Bees are native to every continent on Earth except Antarctica. With their prevalence in nature and their benefits to humans, in the forms of pollinating plants and producing honey, it’s no wonder they are often seen in decorative arts.
They play important roles in religion, mythology and folklore all over the world. They were a symbol of royalty in ancient Lower Egypt, a symbol for the ancient Greek oracle at Delphi and part of Napoleon’s coat of arms.
They also appear as decorative motifs, invoking their historical symbolism or simply adding realism to patterns of plants and flowers, on anything from inexpensive trinkets to valuable pieces by famous designers.
This small glass bowl with tiny bees flying among leafy branches sold for an impressive $6,400 at Morphy Auctions. Its maker is a major reason for its value: It is signed “Daum Nancy” for the famous art glass maker in Nancy, France, known for its decorated glassware featuring natural subjects.
Q: I have acquired from my aunt a box with items and fabrics she bought while stationed in occupied Japan. I would like to know where to take these items to determine if any are of value. Can you tell me who I should contact?
A: Formal appraisals are expensive, so you usually don’t need one unless it is for legal purposes, like taxes or insurance, or if you are already certain you have something valuable like pieces made from precious metals. However, some auction houses hold free appraisal events as a form of promotion. There are less formal, less expensive ways to find out whether your items have value. You can visit antique shops in your area to talk to dealers and look at selling prices. Collectors’ clubs can help find values. Look for collectors who specialize in Occupied Japan. Check price guides, you may be able to find subject-specific price guides online or at your library. You can look up prices for items like yours online. Try searching auction results or looking up sold listings on eBay. Be sure you are looking at sold prices; asking prices are not always accurate.
TIP: Think about the signature on glass. Acid etched marks can be added. So can signatures. Be sure the mark seems appropriate.
CURRENT PRICES
Salt and pepper shakers, cranberry glass, enameled oak leaves and acorns, silver plate frame, center handle, scrolled feet, leaves, flowers, Victorian, 7 1/2 inches, $70.
Auto, sign, rack, Pennzoil, oval, top crest, Outboard Motor Oil, yellow ground, black lettering, red bell logo, metal, 11 3/4 x 16 1/2 inches, $450.
Textile, blanket, Navajo, allover checks, navy blue and white, stripes within squares, c. 1920, 85 x 59 1/2 inches, $595.
Kitchen, cheese scale, hanging, brass tray, iron beam, brass lion silhouettes, two hooked weights, England, mid-1800s, 39 1/2 x 60 inches, $1,490.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www. Kovels.com.
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Art glass collectors are often buzzing about the Daum glassworks in France. The quality of the glass and the beauty and detail of its decorations bring high prices at auction.
