Too special not to share -

This highly important clock is an early example of the rare diminutive “dwarf” clocks produced in the Southeastern Massachusetts area.  The bulk of American dwarf clocks were produced in Plymouth county by the influential Bailey family of clockmakers or by the apprentices they trained.  This sophisticated early case is fashioned after a full size Chippendale case and is fitted with an exceedingly rare animated rider on horseback.  Only two other examples of an animated dwarf clock are known.   The combination of the very rare dwarf clock form, an animated movement, outstanding condition and first rate pedigree from the Barbour collection, truly distinguish this clock as a superlative example.  Height including center finial: 49 ½”, Width at hood: 12 ¼”  Depth at hood: 5 ”.

From Gary R. Sullivan Antiques.

View the clock in full glory after the jump.

Tiffany glass is subject of an exhibition now on view at the Montreal Museum of Art. Tiffany Glass: A Passion for Color details the stems from the 1866 commission of windows for the American Presbyterian Church handled by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Over a period of years 17 windows were installed. Then, they were more or less hidden from view in Montreal.

Interest amongst museum staff lead to the exhibition, which is mounted in partnership with the Musee de Luxemburg in Paris and the Virginia Academy of Fine Arts. Pulling together an impressive selection of Tiffany objects from disparate collections, the exhibition effectively gives a strong overview of Tiffany’s career. Perhaps not groundbreaking, but certainly eye catching.

Full review at The Bee.

On view to May 2, 2010.

Running through to September, 2010, Convenient and Fashionable: Furniture of Inland Massachusetts, 1790-1830 covers my favorite period of American decorative arts – the Federal. The exhibition, held at Old Sturbridge Village, includes 22 pieces of furniture and a smattering of related objects. Everything shown is of central Massachusetts origin, or documented to the area. Many objects being shown are often kept out of the public eye, making their “homecoming” all the more rich for visitors.

A full review of the exhibition has been published in this week’s edition of Antiques and the Arts. Additionally, Old Sturbridge has prepared a well thought out web component. Check that at OSV.

Above: Trade Sign c. 1820-1830.  Amasa Blanchard (b.1771), Brookfield, Massachusetts.  Pine, paint.  OSV collection 1.202.88. Blanchard was working as a cabinetmaker in Brookfield in the 1790s and later identified himself as both a cabinetmaker and a chair maker on his trade sign.

A few highlights follow.

In this new book, 110 objects from the Dallas Museum of Art’s world renowned collection of African art are showcased and placed in interpretative context. Against the notion of “art for art’s sake” these objects are explained for their religious and social agency. Written by curator Rosyln Adele Walker, The Arts of Africa also includes several photographs of the objects in context of original usage.

From Yale University Press.

Roberta Smith writes, “In terms of art, one of the more decadent sights in New York right now is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.” She’s describing a new installation of art deco furnishings, curated by Jared Goss, and bringing out 150 French Art Deco objects… the most the museum has ever displayed at one time. Rightly so, Smith views these pieces as the antithesis of the Bauhaus (in look) and connected (in modern technology). Her piece in yesterday’s NYT breaks down the history of Art Deco as well, making it a good primer for those new to the style.

A few selections from the MET and related NYT slide show follow.

Written by Amanda Vickery, Behind Closed Doors introduces readers to men and women of all social classes and walks of life. Through a vast array of archival material (from upholsterers records to burglary trials) Vickery explores the home as social arena. Social visiting grew to new heights in the period, relaying increasing importance on home decoration. Ornament, the women’s roll in decoration, and the social currency of taste are all integral to Vickery’s points of discovery.

Available now from Yale University Press.

Located in Colchester, CT, Nathan Liverant & Son Antiques has actively been dealing in fine examples of 18th and 19th century Americana since the 1920s. Current specialization focuses on pieces of Connecticut and New England furniture made before 1840 (roughly speaking this date is a bit of a cut off between hand and machine manufacture). Arthur Liverant, a third generation dealer and now owner of Nathan Liverant & Son, is one of the most engaging and knowledgeable characters in the industry. His eye for furniture and related decorative arts continually unearths new gems, making the shops stock a joy to explore.

Above is a miniature chest of drawers of mahogany. Built between 1825-1835, it bares the inscription “S.L. Torrey, 1830.” A very handsome little piece.

A few more bits that caught the eye after the jump. First a set of 19th-century cast iron banks. Second, a matched set of 5 Walnut Chippendale side chairs with “owl eye” splats, MA, 1750-80.

Christie’s London is holding it’s 20th Century Decorative Arts and Design auction on September 30. Offerings include the classic works of Eero Saarinen, George Nelson, Louis Icart, and other notable artists and designers of the twentieth century. The circa 1958 “Executive Desk” by Studio BBPR (Lot 13) is a Curated favorite. Preview the sale in person September 26-29 or online here.

Further selections follow

A recent exhibition of work by Dodo Arslan at the Triennale Museum in Milan gave a look into the process of designer Dodo Arslan. The designer works through process via comprehensive study of materials and objects. Taking them down to their base components, he assembles models and explores the shape and structure striving to find the perfect material to develop his chosen end product.

DesignBoom offers a comprehensive look at the exhibition, highlighting this process of product development. A few finished designs can be found after the jump.

Why pay retail prices for jewelry when you can find antique and estate gems and baubles crafted by the master jewelers of decades and centuries past?  Check out Doyle’s upcoming Important Estate Jewelry sale on Oct. 3. You can preview the sale at their Manhattan galleries from Oct. 2-5 or online here.

Above is Lot 525 an Art Deco Platinum, Carved Green Onyx, Diamond and Black Onyx. Estimate $500-$700. More selections after the jump