A visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Philip Chasen

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

The entrance to the museum announces the Basquiat exhibition

One of the perks of traveling to Paris on business is the opportunity to add a few days to our trip for pleasure. This time we decided to visit Biarritz, France and Bilbao, Spain, home of the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. Ever since I saw photos of the building, opened in 1997, it’s been on my bucket list. I wasn’t disappointed, just surprised.

guggenheim-bilbao-5 First I was surprised that the museum is right in the center of town. I had visions of it being on the outskirts, on its own campus. I also thought it was larger. Mind you, it wasn’t small, just smaller than I had imagined. Regardless, it is spectacular architecture.

A panorama of the interior

Then I was surprised about the city of Bilbao. I imagined it was a little hole-in-the-wall community, but it’s not! It’s a fairly large city, clean, with impressive buildings, squares, restaurants, etc.

A Basquiat in the Guggenheim’s exhibition

The museum specializes in modern art and currently has an extensive Basquiat exhibition. Call me ignorant, but I don’t get it. Basquiat paintings are highly sought after and bring millions at auction, but I think if Monet were alive today, he wouldn’t get it either. When I look at art that I could have done myself, it’s not art. It seems Basquiat was blessed by the powers that be and then could do no wrong. If he had thrown dirt at a canvas and put a stripe on it, someone would have interpreted it as brilliant and revolutionary. Looks to me like an example of The Emperor’s New Clothes. Christie’s recently sold a Basquiat, Dustheads for $48,843,750. OK, I admit I couldn’t have painted that one.

Basquiat painting Dustheads , sold at Christie’s May 15, 2013

A Senegalese artist at work in the museum

It was very interesting watching a Senegalese spray can artist decorating one of the main columns of the interior. He had hundreds of cans of spray paint available. I wonder if this will be a permanent exhibition.

A Jeff Koons sculpture in the outdoor exhibition area

We spent the day at the museum, but it would have been fun to stay longer in Bilbao and experience the city. Maybe another day.

Our next show is coming up soon at the Winnetka Community House in Winnetka, IL, November 6-8, 2015. We used to exhibit at shows in the greater Chicago area 4-6 times yearly. Most of them have disappeared, so we now only exhibit in Chicago twice a year, once in the fall in Winnetka and once in the spring in Glencoe at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Too bad, because we like Chicago and have lots of friends and clients. We’re really looking forward to seeing you at the show, so please put the dates in your calendar.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Shopping at the Paris antiques flea markets

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Philip Chasen

First I have to apologize if you’ve been having problems with my blog or website. We migrated both to a new provider, so they were both down for a while during the transition. Everything should be fine now.

We were in Paris shopping for some great new items and had a much harder time than usual. Unfortunately many of the merchants we dealt with have died or retired, leaving only a few, with not a lot new to offer. We did manage to buy a few great items and we still have a couple of shopping days left, so we’re hopeful.

That’s the regular flea market you’ll pass on the way to the antiques flea markets

If you want to visit the Paris flea markets, take the Metro #4 train north to the last stop, Porte de Clignancourt. From there, keep walking north (head toward the overhead roadway called the Péripherique). First you’ll come to the standard flea market on your left, with clothing, souvenirs and all the usual stuff you’d expect to see.

The view looking east on Rue des Rosiers showing both the Marché Dauphine and Marché Malassis

Continue past the flea market and pass under the Péripherique. Walk one more block to rue des Rosiers and make a left. Technically, you’ve just left Paris and you’re in the suburb of St. Ouen (pronounced similarly to San Juan). You’re now at the start of many flea markets. There are so many markets and so many dealers, you’ll run out of time before you see them all. The first market you’ll pass on the left is called Marché Malassis. (Don’t get confused by the photo. It’s looking east and you’ll be walking west.) Then Marché Dauphine, Marché Vernaison, Marché Biron, Marché Paul Bert and Marché Serpette. And I’ve probably missed a couple. If you turn left at the corner before Marché Paul Bert, there’s more. The quality goes from junk to wonderful, with commensurate prices.

A look down one of the aisles in Marché Dauphine

I’ve noticed many changes over the years. The most obvious was the change in styles. Many of the dealers were carrying more modern items than before, from the ’50s to the present. And quality Art Nouveau glass was getting a lot harder to find.

The view looking west on rue des Rosiers showing the Marché Paul Bert and Serpette

The view looking west on rue des Rosiers showing the Marché Paul Bert and Marché Serpette

Marché Paul Bert and Marché Serpette are adjacent, but Paul Bert is inside and Serpette is outside. Shippers are available right there in the markets, so you can buy anything, no matter the size, as long as you’re willing to pay.

The Seine looking west with a tour boat in the foreground and Notre Dame beyond

If you like flea markets, you’ll have a great time. No matter what your taste, there will be something for you. The markets are open every weekend, with a few dealers open on Mondays.

Our next show will be at the Winnetka Community House in Winnetka, IL, November 6-8, 2015. We used to exhibit at shows in the greater Chicago area 4-6 times yearly. Most of them have disappeared, so we now only exhibit in Chicago twice a year, once in the fall in Winnetka and once in the spring in Glencoe at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Too bad, because we like Chicago and have lots of friends and clients. We’re really looking forward to seeing you at the show, so please put the dates in your calendar.

Vladimir Putin to inherit possible $2 billion art collection

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Hello from Paris. Here’s an interesting article about a collection Vladimir Putin is to inherit. Click Collector Gives Vladimir Putin Dodgy $2 Billion Collection of Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Others – artnet News

Some strong prices at Philip Weiss Auctions, October 8, 2015

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Sorry for the problems with the website and blog. The site was down for a while for maintenance.

Philip Weiss Auctions, Lynbrook, NY, held a sale entitled Estate Sale, Paintings, Porcelain, Jewelry on Thursday, October 8, 2015. Included in the sale were several very good lots that I tried unsuccessfully to buy. Prices were beyond what a dealer could pay.

Wonderful Daum Nancy floral and butterfly vase, Weiss lot #214

Lot #214 was a killer Daum vase that I really wanted. It had everything going for it including butterflies, blue hydrangea flowers, applied cabochons and gilding, plus a nice big size at 15½”. I thought the estimate was a little strong at $12,000 – 16,000, but I was still interested. It finally sold for $20,700, including buyer’s premium. I was the underbidder. Oh well, better luck next time.

Tiffany Studios mosaic inkwell, Weiss lot #534

Weiss didn’t think much of lot #534, a Tiffany Studios mosaic inkwell, so he put an estimate of $800 – $1,200. That was really low. The buying public knew better and bid it to $11,212.50, including buyer’s premium, when I had to drop out. It wasn’t even the best example I’d ever seen. It had a couple of small chips to the mosaic tiles, plus the patina was gone, and it was only signed on the insert. But guess what? Water under the bridge — the public has spoken.

We’re off to Europe on a two-week buying trip, so I’ll do my best to post twice a week, but it may not be possible. I’m sure we’ll bring back a few great items for our upcoming shows.

Is a Painting Bought for $800 a Rembrandt?

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Got busy this week before our buying trip to Europe next week. Thought you might like to read this interesting article about the discovery of a possible missing Rembrandt. Click Is a Painting Bought for $800 a Rembrandt? – artnet News

More good results at recent auctions

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Green R. Lalique Sauterelles vase, Grogan lot #192

Grogan & Company, Boston, MA, held The September Auction on Sep 27, 2015. Included in the sale was lot #192: an R. Lalique Sauterelles vase in green. The low estimate of $3,000 – $5,000 made it seem like there was a chance I could buy it. Occasionally something falls through the cracks, and I’ll be there to catch it. Not this time! The vase sold for $15,860, including buyer’s premium.

Daum Fall scenic vase, Fontaine lot #1

Fontaine’s Auction Gallery held a nice general sale this past Saturday, October 3, 2015. We drove all the way to Pittsfield, MA, just to preview the sale as there were quite a few lots I wanted to purchase. In general, the results were strong, so we wound up buying very few items. All the best ones sold for more than we were willing to pay, starting with lot #1, a beautiful, but small (6″), Daum Nancy scenic vase, decorated by Daum’s best artist, “B.S.”. Estimated to sell for $800 – $1,200, it realized $8,470, including buyer’s premium — too much for a dealer, but not a collector.

Tiffany Favrile red decorated vase, Fontaine lot #43

I also wanted to buy a small (3¼”), but very nice, decorated red Tiffany Favrile vase, Fontaine lot #43. It also went too high for me, but not a collector — $6,957.50, against a pre-sale estimate of $4,000 – $6,000.

Rare Tiffany red decorated Favrile perfume bottle, Fontaine lot #67

Lot #67 generated even more excitement. It was a very rare Tiffany Favrile red decorated perfume bottle, 6½” tall. Tiffany didn’t make many perfume bottles, let alone decorated red. The problem for me was that it only had a Tiffany paper label, with no signature on the glass. Most of my clients insist on a signature on the glass, so I took a pass on this lot. Well guess what? Fontaine’s didn’t need me. It sold for $16,940, against a pre-sale estimate of $4,000 – $6,000.

For the complete catalog of the Fontaine sale, click here.

A new Miami Airport Show will take the place of the canceled show

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Philip Chasen

Last year in front of my booth

Last week U.S. Antique Shows emailed two show announcements. The first one canceled the March 2016 NYC Pier Show. The second canceled the January 2016 Miami Airport Show. I wasn’t too concerned about the March Pier Show because it was fading fast, but I certainly was concerned about the January Miami Airport Show. Last year was fabulous for me, so the cancellation put a big hole in my schedule (and budget).

miami-airport-1-2016 Enter stage right, Rosemary Krieger to the rescue. Rosemary’s company, Dolphin Promotions, the former owners of the Miami Airport Show, were creating a new show, the Miami Antiques + Art + Design Show, to take the place of the canceled show. Whoop de doo! The stipulation was they needed at least 100 dealers to sign up or there wouldn’t be a show. Initial interest has been very good, so Rosemary sent me an email confirming that the show will go on. Yahoo! Dealer participation is the key, so I need all of you dealers reading this blog to sign up for the show. You can contact Rosemary by email at rosemary@dolphinfairs.com or by phone at 708.366.2710. Click here for the landing page of the new show. Last year was significantly better than previous years, so let’s make this happen. Sign up and support the show!!

The results of the NYC Big Flea Market, September 26-27, 2015

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Philip Chasen

The opening crowd on Saturday morning

11:30 AM Saturday It’s slow as I start to write this blog. There was a modest crowd at the 9 AM opening, but not nearly enough people to fill the pier. There haven’t been too many questions as of now and one small sale. Hopefully things will pick up.

1:15 PM Saturday in front of my booth

1:15 PM Saturday There are many more people walking around, but few questions and slight interest. No additional sales. I’m really bored and restless.

4:45 PM Saturday Attendance and interest picked up the last couple of hours. Made a couple of decent sales, but overall the show isn’t going well. Unfortunately the show is open until 7 PM today. I’m going to need a stiff drink when I get home. 🙂

9:00 AM Sunday Yesterday ended with a whimper, not a bang. After the two sales, the rest of the day was dead. Couple that with the extra long hours of the show and you can imagine it was insufferable. Hoping today will be a better day, but I’m not optimistic based on yesterday’s response.

12:00 PM Sunday There were very few people walking around this morning and almost no questions. Doesn’t look like it’s going to be a good day.

A view down my aisle at 2:10 PM on Sunday

5:00 PM Sunday The show is over. We gave away many business cards — a sure sign the show wasn’t going well. There were a couple of reasonably serious inquiries, but no sales. We didn’t even make our expenses. Ugh! Unfortunately, it’s unlikely we’ll return.

Setting up at the NYC Big Flea Market, September 24, 2015

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Philip Chasen

I’ve got the whole crew setting up our booth

Yesterday was the first day of setup for the NYC Big Flea Market at Pier 94. The first day went smoothly except for getting to the Pier. Unfortunately we got stuck in traffic due to the Pope’s visit, so we were delayed starting. After that, everything went well. We should have the booth looking great for the Saturday morning start.

Another view of the setup in progress

Last year we met quite a few new people at the show. Even though the venue is the same as the November Pier Antiques Show, the promoters use different advertising and publicity, attracting different people. Hopefully the same will happen this year and we’ll make sales to new clients (but all old clients are welcomed and encouraged). The show opens at 9 AM on Saturday and closes at 5 PM on Sunday. The Pope will be gone by Saturday, so traffic should be back to normal. Hope to see you there!

We’ll have this great Daum Nancy Winter lamp at the show

Tune in Monday for the results.

The NYC Big Flea Market opens this weekend, September 26-27, 2015

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Philip Chasen

The NYC Big Flea Market will open to the public this coming Saturday, September 26th, at 9 AM and close on Sunday, September 27th, at 5 PM. The show is an offshoot of the DC Big Flea Market by promoter D’Amore Promotions. It will be held at Pier 94, 54th St. and the Hudson River, on Manhattan’s West Side. This is the same facility where the customary Pier Antiques Show takes place twice a year in November and March.

Last year on Saturday afternoon in front of my booth

Last year was the first time for the show and it worked out well for us. Attendance was good, interestingly with mostly different people than the usual Pier Antique shows, probably due to the different advertising and promotion. That’s a good thing. I don’t want to see the same people in the same facility in September and again in November. Last year we made some nice sales and had a profitable show.

We’ll have this fabulous B&S Orchids vase at the show

We’re bringing a really great selection of American and French glass and lamps by Tiffany Studios, Daum Nancy and Gallé, to name just a few. It will be worth your time and effort to visit this new and different show. Many of the dealers don’t ordinarily exhibit in New York, so the displays will be totally different.

Thursday’s blog will be delayed until Friday, so I can post from the show floor and next Monday’s blog will have the results!

In the more sad news category, I learned of the death of Don Williams, veteran antique show dealer, who passed away on September 16, 2015. I tried to find an image of Don, but he was old school, so he’s not on the Internet. He was a gentleman and will be missed.

Philip Chasen Antiques

The blog for chasenantiques.com

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