Three choice lots from upcoming Heritage auctions
Decorative Art
With its lavish floral and avian motifs rendered in semiprecious stones, this pietra dura table showcases the intricate inlay technique that defined the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The delicate arabesques, vibrant lapis and malachite hues, and dynamic interplay of color reflect both artistic mastery and material opulence. The meticulously designed tabletop, which sits on a partial gilt patinated bronze base, is not only functional but also a work of art.
An Italian Semiprecious Pietra Dura Tabletop on Partial Gilt Patinated Bronze Base
Auction: March 6
U.S. Currency
Due to printing constraints, Colonial paper money wasn’t well known for its intricacy. However, Hall & Sellers, the printers of this Pennsylvania note, were ahead of their time when they designed this piece. The Colony of Pennsylvania required funds for lighthouses and other maritime structures, and that necessity led to the creation of the March 25, 1775, Pennsylvania Colonial emission. Fittingly, the detailed vignette on the back depicts the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse.
Pennsylvania March 25, 1775, 16s PMG Choice Uncirculated 64
Auction: March 9
Asian Art
Qingbai ware, a type of porcelain produced during the Song dynasty (960-1279), is known for its translucent bluish-white glaze that exudes an ethereal elegancy, influencing later celadon and white porcelain traditions. This Qingbai glazed turtle-form covered box, possibly used as an ink palette, is a striking example of the ware’s ingenuity in merging functionality with artistic charm. The box’s smooth, almost jade-like finish reflects the refined aesthetic of the Song period.
An Exquisite Chinese Qingbai Glazed Turtle-Form Covered Box
Auction: March 21