Focus

14 AUGUST 2009 Woven at Sea: the Nantucket Lightship Basket Mostly made of woven cane and often incorporating native woods, these exquisite baskets were produced in assembly line fashion, with crewmembers working side by side for maximum efficiency. CATEGORY: FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS

26 MAY 2009 Focus on Chelsea Porcelain The Chelsea Porcelain factory, one of a handful of manufactories operating around London in the mid 18th century was the brainchild of the silversmith Nicholas Sprimont. Sprimont was known for his expertise in tastefully combining the influences of other manufacturers and high standards of quality in production and decoration. CATEGORY: FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS

26 MAY 2009 Focus on the Nuremburg Nef From the early 16th century to the mid 17th century Nuremberg, Germany was one of the primary cities in Europe for silver craft. The detail, from the masts and ropes to the enamel sailors made nefs a tour de force for the silversmith as a craftsman. CATEGORY: FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS

19 MAY 2009 Focus on Donald De Lue’s The Knight Crusader Through larger-than-life figural works in bronze and wood, Donald De Lue created exuberant sculptures whose sources of inspiration ranged from Greco-Roman art to Michelangelo’s Renaissance figures. CATEGORY: FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS

1 MAY 2009 Focus on Swiss-Made Gold and Gem-Set Boxes For centuries, Swiss artisans have been celebrated for their skilled enamelwork and intricate gold boxes. In the early 19th century, artisans applied their talents to elaborate boxes designed to appeal to the Turkish market, ornamented with diamonds, pearls and other precious stones, often taking the shape of Ottoman calligraphy or the crescent moon and star. CATEGORY: FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS

30 MARCH 2009 Focus on an Hermès Clock, Circa 1950 The clock’s design reminds us of the company’s origins in saddle-making, when Hermès provided the finest wrought harnesses and bridles to European noblemen. CATEGORY: FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS