Keno Auctions is pleased to announce its upcoming sale of Fine and Decorative Arts on Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at 127 East 69th Street at 12 Noon.  A total of 81 lots will be offered, featuring works drawn from a cross-section of styles and genres, from the 17th to 20th centuries.

“Sometimes, the best things come in small packages,” says Leigh Keno, of the eponymous full-service auction house, referring to his 81-lot sale, which will take place in the intimate gallery setting of his late 19th century Upper East Side townhouse. “We are offering a remarkably wide range of fine and decorative arts which span many centuries and styles.   The vast majority of the paintings, drawings, and decorative arts lots in the auction have never-before been offered for sale.  Freshness to the marketplace, as well as conservative estimates, we strongly feel, are vital to a sale’s success.” 

Here is a sampling of several top lots:

*Daniel Garber (American 1880-1958) Red Barn, 1948-1951, Oil on canvas, 30 x 28 inches, Signed lower left of center: Daniel Garber (Estimate: $350,000-550,000)

The Red Barn is an icon of Garber’s mature style, with brilliant color, a complex composition, and his typical highly patterned, tapestry- like painting technique. The fence is a vehicle that leads the viewer into the composition, then shimmering color and changes in decorative brushwork weave the view through the composition. The play of light and shadow on the barn was the impetus for Garber’s creation of this painting. In 1951, Garber wrote to the first owner of the picture: “What interested me most in painting it was the relation in values of the cedar tree against the old weather-beaten barn – and the dark shadows of the cedar tree.”

 “We are proud to offer this work, fresh to the market, having descended in the family of the original owner and beautifully framed in its original signed Badura frame,” says Mr. Keno.

* Willem de Kooning (Dutch/American, 1904-1997), Untitled, c. 1989, Oil on canvas,

22 x 28 ½ inches (Estimate: $80,000- 120,000)

 Hidden from sight since it was painted a quarter century ago, this dazzling abstract work by Willem De Kooning was painted for Grace Tafe, the nurse’s aide who cared for him from 1988 to 1996.  Photographs taken by Ms. Tafe of Mr. de Kooning painting the work for her in 1989 accompany the lot.

*E. Howard & Co. Astronomical No.46  Walnut Regulator Clock ,  Boston, circa 1870  Top 29.5 x 19 x 13.5 inches, Case 40.5 x 21.5 x  H. 100 inches, Pendulum 8 x 1.5 x 38 inches, Dial: Diameter 18 inches  (Estimate: $100,000-150,000)

E. Howard & Co. astronomical regulator clocks are one of the rarest and most sought after clocks in the world. The ornate Renaissance Revival walnut case retains its original finish. It is thought that only 7 of the no. 46 Astronomical clocks were produced.

* Third Phase Navajo Chief’s Blanket, Late 19th Century, Red, white, black and blue design wool, 68 ½ x 56 inches (Estimate: $25,000-45,000)

This striking Phase Navaho Chief’s Blanket, typical of third phase blankets with nine diamond shapes, is composed of raveled natural dyed cochineal red yarns, natural churro indigo blue and white and brown stripes.

Evgeny Lanceray (Russian, 1848-1886), A Russian Bronze Group: Zaporezh Cossack After the Battle, Bronze, 1874, Inscribed with signature and Chopin foundry mark
18 ¼ inches without spear (Estimate: $15,000-25,000)

*Theodore Baur (French, 1835-1898), The Buffalo Hunt c. 1876-86, Silver Electrotype, Metal, Reddish Brown Patina, 22 x 32 x 20 inches (Estimate $12,000-18,00)

Baur was an extremely talented sculptor based in New York –in a studio in Washington Square-in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As one of his most popular sculptures, The Buffalo Hunt was originally commissioned for the Philadelphia Centennial of 1876 and was widely exhibited thereafter.

*Grant Wood (American, 1891-1942), CORN, c. 1935, pencil on paper on Grant Wood’s stationary, 4 ½ x 3 inches (image), 9 ½ x 7 ½ inches (paper size) (Estimate: $35,000-55,000)

*Esteban Vicente (Spanish, 1903-2001), Untitled, 1993, Oil on canvas , Signed, dated and inscribed verso: “Esteban Vicente / Oil on canvas / 50” x 42” / 1993,” 50 x 41 ½ inches, Purchased directly from the artist by the present owner (Estimate $25,000-45,000)

*Roberto Matta (Chilean, 1911-2002), Dai Petali Agli Stam, 1991, Pastel and oil on buff colored paper, Signed with initials, lower right 47 x 59 inches (Estimate: $25,000-45,000)

*Wharton Esherick (American 1887-1970), Sheet Music Stand, 1962, Cherry wood, Signed and dated, incised  “W.E. 1962,” H. 44 in.; W. 17.5 in. (Estimate $15,000-25,000)

 Wharton Esherick is a pioneer of the Studio Craft Movement.  Famous for his sensitively crafted hand-carved furniture, his hand-carved pieces exude a sensuous fluidity.  The original model for this music stand was produced in 1951 for a cellist friend, and it is said that Esherick thoughtfully included a shelf to hold her drink.  The design was later replicated with the help of a studio assistant. Twenty- four were produced, of which this is one. This form remains the most iconic and sought-after of Esherick’s works.

About Keno Auctions

Keno Auctions, a premier full-service auction house headquartered at 127 East 69th Street in Manhattan, specializes in a variety of categories including, but not limited to, fine art, jewelry, furniture, decoration, and Asian works of art. From Rembrandt to Calder, from Cartier to Tiffany, the auction house has presented the finest objects at auction, with record-breaking results. Cultivating a broad collector base for accessible works has secured Keno Auctions a distinctive place within the art market.

With more than 40 years of experience in the art world, founder Leigh Keno has assembled an exceptional client base of buyers and sellers, as well as, an eminently qualified network of top-notch experts and specialists involved in the disciplines of paintings, furniture, decorative arts and jewelry. Through their longevity in the business, these experts and specialists visit collections and clients advising them on how best to navigate the marketplace.

Keno Auctions works with estate executors, fiduciary advisors and private clients who regularly use their valuation services to provide comprehensive appraisal and auction opportunities. Through their meticulous, well-researched assessments, Keno Auctions has earned the company a distinct reputation for expertise, dependability and integrity, resulting in attracting a broad base of buyers and consignors from around the world.

Please Note:

Estimates do not include buyer’s premium.  Sale totals are hammer prices plus buyer’s premium and do no reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits. To purchase or view catalogues, visit:  www.Kenoauctions.com.  or phone 212-734-2381. 

Sale Date:  Wednesday, October 30 at 12 Noon. Doors open on Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m.  If necessary, items may be previewed during auction.

Exhibition Preview:  Saturday, October 26: 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.; Sunday, October 27: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday, October 28: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Tuesday, October 29: 10a.m. to 3 p.m.

Live viewing and bidding is available on Liveauctioneers.com and ArtFact.com.

To arrange for a telephone bid, please call  212-734 -2381