An Eclectic Dining Room

Emma Grant - House & Garden UK

I really love this eclectic dining room in the Regent Park London flat of interior designer Emma Grant. The chairs are vintage bamboo. The curved marble topped table is 19th century. This wonderful table reminds me of a grand piano. The high ceilings and millwork are stunning.

Blue and White Treasure

Rare Chinese bowl

 Did you see the news story yesterday about the $35 yard sale find that was appraised at upwards of half a million dollars? The bowl is a rare early fifteenth century artifact that will go to auction at Sotheby's on March 17th. There are only seven of these bowls known to exist in the world, most in museums. I have so many pieces I have found at thrift stores and such. I always wonder if I might have some treasure. 

This was a smart person to send their photos off to Sotheby's. I have had mixed experiences with lesser auction houses. Before I moved to Florida, I had several JFK letters belonging to my late husband appraised by a DC auction house as signed by his secretary and they all turned out to be original JFK signatures. It will be interesting to see what this sells for as the Asian antiques market has been so hot.

John Rosselli Auction

John Rosselli

 Another victim of the pandemic, the wonderful NYC store of John Rosselli (also the husband of Bunny Williams) shuttered a while back. Today at 11 am, some of it goes to auction at Stair Galleries. Online and telephone bids will be taken as well. Here are some of my favorites. The chandelier would be great for my walk-in closet.

Another Reveal

You will recall my excitement last weekend over the pair of Chinoiserie paintings I had just won at auction. After hanging them Sunday, we have had a rainy week ideal for my garden, but not for photography. A glorious fall day today allowed a little photo shoot of them in my dining room.

A linguist friend also uncovered more information on the French artist of these paintings -

"Leila De Dampierre was the wife of Count Robert De Dampierre, French ambassador to Hungary from August 1940 until December 1942. As you noted, she was a poet and painter, illustrated his books with sketches and original designs (e.g., L'equipee d'une legation de France [Norway 1940]), and during his tenure in Hungary they both were active in the public life of Hungary, especially in raising aid for French prisoners of war (after the French collapse in June 1940). You will also see reference to an exposition of her silk paintings with oriental motifs in the Hungary Gazette of 22 January 1944 (the exposition was shared with the watercolors of Baronness Elma Podmaniczky)."

Sunday Inspiration - My Saturday Score

As much as I love eBay, there is nothing like a real auction house for antiques. I think it is essential to see in person the colors, condition, patina, and the like. I won these yesterday at auction in Alexandria at Potomack Company, a huge pair of Oriental Fantastical Ships - watercolor on silk signed and dated Leila de Dampierre - 1941. I have learned online that she was a French poet, artist, and illustrator. Many of you may have read this week all the national and international press about the "suspicious" Renoir that was originally to be auctioned yesterday at the same auction.

The bid estimate was $300 - $500 and I had decided not to go over $500. I was thrilled when bidding began that there were no absentee bids or online bidders - the kiss of death for getting a good price. I was able to snag them for $200, and minutes later I had them safely ensconced in my A3 Audi - this is one of the reasons I love a hatchback - and on their way to their new home. They will hang in my dining room - the colors are perfect. I will take pictures once they are up.