Gone Fishing

Alas, no taxidermy fish, like Martha Stewart's stuffed tarpon (okay, what, exactly, doesn't this woman collect?), currently up for auction, but there are other fish in the sea, which you can see below.

Maybe it's because I'm a former swimmer, but I've always loved fish. They are graceful and elegant, of course, but my favorite thing about them is that their colors and patterns are not only stunningly beautiful but also aesthetically inspiring. Fish also remind us of water...of cool, refreshing water: just seeing one edges down the body temperature a bit, it seems. These days, in the auction world and elsewhere, the wheels are turning a bit more slowly. That said, I found so many fantastic fishes, that I am going to divide my finds over two postings--an Auction Addict first! And so we take the plunge...

20th C copper-gilt fish weathervane. In Boston, on August 14th, est. $1,500-2,500

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Look to New England for the most comprehensive selection of ichthyic-themed items. Skinner, in Boston, has three large and glorious fish weather vanes in its August 14th  auction (one above, another here), as well as this wonderful sign, below--that is sure to be knocked off by a big box retailer next year. Snag this one first, it's SO much cooler!
 

Painted sign, mid 20th century. At auction August 14th, estimate $300-500.

This large bronze carp looks a bit awkward on a stool, but the placement does give you a great sense of scale. No doubt he'll be more graceful on your shores. At Hammer & Block Auctioneers in Miami on August 4th, estimate $150-300.

Bronze Japanese koi, estimate $150-300.

Angel fish, for reasons I have not yet determined, were a common theme during the Art Deco period. If the koi doesn't float your boat, maybe this 1920s swimmer will. At a Florida auction on August 12th, estimate $200-300.

Art Deco bronze angel fish, at auction August 12th, estimate $200-300.

Every porcelain collection should have at least one pair of fish plates, as there are too many good ones to ignore. One nice thing about them is that they are usually a bit more masculine in feel than most porcelain, making them suitable for nearly every room in the house. The reliable New Orleans Auction Gallery has two fine sets, at auction on July 30th.

Pair of Limoges porcelain plates, at auction, on July 30th, estimate $200-400.

Pair of early 20th century Derby cabinet plates, at auction on July 30th, estimate $200-400.

Where will you put them? Again, we turn to Martha, who, as usual, is full of good ideas.

Photos, above and below, courtesy of Martha Stewart.

 

Three pieces of Imari. At auction in New York on August 7th. (No estimate)

Are all these pretty little fishes not manly enough for you? Well, take this--yes, take it! Albumen photograph of taxidermists, at auction in Kingston, New York on July 30th, estimate $200-400.

Albumen photograph of taxidermists. At auction on July 30th, estimate $200-400.

I close with a charming bottle opener. More fish swimming your way soon. Meanwhile, keep cool, my dearlings, by jumping in. The water's just fine!

Mid-century abalone and silver plate bottle opener, at auction in Florida on August 14th, estimate $30-70.