American Classical Decorative Objects

Classical sterling silver picture frame. Made by McChesney Co. in New York, circa 1910. Rectangular window and flat surround with abstract egg-and-dart rim. With glass, silk lining, ...

The Ceramic Garden Planterette is an example of the kind of work by which John Glick became so famous. He was seduced by the effects of the reduction kiln, which decreased the levels of oxygen during firing, inducing the flame to pull oxygen out of the clay and glazes changing the colors of the glazes depending on their iron and copper content. In this way he achieved the rich gradients of ochre and umber and variations in stippling and opacity. The piece is signed by Glick and stamped with the name of his studio: Plum Street Pottery on the verso. John was an American Abstract Expressionist ceramicist born in Detroit, MI. Though open to artistic experimentation, Glick was most influenced by the styles and aesthetics of Asian pottery—an inspiration that shows in his use of decorative patterns and glaze choices. He has said that he is attracted to simplicity, as well as complexity: my work continually reflects my re-examination that these two poles can coexist… or not, in a given series. Glick also took influences from master potters of Japan, notably Shoji Hamada and Kanjrio Kawai, blending their gestural embellishments of simple forms with attitudes of Abstract Expressionism. He was particularly drown to the work of Helen Frankenthaler whose soak-stain style resonated with Glick’s multi-layered glaze surfaces, which juxtaposed veils of atmospheric color with gestural marks and pattern. He spent countless hours developing and making his own tools in order to achieve previously unseen results in his work with clay and glaze. Glick’s “Plum Tree Pottery” (now a designated historic landmark in Farmington Hills, Michigan) studio opened around 1965 and closed in the summer of 2016. It was a private studio space for John and a number of his students and assistants. He believed his shapes evolved guided by forces apparently outside his control. This was instinctual, intellectual and due to his openness to change, fusing into what he thought was the most positive force behind a potter’s approach: evolution and growth. Some have called it inspiration. John was not only a major figure in the Detroit creative community, but in the ceramics world at large. According to Shelley Selim in her book on John, “John Glick: A Legacy in Clay” John remains: “one of the most recognizable names in the field of studio pottery – known for lecturing, publishing, and offering workshops widely – and his work has been featured in well over a hundred local, national and international exhibitions since he was a college student in the late 1950s.” Along with this John has mentored over thirty studio apprentices over five and a half decades, received numerous grants and awards for his work, and has been prolific, with an estimated 300,000 ceramic wares throughout the world. He received his Masters from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, working with Maija Grotell, a legendary and influential teacher. Grotell was noted for her deep interest in the human connection to nature’s rhythms and patters. These ideas often grounded her dialog with her students including Glick, affecting, a profund and lasting influence on his future work. This famous Art Academy was designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. Numerous creative artists who are alumni of Cranbrook include: Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald Lipski, Duane Hanson, Nick Cave, Hani Rashid, George Nelson, Urban Jupena (Nationally recognized fiber artist), Artis Lane (the first African-American artist to have her sculpture, "Sojourner Truth," commissioned for the Emancipation Hall in the Capital Visitor Center in Washington DC), Cory Puhlman (televised Pastry Chef extraordinaire), Thom O’Connor (Lithographs), Paul Evans (Brutalist-inspired sculpted metal furnishings), Eugene Caples (small bronze images/abstract), Morris Brose (Bronze Sculptures), Herb Babcock (blown glass), Larry Butcher (mixed media) and Lauren Anais Hussey...

Decorative Hand Carved Coyote Floor Standing Sculpture. Add a touch of rustic charm to your home with this stunning Decorative Hand Carved Coyote Floor Standing Sculpture. This uniq...

Vintage solid brass planter with ring handles. The planter is very well made with it’s original laquer finish, the planter was made by Architectural Brass Company in Atlanta, Georgia...

Multi-layered classic organic-shaped and fluted squash-form vase with layered champagne-colored resin.

Solid Cast Stone bust of male figure. Signed on the side. Flat base can sit on mantle, pedestal or table. See images for condition.

Fine 19th century white carved marble bust of a gentleman with mustache wearing a Toga. Signed: Randolph Rogers, Rome. Randolph John Rogers (July 6, 1825, Waterloo, New York – January 15, 1892, Rome, Italy) was an American Neoclassical sculptor. An expatriate who lived most of his life in Italy, his works ranged from popular subjects to major commissions, including the Columbus Doors at the U.S. Capitol and American Civil War monuments. Born in Waterloo, New York, he spent most of his childhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He developed an interest in wood cuts and wood engraving, and moved to New York City about 1847, but was unsuccessful in finding employment as an engraver. While working as a clerk in a dry-goods store, his employers discovered his native talent as a sculptor and provided funds for him to travel to Italy. He began study in Florence in 1848, where he studied briefly under Lorenzo Bartolini. He then opened a studio in Rome in 1851. He resided in that city until his death in 1892. He began his career carving statues of children and portrait busts of tourists. He was not happy working with marble consequently all his marble statues were copied in his studio by Italian artisans under his supervision, from an original produced by him in another material. This also enabled him to profit from his popular works. His first large-scale work was Ruth Gleaning...

A collection of table ornaments, cut crystal gilt bronze 19th and 20th century, priced per item. Height of tallest 20 1/4 inches.

Drip-proof glass saucers for candlesticks or chandelier. In ancient times they were used to collect dripping was, now it is above all an ornament that completes a chandelier. ref. ...