There are two places I would have wanted to run into him, a dance floor or a rodeo...preferably the dance floor at a rodeo...and it wouldn't have to be in the context of a movie set either. The late Patrick Swayze, a multi-talented actor, dancer, singer and Egyptian Arabian horse breeder, was the real deal - on and off screen. Originally from Houston, Texas, Swayze's early passions for dancing, which started at his mothers dance school, and his admiration for nature via an authentic Cowboy lifestyle, would synergistically propel him into some of his most memorable roles. He side-stepped into our hearts as an impassioned dance instructor in Dirty Dancing (1987) changed the pottery wheel forever as the lovesick spirit in Ghost (1990) and knocked us out by righteously brawling with ruffians as a Midwestern bar bouncer in Road House (1989).  Th...Read More

Bourbon is about as American as apple pie. First distilled in the 18th Century, its name derives from the French Bourbon dynasty, though whether that attachment stems from Bourbon County in Kentucky or Bourbon Street in New Orleans is open to dispute. Federal law constitutes that to be considered bourbon, a spirit must be produced in the U.S., made from grain mixture at least 51% corn, and aged in new, charred oak containers. Not surprisingly, bourbon, with its blue-collar roots, has long been considered a poor relation to some of the more highly regarded spirits. These days though, following a heightened interest in all forms of whiskey, from rye to Irish to Japanese blends, bourbon is drawing attention from a new breed of collectors who recognize both its quality and burgeoning residual value. It’s a great time to enter the market, which ...Read More

The attempt to forge thought into form - to introduce shapes that provoke, reveal and deceive us. Sculptures that address the limits and spacial wonderment of our three dimensional world. The 20th Century was generous with contemplative artists who, through experimental pushing and prodding, have physically personified the human experience - managing to mold "mood" into modern design. This month, Bidsquare will host two auctions offering artworks by renowned Ceramic and Glass artists such as Harry Bertoia, Karen Karnes, Dale Chihuly, Alex Bernstein, Marvin Lipofsky, Toshiko Takaezu and many others. Wexler Gallery's Contemporary Glass from 1979-2011 will run exclusively on Bidsquare in the Timed Auction format from April 9th - 23rd and Cowans Auctions Modern Ceramics & Modern Art + Design: Live Saleroom Auction will commence on April 21st.  ...Read More

Historic events unfolded in the U.K. last week as they began the legal process to exit the EU. Leaving the people of Britain, faced with an uncertain future and only a vague sense of Brexit ramifications, in need of a constant supply of the one thing that has held the country together for last 500 years - tea. Brits know a thing or two about tea, primarily, that the only way to enjoy a proper cup of tea is to make a pot of tea. Sure, a teabag will suffice in a crunch, but to get the full benefits of a strong brew you need to take the time to do things properly. After all, it’s not just about taste – it’s about ceremony.  Here at Bidsquare we’re currently offering a great range of unique teapots spread across a range of fascinating sales. So if you’re a Brit in need of a brew or perhaps just feeling a wave of empathy for our friends across t...Read More

Turn the dial on your transistor radio, break out the Brillo and tighten the knot on your kimono; we haven't got any dinner reservations and spring is officially upon us. Time to give the house a thorough cleaning; the danish desk is dusty, the Blenko could use some brightening and that shag rug is looking scuzzy. Shake up a cocktail and get started on making your modern design dazzle! Rago Auctions will present their Unreserved Session 1 and Unreserved Session 2 sales on April 7th and April 8th - taking into account that there will be no reserves or "safety nets" on how low these items can sell for, we advise you start practicing your mouse clicking agility to "Bid Now." Don't have enough room for ridiculously affordable vintage decor? You could start by throwing out your bed; it's boring anyway (we've seriously considered it) These select...Read More

In 1903 Harry Houdini spent five months of his extensive European tour in Russia. Within two weeks of his arrival, the legendary magician had gone from virtual anonymity to the most famous man in Moscow. Houdini performed before the highest ranks of Russian royalty, right up to the big man himself, Tsar Nicholas II. Accompanying him on this epic adventure was his wife Bess. Prominent among Houdini’s Moscow patrons were the Grand Duke Sergei Aleksandrovich and his wife, the Grand Duchess Elisabeth of Hesse and Rhine, who were instrumental in helping Houdini establish himself in the Russian capital. The couple performed privately for the aristocrats, who were so taken by their magical abilities that they showered them in valuable gifts, a customary gesture at such performances. Harry Houdini with wife Bess, seen wearing her favorite brooch Ne...Read More

The 2017 edition of Asia Week New York wrapped up on March 18th with stunning numbers across all Asian Art categories. Over 424 million USD worth of Asian Art was sold and new world records were set for Chinese Archaic Bronzes, Classical Chinese Paintings and Indian works of art.  To coincide with the New York events, Bidsquare and our partners featured numerous Asian themed auctions towards the end of Asia Week, and the results were extraordinary! Lot. 281, A Rare Pair of Lemon Yellow-Glazed Wine Cups with Yongzheng marks (1723-1735); Estimate $30,000 - $50,000 On March 18th, Skinner Auctions in Boston, MA held their Asian Works of Art auction. Their highest realised item, Lot. 281, a Rare Pair of Lemon Yellow-Glazed Wine Cups with Yongzheng marks (1723-1735) sold for $456,000 USD against a conservative estimate of $30,000/$50,000 USD. The...Read More

Close your eyes and spin.  Hammer down on the globe to see where you’ll go first; Ukraine, Egypt, Paris, England, Sweden, Boston, Gabon? The official mode of travel for Bidsquare’s first Themed Auction, Passport to the World, is by fingertip! We’ve conveniently ditched packing, flight delays, currency exchange and jet lag with a “click!” Puddle jump across lots and discover items from some of the finest New York dealers in a curated collaboration of Travel-Inspired Art, Antiques and Collectibles. Lets start by unbuckling the hatch of your Louis Vuitton trunk. The vintage, Parisian suitcases and wardrobes in this catalog all hail from the Manhattan, family owned business, A Second Chance. The boutique has been supplying the Upper East Side with divine, luxury goods from their Lexington Avenue location since 1993. Lot 7, Louis Vuitton Vintage...Read More

It was the gift of some Caravaggio and Vermeer picture books from his mother that first sparked an artistic interest in a young Stephen Scott Young. He went on to attend Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, and at 28 won first prize in a national art competition held by American Artist magazine. Scott Young had developed a real passion for watercolors, and it’s upon these his reputation rests. On Saturday March 25, Brunk Auctions offers collectors not one but two chances to snare a stunning Scott Young watercolor when they stage Day 2 of their March Premier sale. Offered as Lots 599 and 600, they are strongly typical of the artist’s finest work, notable for the strikingly realistic use of watercolor and eloquent simplicity of subject matter. He is often times nostalgic, yet always contemporary. Scott Young is best known for captu...Read More

The psychology behind walking sticks, canes and royal scepters have evolved along side cultural ideals of status, leadership, protection, and even religious rank. Beginning with ancient shepherds who commanded their lands using an Ox bow, all the way through the thrones of Egypt and Europe, past the dandified Dukes and on to Modernity! Now through March 18th, Kimball Sterling Auctioneers and Appraisers, presents their much anticipated and internationally attended, March Antique Cane Auction, exclusively on Bidsquare! Known as experts in the field, this catalog will feature dress canes, gadget and folk art pieces from various collections throughout the United States and Europe.  Although, the symbolism has since been abstracted, blurring the lines between a baller fashion statement and the bourgeois, there is still something about wearing a ...Read More