A BACCARAT MUSHROOM WEIGHT

The Henry Stern Collection Henry Stern was born in New Orleans in 1896 and graduated from Tulane University with a degree in engineering. With this technical background, he opened the doors of 'Henry Stern Antiques' on Royal Street in 1916. Employing his earnest enthusiasm for fine and decorative arts and a clear sense of scientific accuracy, he produced an emporium which remained a mecca for collectors of porcelain, paintings, furniture and antique glassware until his death in 1993. Noted throughout New Orleans and abroad for his infinite patience and willingness to educate young collectors, Stern's desire to instill a sense of the innate beauty of an object, as well as, accurately record a work within its historical context was reflected in all aspects of his venerable career. As an esteemed business man, colleague and scholar, his expertise was avidly sought and freely given to museum curators and dealers alike. His vast knowlege was also generously offered to both civic and charitable causes, including the New Orleans Art Association and the New Orleans Art Advisory Council. Mr. Stern began his personal Collection of glass paperweights in the early 1950's, purchasing from such prominent collections as Applewhaite-Abbott, King Farouk, Maurice Lindon, Guggenheim and Cross. In addition, every summer while traveling through Europe, he would patiently search for choice weights to add to his growing Collection. Consequently, over the years, he assembled one of the finest selections of antique glass paperweights in private hands. The Henry Stern Collection includes excellent examples of Saint Louis and Baccarat millefiori weights, Saint Louis crowns, Baccarat and Clichy flowers and swirls, assorted overlays, snakes and sulphides. The last lot of the present auction, the Saint Louis Potato Weight, is a noted rarity, and serves to document a hitherto unrecorded composition. Christie's is also pleased to announce that a fine selection of porcelain and faience from Mr. Stern's private Collection will be offered in these rooms next Spring. After more than three-quarters of a century, these sales serve to commemorate the long journey of a discerning collector and respected antiquarian. THE HENRY STERN COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE GLASS PAPERWEIGHTS Wednesday, September 24, 1997 at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Lots 1-195)

Details

A BACCARAT MUSHROOM WEIGHT
The tuft composed of tightly packed multi-coloured millefiori canes, set within a torsade of white cable entwined with a cobalt-blue ribbon, star-cut base
2¾in. (7cm.) diam.

Provenance

Anon. sale, Sotheby & Co. London, 22 July 1953, lot 118