Rafael Osona's April 27 Daffodil Weekend Auction Artistry and Fine Craftsmanship

April 12, 2024 - A "cherry" 1948 Willys Jeepster (lot 61-A, est. $20,000 - $30,000) will drive Rafael Osona's annual spring auction among a select mix of 650 lots sourced from Nantucket seaside estates and residences.

Among the 106 mostly 20th century paintings presented, 47 are the work of Nantucket artists, each artist a member of or inspired by the island's original circa 1920 artists' colony. Of note: a luminist composition by Robert Stark Jr., b. Nantucket, 1933. (lot 97, est. $12,000 - $15,000)

American art of the late 20th century is further represented among paintings by Lowell Herrero, b. 1921 Oakland, CA, (lot 122 & 123, est. $3,000 - $5,000 ea.) by Molly Dee, b. 1938 Buffalo, NY, (lot 99, est. $5,000 - $7,000) and by Donald Jurney, b. 1945 Rye, NY, (lot 124, est. $3000 - $5000 ) Also of note, a work by Robert Jones, b. 1943 Cornwall, England. (lot 112, est. $9,000 - $12,000)

Storied mid-19th to 21st century works by equally acclaimed Nantucket basket weavers have evolved since the island's 1840s 'floating lighthouse' handiwork tradition. Perhaps inspired of boredom during seemingly endless hours spent in the dark, dank Nantucket Lightship's hold the Island's industrious men put themselves to task. Lightship duty over, their hand woven utilitarian baskets were well received ashore. Generations since, townspeople and their needs have changed. Today's Nantucket basket tradition produces elegant lady’s purses, high-fashion evening purses, and artist signed, one-of-a-kind woven decorative objects. Nantucket baskets past and present are recognized world-wide. Among 33 presented, Jose Formoso Reyes' Nantucket Cocktail Purse (lot 100, est. $3,000 - $4,000) and Bill and Judy Sale's nest of five vintage oval Nantucket baskets are noteable. (lot 150, est. $3,000 - $4,000)

The auction presents artistry and fine craftsmanship in American bench-made furniture. Stephen Swift uses matched-grain wood from select American trees. Each of seven Stephen Swift lots demonstrates a true wood craftsman’s art, as seen in his cherry and ash side by side eight drawer chest. (lot 214, est. $2,500 - $3,500)

From 19th century American cherry trees, a Connecticut Chippendale bow front chest of drawers (iot 296 est. $800 - $1,200} and an American Queen Anne style flat-top highboy assert similar grace. (iot 42, est. $1,000 - $1,500)

Five sailor's valentines by late 20th century American makers demonstrate interest and evolution since the traded shell assemblages of the early 19th century whaling maritime. During the early 1980's Sandi Blanda was among the standout makers. (lots 281 and 282, est. $1,000 - $1,250 ea.)

Whales themselves are represented figuratively among 27 lots ranging from 19th century whaleman crafted walking sticks to 20th century cribbage boards, weathervanes, and Brian Mitchell’s purely sculptural whale carvings. Perhaps the most novel among whale-related offerings is Dave Burtchill's vintage tiger maple quilt rack set upon carved whale fluke feet! (lot 216A, est. $300-$400)

From Osona's jewelry and silver departments, 13 lots of South Sea, Tahitian, and freshwater pearls (lot 138-A, est. $3,000 - $4,000) and 18 lots of sterling silver, including Frank W. Smith’s Lily of the Valley flatware set. (lot 195, est. $2,500 - $3,500)

The ceramics and glass department (73 lots) offers a collection of 19th century Sunderland Lustreware (lot 38, est. $2,000- $2,500) and a large dinner service of Chinese rose medallion. (lot 221 est. $800 - $1,200) There's also Canton, Steuben and continental glass.

A signed circa 1930s broken star patchwork on cadet blue ground (image 20, lot 125, est. $500 - $700) and a '50s floss embroidered applique and hand quilted  apple blossom design (image 21, lot 127, est. $500 - $700) lead ten quilt offerings.

 

Twenty four vintage and contemporary rugs include tribal, Persian and Oriental as well as Claire Murray designs and a fetching antique American hooked "Scotty Dogs" rug. 

Absentee, telephone and online bidders may register in advance during the exhibition or via the Rafael Osona Auctions website. https://www.rafaelosonaauction.com/auctions/2024-auctions/daffodil-auction-2024/

Rafael Osona Auctions is highly regarded for consistent and exceptional offerings in Designer furnishings, Nantucket Art & Artifacts, Fine Art, Nantucket Baskets, Americana, Maritime, Scrimshaw & Decorative Arts, Estate Jewelry, Carpets and more. He is a third-generation antiquarian, a respected expert in the fields of Maritime and Nantucket collections. He is a 44-year master in the discrete sale of privately-owned antiques, fine art and custom décor to global patrons. 

LIVE, IN PERSON PREVIEW: April 25 & 26 from 10-5 at the American Legion Hall,

21 Washington Street, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. 

April 27th bidding will be LIVE online, by telephone or by absentee bid.

Online auction begins promptly at 9:30am EST April 27 on these platforms:

liveauctioneers.com, bidsquare.com, invaluable.com

Cash, Check, ACH or Wire Transfer 

Pickup: April 29 & 30, 9:30 - 3:00; Third party shipping and local delivery available

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For additional information
508-228-3942 weekdays 9-5

http://www.rafaelosonaauction.com
GALLERY: 21 Washington St. Nantucket, MA 02554 US
OFFICE: PO Box 2607, Nantucket, MA 02584 US
EMAIL: info@RafaelOsonaAuctions.com
PHONE: +1(508) 228-3942
FAX: +1(508) 228-8778
Lic.# 366
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Photo images list
image   1 - lot 61-A  Jeepster
image   2 - lot 97     Stark
image   3 - lot 222   Herrero
image   4 - lot 223   Herrero
image   5 - lot 99     Dee
image   6 - lot 124   Jurney
image   7 - lot 112   Jones
image   8 - lot 100   Reyes
image   9 - lot 150   Sayle
image 10 - lot 214   Swift
image 11 - lot   53   bachelor's chest
image 12 - lot   42   highboy
image 13 - lot 281   Blanda
image 14 - lot 282   Blanda
image 15 - lot 216A quilt rack
Image 16 - lot 191-  A pearls
image 17 - lot 195   sterling
image 18 - lot 38     Sutherland
image 19 - lot 221   rose medallion
image 20 - lot 125   broken fstar
image 21 - lot 127   apple blossom