Strawser Auction Group – Majolica Auction
Wednesday August 23 at 10am
Holiday Inn Ballroom • 1750 Sumneytown Pike • Kulpsville, Pennsylvania
www.strawserauctions.com

KULPSVILLE, PENN. — The first of three auctions dedicated to the majolica collection of Ed Flower (1929-2022) and his wife Marilyn (1930-2017) will be conducted on Wednesday, August 23, online and live in the Holiday Inn ballroom at 1750 Sumneytown Pike. The auction will begin at 10 am Eastern time.

Two more auctions will follow, with dates to be determined. The initial sale will be conducted by Strawser Auction Group, based in Wolcottville, Ind. The Flowers purchased many majolica pieces at Strawser sales. The collection in its entirety comprises more than 600 pieces in all, each one chosen for appearance, rarity and condition.

The August 23 auction will feature 185 lots by many of the finest names in all of majolica: Minton, George Jones, Holdcroft, Wedgwood, Hugo Lonitz, Palissy, Massier, T.C. Brown – Westhead Moore & Company, Copelands and others. For those unable to attend in person, online bidding will be via LiveAuctioneers.com.

Two of the pieces in the auction lineup could easily take top lot honors. The first is an iconic Minton majolica cobalt teapot, modeled as a flat iron with a frieze of mice to the sides and a large white cat wrapped around the handle looking down at a mouse holding a carrot to form the handle of the lid, 7½ inches tall ($20/25,000).

The second is a rare and monumental Hugo Lonitz majolica model of a hawk, created around 1875, with glass eyes, perched on a rocky ground with ferns and branches on an entwined branch base, 24 inches in height ($20/25,000).

A pair of majolica Renaissance Revival vases, circa 1860, likely exhibited at the London International Exhibition of 1862 and painted by Thomas Kirkby after Raphael’s ceiling frescos in the Stanza Della Signatura, Apostolic Chapel, Vatican, Rome, depicting Theology, Justice, Poetry and Philosophy, stand 22 inches tall ($15/20,000).

Two lots carry estimates of $12/15,000. One is a George Jones & Sons majolica cobalt-blue and turquoise-ground “Sea and Sky” cheese keeper and stand, circa 1878, cylindrical in shape with conch shell and seaweed knob, the side molded with a continuous sky and underwater view, including seagulls, hermit crab, fish and other aquatic life, 12¼ inches tall.

The other is a rare George Jones majolica “Drum” cabaret set, made circa 1875, designed as cobalt blue drums, with yellow skin tightening string, the teapot with drumsticks forming the spout, and a military drummer boy’s hat, the circular tray bound by a leather strap. Only two complete sets are known to exist, making this one desirable to collectors.

Another lot expected to fetch in the five figures is a T.C. Brown – Westhead & Moore majolica Aesthetic Movement vase, circa 1875, designed by Mark V. Marshall, the cobalt blue body designed as swirling clouds with a large dragon wrapped around, the flared neck with orange flame motif all on a circular turquoise blue pierced edge, 25 inches tall ($8/12,000).

A circa 1875 Minton majolica monkey garden seat modeled as a sitting monkey holding a nut below cobalt blue buttoned cushion with tassels all upon a basket weave base, shape no. 589, 18 inches tall, is expected to reach $6/9,000; while an early Minton Renaissance Revival wine cooler and cover, circa 1858, painted by Thomas Kirkby and designed by Simon Birks, 17 inches tall, one of only three known examples, should also hit $6/9,000.

A rare pair of George Jones tulip and butterfly candlesticks, circa 1875, each one modeled as an upright tulip and large green leaves forming the body, with a blossom forming the candle holders, 9 inches tall, should make $6/9,000. Also, a Delphin Massier majolica jardiniere, circa 1880, designed as a large duck with chicks beside a tree trunk forming the flower holder, on a grassy ground base is 22½ inches tall ($5/8,000).

A Hippolyte Hautin Boulanger & Cie, (France) floor vase, circa 1880, modeled as brightly glazed pheasants, signed by Louise Carrier Beleuse, Hippolyte Hautin Boulanger’s premier sculptor, 25 inches tall, should make $5/8,000.

A T.C. Brown – Westhead, Moore & Co. Egyptian Revival majolica garden seat, circa 1875, modeled as a seated Egyptian female figure supporting a quatrefoil cushion decorated with radiating palmettes, 22 inches tall, should bring $3/5,000; while a pair of R.M. Krause (Schweidnitz, Prussia) majolica vases, circa 1880, the vases designed one with a tiger and one with a lion, 20½ inches tall, has an estimate of $3/4,000.

For more information, 260-854-2859, 260-336-2204 or www.strawserauctions.com.

MAJOLICA AUCTION THE FLOWER FAMILY COLLECTION HISTORY, WHIMSY, PASSION, TOGETHER
PREVIEW ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 FROM 1PM TO 7PM
180+ lots of Fine Majolica from various makers including Minton, George Jones, T.C. Brown Westhead Moore & Co, Wedgwood, Hugo Lonitz, Copeland, Etruscan, Palissy Ware and much more.
NOTE: This is an in-person auction with live internet bidding. Internet bidding is available on our website: www.strawserauctions.com
TERMS: Cash, Check, MC, VISA. Personal checks ONLY when accompanied by a bank letter guaranteeing funds, NO EXCEPTIONS. 15% Buyer’s Premium in house, 23% online Buyer’s Premium, 3% cc fee.
Auction Conducted By: STRAWSER AUCTION GROUP, INC.
200 N. MAIN STREET, WOLCOTTVILLE, IN 46795 • Email: info@strawserauctions.com • Phone: 260-854-2859 • AU002776R