back which is quite charming. Also Vishnu is depicted with multiple arms/hands (as many deities are) to battle cosmic forces and convey the powers of the Gods performing numerous acts at a single time. 42 x 31" and framed to 44 x 33". Estimated Value $800 - 1,500 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 238		Three (3) Fine and Unusual 19th Century, Early 20th Century Walking Sticks. A walking stick was an integral part of every well dressed man's wardrobe in the 19th Century and early 20th Century, and his collection of walking sticks were probably kept just inside the hall in a stand, sharing space with umbrellas. These were carved from many types of wood ranging from fruitwood to hickory and many boasting incredible carvings and elaborate handles. 1.) English country walking stick with deer antler carved handle having the face of a man with glass eyes. 35" in length. 2.) Briar cane terminating into the head of a boxer (dog) having glass eyes. 33" in length. (slight wood split behind left ear, likely there for nearly a century) 3.) Briar cane terminating in the head of an elephant head stained dark to contrast with rest of stick 35½" in length. Any of these canes would be welcome additions to any collection. Estimated Value $400 - 600 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 239		Outstanding Collection of 4 Vintage Wood Bowls, Yoke and a Superb Scoop, All From Various Territories in Africa. Excellent collection of Mid-20th Century carved Four large bowls all roughly 13 x 13 x 7" The large rectangular bowl is 9 x 9 x 13" and the scoop 19 x 5" and both are from the Republic of Congo. The other pieces are the Sahel Region of Burkina Faso. A light wood carved yoke still with wire and leather remnants at ends likes to carry crops or game. These pieces definitely show wear and use, some having intriguing repairs such as a tin patch secured with nails, another tightly wired to hold securely from split, all toned, oxidized and burnished by age and climate. One could not ask for a better collection of carved wares boasting such immense appeal. Estimated Value $600 - 1,000 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 240		Vintage Baule Figures, Mortar and Exceptional Gourd Shaped Zulu Knobkerrie or Kill Stick. Wonderful collection of 1950s to 1960s Southern and Eastern African artifacts. From Baule, an African people inhabiting Côte d'Ivoire, three pieces: The carved female figure carrying a small pot atop her head from ebonized wood, 14" tall, a figural loom comb with a wonderful carving of a female nursing her child, 16 x 5 x 4" and a particularly fine, heavy carved bowl clearly a mortar used with a pestle for crushing and grinding 8 x 6 x 6" and definitely shows age wear and heavy use giving it immense visual appeal. The most unusual piece is the Zulu Knobkerrie, the short staff topped by a bulbous or gourd shaped finial used in hunting or weaponry, Xhosa, Nguni, Zulu. Also known as kill sticks, this knobkerrie is up to the task 17" finial 4 x 4". Estimated Value $600 - 1,000 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 241		Assorted Indigenous Artifacts: Outstanding Grinding Stone, Pueblo Indian Dance Rattle, Painted & Etched Mandala on Conk, and Medicine Bag. A fine collection of Indigenous artifacts from North America: 1.) Superb grinding stone exhibiting considerable age and use. Similar to mortar and pestle, grinding stones tackled hard tasks of crushing and grinding of seeds and other plant material. While not a molcajete, common from Mexico as those are from volcanic stone, this is North American Indian. Bell shaped stone pestle and flat stone fashioned from the same type rock. There are also random deep cuts into the face of the stone. Pair show evidence of tagging and display adhesive by an institution/collector from years past. Otherwise a fantastic artifact, tribe and dates uncertain. 2.) From Pueblo Indians a "restored" dance rattle, the shell most definitely of considerable age given the hide and leather threading closing both the front and rear gaps of the shell to hold the small pebbles. The handle been replaced ca. 1960s and wrapped in brown leather accented with brown, orange and white beads. 19" in length. Age wear to shell 3.) Contemporary leather medicine bag with traditional beading and fringe. Well made and functional for any use. 4.) Nature Art: unusual, contemporary hand painted and etched Mandala on a conk (also called a bract or shelf that grow on the bark of old trees) The Mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe and presently a very popular symbol for people everywhere. The conk was harvested and painted in Canada and beautifully done. Estimated Value $600 - 1,200 View details and enlarged photo	Realized $360
Lot 242		Two Rustic 19th Century Chinese Hide and Wood Drums Boasting Great Visual Appeal and in Exceptional Condition. Fantastic pair of 19th Century small Chinese hide drums. The taller with original iron hardware is 9 x 9 x 9" with the hide affixed with two rows at top and bottom fairly evenly spaced of square nails. The other is just slightly smaller at 8½ x 8½ x 8½" and here the hide is affixed by thick twine which appears to be original. These are very popular decor items and indeed are in stout enough condition to play. Both in excellent condition with their wear and staining desirable and comensurate with their age. Estimated Value $500 - 1,000 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 243		Large, Beautiful Polynesian Carved Wood Kava Bowl, Fiji. Beautiful Polynesian (Tanoa) carved wood kava bowl made in the form of a stylized animal with four legs. While these bowls have been made for over two hundred years, this Mid-20th Century iteration has traditional decorative carvings on the wide mouth of the bowl punctuated with triangles of inlaid mother of pearl. 7 x 19 x 19", This bowl can be used in and every manner other wood bowls are used; a fantastic table or cabinet centerpiece as well. Excellent condition. Estimated Value $500 - 700 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 244		Antique Chinese Wood Water Bucket Complete with Original Ironwork. Antique Chinese bucket, likely made of elm boasting all original ironwork. Based on the construction, this was likely a bucked used to draw water from the bottom of a well. Today, these buckets are treasured for their rustic design, beautiful patina, as a beautiful accessory and their usefulness such as to hold rolled towels or a plant. 70-90 years in age. Estimated Value $300 - 500 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 245		Early 20th Century Chinese, Wooden, Baby Stroller in Remarkable Condition Boasting Great Visual Appeal. Outstanding, scarce, antique Chinese baby stroller having great visual appeal, superb construction and a beautiful patina of aged varnish. Likely very early 20th Century but possibly even older. Wood wheels, superb craftsmanship (this walker is solidly built) and some appealing details. Walker was clearly stained dark but over the years layers of varnish have been added. Decades ago someone added removable partitions to create a seat so the younger toddler could also use, perfectly cut and stained dark to match. Clearly this walker has been used and passed on to other young families as its use and age adds immeasurably to the appeal. Chinese patterned grill can be found on the front adorned with two finials and the rear the same grill topped with a high back. 16 x 12 x 21" which are the dimensions of the actual "cart" with the high back (actually a handle for pushing) the height is 25" tall. Estimated Value $300 - 500 View details and enlarged photo	Unsold