Auction Details

This premier auction also features paintings created by artisans from the non-profit Friendship Heart Gallery, with all proceeds from the sale of these works benefiting this studio for artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Morphy Auctions, the finest auction destination for fresh to the market collections, is excited to announce this exciting sale to be held on March 20th, 2016.  Paintings, as well as outstanding selections of decorative and functional items from the most collectible makers – including Tiffany, Amphora, Martin Brothers, Pillin, Rookwood, and Roseville –  are on offer. This auction also presents collectors a spectrum of exquisite jewelry and fine antiques at a full range of price points.  All items from this sale will be on display in Morphy’s Denver auction gallery and available for preview starting on February 20th.

This event presents collectors with over 300 lots of the finest domestic and European pottery selections.  In terms of international examples, enthusiasts will cross the pond for lot 75, a Martin Brothers Stoneware Wally Bird Jar & Cover, estimated at $40,000-50,000, and lot 78, a Martin Brothers Stoneware Monster Spoon Warmer, estimated at $50,000-70,000.  Examples from this London-based manufacturer, known for their distinctive, whimsical pottery that often featured birds and sea creatures, are very much in demand with collectors today.  And no passports are required to appreciate lot 95, a rare Paul Dachsel Ceramic Monumental Flowers and Festooned Beads Vase, estimated at $7,000-9,000, and lot 185, a green, cream and gold glazed Ceramic Eastern Dragon Vase, estimated at $6,000-8,000.  Both of these Amphora rarities are from the turn of last century, fully marked, and in mint condition.

For those collectors who prefer their pottery “made in America,” this sale will not disappoint.  Over 130 fine examples of Pillin ceramics are on offer.  Selections from this husband and wife team include a broad range of vases, bowls, trays, pots, cups, boxes, and other colorful and well illustrated items.  Lot 234, a striking 18-1/2″ tall Pillin Vase decorated with images of women, an animal, and the sun, would light up any room and is estimated at $1,000-1,500.   And everything’s coming up roses with the more than two dozen Roseville pottery items available at this event.  Lot 365, a 29-1/2″ tall Roseville Pauleo Floor Vase is estimated at $1,500-2,000.  Its rare shape and spectacular yellow Crystalis glaze would make it the crown jewel in any Roseville collection.

Enthusiasts will have no trouble feathering their nests with the huge selection of decorative items presented at this sale.  Carvings, art glass, statues, miniature paintings, and a variety of Asian art genres are well represented in this sale.  Lot 424, an Antique Japanese Ivory Carving of miniature men riding donkeys up a mountain to reach the houses at the top, is particularly eye-catching.  This 7″ tall treasure was described by our experienced catalogers as, “One of the finest miniature carvings we have seen,” and is estimated at $1,500-3,000.

This sale also presents a banner collection of 20 early American flags, with examples ranging from 13 to 48 stars.   Collectors and historians will want to wag a flag over lot 404, a Patriotic Confederate American Flag.   This linen piece, estimated at $1,000-2,000 is framed under glass and measures 18-1/2” x 15-1/2” overall.

Precious metals also feature prominently in this auction, both in the form of jewelry and decorative items.  An item on many bidder’s watch list just may be lot 34, a Vintage Gentleman’s Pre-Daytona Strap Rolex Watch, estimated at $7,000-10,000.  This handsome chronograph will unquestionably stand the test of time in appeal and value.  And a sterling selection from the numerous silver lots on offer would have to be lot 50, a Stieff Repousse Sterling Flower Vase, estimated at $6,000-8,000. This 18-1/2″ tall marked vase is in the form of a tall basket with a flaring rim and a strap handle, and stands upon a tapered foot with decorated broad acanthus leaves.

Morphy’s March Premier Fine and Decorative Arts Sale also features 10 works by artisans from the Friendship Heart Gallery, a creative arts studio for artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  The gallery is a project of the Friendship Community, a Christian ministry cultivating capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties of South Central PA since 1972.  All proceeds from the sale of these 10 lots will go directly to the Friendship Heart Gallery.  A marvelous example of the caliber of this work is lot 459, a group painting entitled “Light Drizzle” which features several figures walking along a colorful, tree lined street at night.  This 30″ x 40″ acrylic on canvas is estimated at $600-900.   Morphy’s is delighted to partner with the Friendship Community on this exciting philanthropy project.

According to Dan Morphy, President of Morphy Auctions, “This upcoming fine and decorative arts sale features an amazing selection of fine European and American pottery – amongst the most outstanding range of items within recent memory.  This wonderful sale is truly a breath of fresh air.  There is no better way to beat the end of winter blues than to attend this event and pick up a few fresh treasures to welcome spring into your home.  And please check out the amazing paintings by the talented team from the Friendship Heart Gallery.  We are thrilled to be working with this fine organization and hope to raise significant funds for them through our partnership.”