| Press Contact: | James Callahan, Director | Catherine Riedel, Director |
| Asian Furniture & Decorative Arts | Marketing & Public Relations | |
| Skinner, Inc | Skinner, Inc | |
|
617-350-5400 x305 |
978-779-6241 x255 |
ASIAN FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS
AT SKINNER APRIL 2ND
BOSTON, Mass. – March 10, 2005 – www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner, one of the nation’s leading auction houses, will host an auction of Asian Furniture and Decorative Arts on Saturday, April 2nd, in Boston, at 11:00 a.m. The auction addresses the current widespread interest in Asian works of art, with nearly 1,000 lots, featuring the Charles L. Samz Collection of Indonesian tribal artifacts, and a Chinese Famille Noir vase from the K'ang Hsi period (1662-1722, lot 303, $30,000-50,000), among its highlights. “It's a growing market," notes department director James Callahan, "and this auction offers selections to meet a broad range of interests."
The Collection of Charles L. Samz
Skinner is proud to present the collection of Charles L. Samz, noted oil industry executive and avid collector of Asian works of art. Samz was first introduced to the art, culture, and customs of Asia when he was stationed in India and China with the U.S. Army from 1944-1946. Following, Samz spent several years working for Standard Oil Company, much of that on the island of Sumatra, as well as in India and Bangladesh. He left Sumatra in 1954, but returned to the island in 1965, and according to him, this was the pinnacle of his experience in Indonesia. Samz became immersed in the culture and customs of Indonesian tribal groupings, chief among them, the Bataks of northern Sumatra. His entire collection was amassed prior to 1972, and includes weapons and widely varied ethnographic arts. The collection will be offered in 72 lots.
Additional Highlights
Other highlights include an early Ming period gilt bronze image of Vijaya (lot 122, $4/6,000), which was part of an Imperial presentation to a Tibetan monastery, and probably dates to the Yung Lo reign (1403-1425). The image of Vijaya with three faces and eight arms sits on a double-lotus throne, and bears traces of a Tibetan inscription on the base. Also featured is an extensive collection of Chinese and Japanese ivories and cloisonné objects, and a large 18th century Chinese rhinoceros horn cup (lot 472, $2/3,000), the sale of which will benefit The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. In addition, bidders will be interested in a large old collection of snuff bottles, all with old numerical labels, and the collection of a New England gentleman including a selection of Imperial ceramics.
Previews and Catalogue Information
Previews for the auction will be 12 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 31st, 12 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 1st, and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 2nd. Illustrated catalog #2292 is available by mail for $29 ($35 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also available at the gallery for $26. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. For more information, call 978-779-6241, or visit www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, and order catalogues online.
Note to Editors: Photos available upon request. Contact Catherine Riedel at 978-779-6241 x 231.
About Skinner:With galleries in Boston and Bolton, Mass., Skinner is a full-service auctioneer and appraiser of antiques and fine art. Regularly seen on the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow, Skinner is one of the nation’s leading auction houses. Skinner conducts auctions year-round and has received world-record prices for many pieces sold at auction. Departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Paintings & Prints, English & Continental Furniture & Decorations, Fine Ceramics, Jewelry, Couture, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographica, and Discovery. For more information on upcoming auctions, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.