Stunning jewelry and watches, early Amphora pottery, and a spectacular array of 18 Tiffany Studios lamps are among the highlights of a shining selection of fine and decorative art to be auctioned by Morphy’s on June 7-8, 2023. Those who wish to bid remotely either before or during the 837-lot gallery event may do so by phone, absentee, or live online via Morphy Live.
Each piece in this sale – from dazzling diamonds to fancifully-carved antique walking sticks – has been examined, evaluated, and cataloged by the appropriate expert from Morphy’s team of professionals. The auction’s top jewelry lot is an extremely rare mint/boxed Ulysse Nardin platinum, diamond and sapphire Royal Blue Mystery Tourbillon watch, Reference No. 799-93. This timepiece carries the unique distinction of being #1 of only 99 made. It has a solid 950 platinum case, a sapphire main plate, and a 16-jewel movement. Its luxe adornments include 192 round brilliant-cut diamonds and 12 round, faceted blue sapphire hour markers. A single-owner watch, it retains its original presentation case, certificate, hang tag and all other original packaging. This impeccable production from an esteemed Swiss firm founded in 1846 comes to auction with a $150,000-$250,000 estimate.
A statement piece in the jewelry category is a ladies’ 18K custom-made white gold engagement ring featuring a natural 7.77-carat Asscher-cut diamond, graded G color, VS2 clarity and measuring approximately 11.44 by 11.34mm. The massive central gem is encircled and flanked by 1.75 carats of round brilliant-cut accent diamonds of F color and VVS clarity. The ring has a total weight of 9.52 carats and an approximate retail value is $255,000. It comes with a Universal Gemological Laboratory (UGL) report. Auction estimate: $40,000-$60,000.
Tiffany Studios art glass lamps are among America’s greatest treasures, and over the years, Morphy’s has auctioned some of the finest fresh to market examples of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work. The entries start with a Tiffany Studios “Poppy” leaded glass table lamp that is a “sister” to the Poppy lamp Morphy’s sold on June 22, 2022 for $541,000. (That particular lamp differed in that its base featured 16 Favrile glass balls as supports.)
Executed in a rich floral garden motif, the lamp to be auctioned on June 8 combines various shades of complex reds and numerous and varied examples of prized drapery glass. Quite noticeably, there is exceptional transparency to the background glass. Both the shade, which is in absolutely wonderful condition, and the handsome patinated-bronze “Tyler” base are signed. Bidding is guided by an estimate of $350,000-$500,000.
“Exotic” is the right word to describe a very rare Tiffany Studios “Zodiac” leaded glass table lamp of quintessential Art Nouveau style. The shade is decorated with an overall geometric pattern that combines dominant cobalt blue with richly mottled yellows, oranges, and greens. Its beauty if further enhanced by iridescent green turtleback tiles and filigree medallions in a zodiac motif. Both the shade and its “Heart” base are signed – the required finishing touches to make this one of the auction’s top prizes. Estimate: $110,000-$150,000
Some may not realize that Tiffany Studios also produced beautiful art pottery. Such pieces are rare and sought after but don’t appear on the open market very often. Morphy’s is offering in its June 8 session a Tiffany Studios Favrile glass vase that boasts a red background with subtle flecks of gold and hand-decorated “feather” columns. The signed 6-1/2-inch-tall vessel is estimated at $10,000-$15,000.
Amphora is another legendary ceramics firm whose wares are in great demand. More than two dozen Amphora designs have been cataloged for the June event. Among them is a coveted, mint condition porcelain Berry Bat vase with applied bats and water lilies. Standing 21-1/2 inches high, with an RSTK mark and impressed numbers under its base, this fantasy-infused vase is similar to examples illustrated in Vreeland’s reference Monsters and Maidens: Collector’s Edition and Scott’s The House of Amphora. It is expected to sell for $15,000-$25,000.
A very special highlight of the sale is a collection of more than 100 antique canes and walking sticks. “It’s the nicest collection we’ve ever handled – very high quality,” Morphy President Dan Morphy said. A huge variety of carved ivory designs is seen in the collection, including lions, estimated at $2,000-$3,000; a skull with snake, $1,000-$3,000; a trio of glass-eyed horses, $1,000-$3,000; an eagle with monkeys, $1,000-$2,000; and a dog wearing a coat and muff, $2,000-$1,6000, to name but a few. Strong interest is already being shown in a very fine case topped by a glass-eyed carved ivory hippopotamus with an open mouth and visible teeth, $1,000-$3,000.
Americana collectors would quickly recognize the significance of a 19th century Shaker cherry and tiger maple stand hand-crafted by Abner Allen of Enfield, Connecticut. Its classic Shaker style includes a wide top and two small, stacked drawers, one of which has an inscription on the side that dates it to April 12, 1818. This handsome, simply designed stand retains its original red surface, drawers and brass pulls. The presale estimate is $4,000-$8,000.
The Wednesday and Thursday, June 7-8 Fine & Decorative Arts Auction will be held live at Morphy’s gallery, 2000 N. Reading Road, Denver, PA 17517, starting at 9 AM ET. Preview jewelry by appointment only. For enquiries call (877) 968-8880, email info@morphyauctions.com, or visit Morphy’s online at www.morphyauctions.com.
