The Birnbaum collection

LOT 01 – Italian 18th c. Late Baroque Cabinet on Stand ("Milan Tax Chest"). An exceptional late Baroque cabinet-on-stand, the ebony and bone exterior opening to reveal an architectural interior of semi-precious stone inlay, rock crystal columns and gilt bronze ormolu. A cabinet of this ambition was made to display a collector's treasures. Acquired from Dalva Brothers, NYC.

LOT 02 – French, late 17th–18th c. Louis XIV Bracket Clock, in manner of Boulle. French late 17th-18th c. bracket clock in the manner of Boulle, with marquetry, gilt bronze mounts and gilded figures surround the face and framework of the clock, with a beautiful gilded angel on top, above the dial. Stunning and very unique craftsmanship and artistry on all levels. In working order, with hour and quarter-hour striking.

LOT 03 – Dutch Longcase Clock, c. 1738, w/French Marquetry, Otto van Meurs. An Amsterdam longcase clock by Otto van Meurs, dated 1738, with French floral marquetry, an animated harbor scene and moonphase dial. The collection catalog describes two bells, hour and quarter-hour striking, and an alarm. The gilded figures were added in the 19th century, making this a very unique and beautifully crafted piece with every detail.

LOT 04 – A French, Late 17th - early 18th c., Louis XIV Regence Console Table. A carved giltwood console of unusual transitional design, the pierced apron centred by a mask amid acanthus scrolls, beneath a Rouge Royale marble top. Acquired from Pelham Galleries, London.

LOT 05 – Japanese 17th c. Lacquer Traveling Chest on Stand. A 17th-century, Japanese lacquered wood traveling chest on an exquisitely carved 19th-century English base, with gold decoration and ornamental brass hinges and hardware. Truly exceptional and stunning craftsmanship on all levels.

LOT 06 – Russian 18th c. Thule, Cast Iron Vase with Custom Pedestal. A Russian 18th c. Thule, cast iron vase of Neoclassical form with gilt bronze ormolu mounts, the body applied with a draped female mask. Supplied with its custom turning pedestal. Acquired from Galerie Perrin, Paris.

LOT 07 – French early 20th c. Baccarat-style Crystal Chandelier. A French early 20th c. large crystal chandelier in the Baccarat manner, approximately 6 by 4 feet with unusual crystal artistry. Prior residence: Hung in Batista Presidential Palace in Havana, (Palacio Presidencial, and today, the Museo de la Revolución), and acquired from the prior owner of the collectors’ NYC townhouse in 1998.

LOT 08 – South East Asian 19th c. Wall Hanging, Beaded Tapestry. 19th c. Burmese large horizontal embroidered and appliqué textile wall hanging, with tapestry weaving using metallic thread, sequins, beads and decorative cabochons. An exquisite tapestry that was made with a special technique of sewing (known as the “Kalaga” tradition). This technique embellishes the piece with sequins, stones, metallic and beautifully colored threads of all shades. This piece has a gold-and-brown figurative composition: figures are in a scene showing priests, a royal family, men courting on horseback, and 14 separate circle enclosures with spiritual dancers, all with bordered panels and a dark outer edge. Purchased in Palo Alto in 1983, and described by the owner as originating from a Burmese spiritual temple.

LOT 09 – French, 18th c. Louis XV Reading Table. A French 18th c. marquetry reading table with an adjustable reading shelf, drawers, and a lower tier; with beautifully-patterned inlays and gilt metal mounts.

LOT 10 – French c. 1880, Gilt-Bronze Center Table (Charles X style), Verde-marbled Gueridon. A French c.1880, gilt-bronze, verde-marbled, amboyna wood, circular center table (“Gueridon”) in the Charles X manner, with beautifully-crafted winged figurines of the period as supports, and a concave-sided base. Formerly owned by the NYC/Paris interior designer/photographer, Alberto Pinto. Height 31 inches, diameter 38 inches.

LOT 11 – French 18th c. Louis XV Style Canape Sofa. A hand-carved giltwood canape in the French 18th c. Louis XV style, after an original by Francois Reuze, upholstered in silk damask. Commissioned from NYC artisans.

LOT 12 – French 18 c. Commode. A French 18th c. “bombé” Commode with quartered kingwood marquetry, gilt bronze mounts and escutcheons, beneath a shaped brown / maroon background marble top.