Peter Voulkos – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Second Try.

Peter Vouklos - Thanks to www.frankloyd.com

I am having more fun than a person should be entitled to as I search for new faces that I can present to the Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles club members. I never thought that there were so many great artists working in pottery that I wasn’t familiar with.

I am sure that this information on these artists has been kept secret by the ones in the know because there is a great deal of money to be made by finding works by these artists. The latest find that I have made is Peter Voulkos who was born in 1924 in Bozeman, Montana and died in 2002 in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Mr. Voulkos had a long and distinguished career which included teaching at some of this country’s most outstanding colleges and universities from 1952 -1985. He taught at Black Mountain College in North Carolina, The University of Montana and The University of California before retiring in 1985. To his credit, he was awarded so many honors that I can’t list them all here in the blog but his last honor was the Visionaria Award in 2002. This was presented to him by the American Craft Museum in New York. You may find more facts about Peter Vouklos at this site. Peter Vouklos

I am still trying to figure out what makes an artist special because when I see the works of George Ohr, Toshiko Takaezu and now Peter Vouklos it will take more time and study before I can appreciate their quality but I am working on it. Someone must have already figured it out however, because of the price achieved at auction for their works are amazing.

Peter Voulkos wasn’t only accomplished with pottery but also paintings and bronzes.
In fact, the most expensive piece of Voulkos’s work was a painting called “Passing Red” that sold at Butterfield’s in 2008 for $108,000. His next highest listing was for a stoneware sculpture created in 1956 that brought $85,000 at Wright’s auction in Chicago in 2005. The list goes on - ceramic sculpture at Christie’s “Big Snake River” in 1990 for $55,000. “Stack”, a stoneware sculpture, sold at Sotheby’s in 2005 for $51,000.

These prices make me hunger for the opportunity to own one or more of Vouklos’s works and they may be at the next garage or house sale I attend. Could one be waiting for you? To find out if there is a work by Vouklos with your name on it requires getting out of the house which I am sure you are doing. So it is just a matter of time before one of these treasures come your way.

I hope that in the future we will be able to receive comments on the blog but that doesn't seem to be happening at the present time. I would appreciate if you would send all comment to www.31corp.com until I can solve this problem.

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Toshiko Takaezu – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Not a name you know?

Toshiko Takaezu - Thanks to Flicker.com

Many times I have passed by what I though was a new piece of pottery because to me it looked cheap. Have you done the same, seen a vase that is unglazed to the eye and looks like it was made yesterday, and just kept walking? The browns, tans, blacks and dark green colors just didn't say anything to you so they didn't get a second look. I hope that you will rethink those decisions in the future after reading this blog.

Thinking back, I don't have any idea how many times I have seen pieces of pottery with that oriental look sitting on a table and even when I did elect to pick them up and found a signature, I quickly set them back down. But no more, because I am going to introduce you to Toshiko Takaezu who is a master at combining Eastern and Western culture into her pottery. She was born in Hawaii in 1929 and is of Japanese descent. This lady is willing to take on any dimension when it comes to her pottery, with some of her pieces measuring over 6 ft tall. Not only is she a very gifted potter, but teaching at Princeton for over 23 years makes her one of the leading scholars on pottery in the United States.

I am continually amazed at how little I know and how much there is to learn. The wonderful thing about this knowledge that we can receive is that it is free and with every new thing we learn it gives us a new chance to make money. You can learn more about Toshiko Takaezu in the book "Toshiko Takaezu - The Earthen Bloom". I suggest that you see if it can be purchased used on Amazon or Abebooks. Also, here is a site [ Toshiko Takaezu ] that can give you additional information on this amazing artist.

Here is why it might be worth your time to find out more about Takaezu. I will list three of her pieces that have sold at auction. First, a piece called “Moonpot”, that measures just 10 ½ inches and is signed, bears an Oriental look and unglazed with white and tan coloring sold at Rago Auction 4/12/2008 for $16,000. Second, “Ceramic Vessel” measuring just 8 inches with the Oriental look, colored tan, black ,white and brown with an open top sold at Rago 4/22/2006 for $9600 and last but not least a garden seat sold at Butterfield's on 6/10/2005 for $7600. I have to admit I would not have given any of these pieces a second glance but that is the past. Watch me now as people ask each other why I am taking the time to look at those pieces.

I hope that in the future we will be able to receive comments on the blog but that doesn't seem to be happening at the present time. I would appreciate if you would send all comment to www.31corp.com until I can solve this problem.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the 31 Club. Join Us Today!

Candle Holders – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – We need the Light.

Worth trying - Thanks to jochen-schweizer.de

Have you noticed that it is getting dark earlier everyday? Yes, soon the witches and goblins will be flying and to tell the truth I'm not sure I'm ready. Are you? The older I get, the more I feel that winter isn't for me any longer. This winter I wonder if I will be able to keep the heat and lights on because if it is true that Obama's cap and trade bill will add $1,700 to my utility bill, that will really hurt. In the country, we start pulling out the candles this time of year and I think that might be part of my answer. I am sure that you know that before electricity the only light came from oil or candles at night.

Back in 1949 I visited my grandparents on their farm during the winter and I can still remember snuggling down in that feather bed and seeing the candlelights flickering on the ceiling and walls. This gave me a very secure feeling and I may recapture it this year. Candles have been used for light and some heat for thousands of years and maybe there is still a place for them in our lives today. To be sure the candles I use won't be scented because those cause my eyes to run and my nose to get stopped up.

I think that you know where I'm going with this, but if you don't, I believe that candles and candle holders make great collectibles. Don't forget about the candle molds either because they can bring you a pretty penny. There are the simple metal night stand candle holders but also there are the elaborate candle chandeliers. Some of the candles and their holders can sell for over a thousand dollars while the candle chandeliers can bring hundreds of thousands. Can you imagine a chandelier with up to fifty burning candles on it? That must have been a sight to behold, not to mention the fire hazard.

The easiest way to give you examples is to visit eBay, so here is what I found. There doesn't seem to be many chandeliers listed on eBay and that might be because of the difficulty in shipping, however, I did see one priced at $24,000. The candle holders are another matter and I found over nine hundred of them listed. These candle holders come in all shapes and sizes and they are made in almost every material invented by man. Metal, porcelain, pewter, silver and glass are just a few of the materials used in candle holders. The first listing that caught my eye was a candle holder by Hedi Schoop called the mermaid priced at $500 and next was a pewter candle holder for $333. I have owned several of these. A Harlequin green candle holder was priced at $227 and a rare Fiesta red one for $150. I have bought the Harlequin and Fiestas for as little as $2.00.

Candle holder are a great collectible and if you come upon interesting ones you will never have difficult in selling them for a handsome profit. Think cheap in pursuit of the lowly candle holder but sell dear. This is the motto that I have adopted for many of the things I search for and it might be good advice to you.

I hope that in the future we will be able to receive comments on the blog but that doesn't seem to be happening at the present time. I would appreciate if you would send all comment to www.31corp.com until I can solve this problem.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the 31 Club. Join Us Today!

The Designer Counts – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Example: Daum France

Roland Topor - Les Mains Sales

I am often asked if the designer of a piece adds value and the answer to that question is an overwhelming "yes". There are many companies that employ famous artists to design pieces for them that in turn end up in the company's production lines at high prices.

The first company that comes to mind is Rookwood Pottery. When I started showing interest in this pottery, it was hard for me to evaluate the production pieces. Yes, the prices for the one of a kind artist signed items seemed fair to me, but not the common production pieces. The reason that the more common production pieces differed in price was because many of them were designed by the better artists and the collector was willing to pay more for them. It took me a little time to fully appreciate this fact but now I am more comfortable with it. A vase designed by Kataro Shirayamadani will bring far more in the marketplace than a piece by a less well known artist.

Daum France is another company where the designer of a piece makes it command a significant increase in value. I have owned several limited edition pieces of Daum and usually they will be priced in the thousands, while it is rare to see the more common Daum pieces priced at over $1000 in the secondary market. In my blog from Sunday, I mentioned that I had purchased a Daum piece at the house sale I attended but what I didn't mention was its value. The wonderful piece that is displayed on a large custom made stand retails for almost $9000. Your first question is "Why?" The title of this magnificent glass sculpture is "Les Mains Sales" which means "dirty hands" and that is the subject matter of the sculpture. When a light is placed behind the piece it comes to life with an eerie stare of a man looking through his hands. But what gives it the value is that it was designed by Roland Topor, a well respected designer, and there are only 250 of these pieces in existence, making it very difficult to find since most of these pieces are already in advanced collections.

In the future as you search for those special treasures to add into your inventory, please be aware of who actually designed them because this can make a difference between passing them by or making a ton of money when your resell the item. When you are dealing in the rare and unusual, these little tips will pay off for you in spades. While other dealers are just looking at every piece by a particular company as the same and lumping them all together, this is where you will shine and while they leave disgusted, you may find it hard to control your smile knowing that the item you just purchased will make your month.

PLEASE FOLLOW ME INTO THE LAST MONTHS OF THIS YEAR AND WE WILL PROFIT TOGETHER. I TRULY BELIEVE WE CAN MAKE MORE MONEY IN 60 DAYS THAN WE HAVE FOR THE REST OF THIS YEAR. HERE IS THE OLD COUNTRY BOY SHOWING IN ME. "AIN'T IT GREAT?"

I hope that in the future we will be able to receive comments on the blog but that doesn't seem to be happening at the present time. I would appreciate if you would send all comment to www.31corp.com until I can solve this problem.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the 31 Club. Join Us Today!

Pewabic Pottery - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Pottery in Michigan.

Pewabic pottery - Than ks to Daltons.com

It is always a pleasure for me to help someone increase their knowledge about rare and unusual antiques and collectibles. Yesterday I asked if there was anything that the readers might like to know more about and my faithful member, Vicki, wanted to know more about Pewabic pottery. Thanks Vicki. I will give it my best try.

Pewabic pottery was started in 1903 in Detroit, Michigan by a lady named Mary Chase Perry. Isn't it interesting that, while most business were started by men during this era, pottery companies seem to be an exception? Rookwood pottery, started by Maria Longworth Nichols in Cincinnati, Ohio is just another great example of this trend. In fact these ladies might have been the real women behind the women's movement.

This company is still in business but the best of Pewabic could possibly have been in the 40's when most of the wonderful pieces were made, with glazes that possibly had no equal. When Pewabic first started, their pottery was quite heavy and perhaps a little primitive compared to the finer works of that day. But by the 1940's their beautiful glazes and carved pieces were stealing people's hearts. At first they concentrated on the matte finishes but this soon changed as they included Lustres and Flambes to their portfolios. Two applications of their work that I really like are their drip glazes and the hand carved pieces that today will bring huge money.

Since all Pewabic pottery is "One of a Kind", you will never see two pieces alike. For this reason Pewabic can retain its value even though it may have some slight damage. I have to admit that I haven't purchased any great pieces of Pewabic, but it hasn't been because of not trying. You will find that the Pewabic pieces are signed and the mark is simple with just the name and perhaps a row of clovers over it.

Before I started to research for this blog, I figured that I would have very little trouble finding great examples of vases by Pewabic that sold for very high prices, but guess what? Even though I know that a heavily carved vase with a great glaze could command $10,000 or more, I couldn't find any in my catalogs. It seems that this company's wares are quite rare and don't seem to come to the market that often. If you are able to find a better piece of Pewabic, there is no doubt that you have found a true treasure. Good luck in hunting!

I hope that in the future we will be able to receive comments on the blog but that doesn't seem to be happening at the present time. I would appreciate if you would send all comment to www.31corp.com until I can solve this problem.

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“ Daum ” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Just like clockwork.

Ruth Bloch " Entanglement "

Saturday was wonderful but Sunday might have been just as good at the house sale I attended. Returning to a sale often can produce as great an event for you as the first day.

I am sure if you read yesterday's blog you remember the names Rosin and Bloch but I have two more to add to the list, Daum and Murano. When ever you see quality names in an ad then it might be time to jump into action. Few dealers want to spend large amounts of money on one item so this give you a huge advantage when it comes to purchasing rare and unusual items. This was demonstrated by my success at the house sale when all the little trinkets were bought but the expensive items remained for me.

The two sculptures that I purchased on Saturday with a total retail value of $23,000 now have to be added to my Sunday purchases. I usually don't conduct business on Sunday but in this case I was only going to pick up my purchase of the Ruth Bloch bronze sculpture and look around some more to see what might be left. To my amazement, the large Daum sculpture and a Murano piece were still unsold, as well as a Curt Frankenstein print that was given to me for my help moving items for the sale conductor. I also received a wonderful Chagall hardback book still in its wrapper for free. My total now from this one sale approaches $30,000 retail. This is why I continue to ask that you keep your powder dry and not just buy for the sake of buying. I should also share with you that I got two wonderful custom made stands for two of the purchases that would cost at least $1000 to have made.

One mile doesn't make a marathon and one day isn't a year so take your time, but when that special opportunity presents itself, be ready to pounce and don't get out of the game until it is over. That game is now over so it is time to go to the next one. I hope that this has encouraged you to make that extra effort because you never know when it is your time. The sale Sunday was of interest only because one item caught my fancy but look at what it turned into. This will also be your experience if you just stick to your guns and give that extra effort in finding the treasures that await you.

All of my purchases were for items that I would have thought too contemporary for me but after my research there was no doubt that at a certain price they would be mine.

I have to change my thinking a little because there are items produced after the 60's that collectors want to buy. I hope that you aren't stuck in the mud like I was and let other dealers make all the money on contemporary items. Money is money and new money smells even better than old, just like a car. Let's not forget what our purpose is: to complete the steps, and those 31 Steps can set you free. If you don't know what I mean by the 31 Steps, you must be a new reader and I would advise you to visit my site www.31corp.com.

I would like to write blogs on items the reader would like to know more about but now with 800 blogs in the vault I need ideas on what would interest you.

I hope that in the future we will be able to receive comments on the blog but that doesn't seem to be happening at the present time. I would appreciate if you would send all comment to www.31corp.com until I can solve this problem.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the 31 Club. Join Us Today!

“ Rosin and Bloch ” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Let's hear it for the House Sales.

DINO ROSIN - " KISS "

I mentioned in a previous blog my intention to attend a house sale this weekend because something caught my eye that was being sold. Well I have great news to report. It was a very successful sale for me. You realize that when I say "me", I mean the "Daryle Lambert Antique and Collectible Club."

First, let me share the strategy that I used for the sale. All the action started Friday but I didn't attend until midday Saturday. Why? Well, this was a very good auction with a lot of items for the customer to pick from but the items that I was interested in were very expensive and I figured that they wouldn't sell the first day. Knowing this and also how the house sales work, there wouldn't be any bargaining until the second day. I proved to be right and everything that I hoped to purchase was still available when I arrived at the sale Saturday. The first thing that I accomplished was to introduce myself to the lady running the sale and inform her of where my interests were. She informed me that the owner had died and that the relatives had only through Saturday to liquidate the estate. This gave me some information that would prove valuable to me as I calculated my offering prices. Knowing that no one else had made offers, I was able to present a price very favorable to me.

The first offer I made was for a glass sculpture by Dino Rosin "Kiss" that was 25 inches tall and must weigh 100 lbs. I had researched this piece and found that there may not be any more of these made. At gallery prices of $9100, I knew where to start the bidding. This negotiation was soon completed and so I went on to the next item which was a metal sculpture by Ruth Bloch. It was so large that the owner had a professional stand made for it and with the stand the sculpture must stand 60 inches high or more. As with the Rosin, I researched what the gallery price would be for the sculpture and found it at $14,000 without the stand. Before I made my offer for the Bloch, I returned home to do some additional research and then made my call and submitted my bid. The wonderful lady conducting the sale said she would have to call me back. That take a very short time and again the piece was mine. Two pieces with a total retail value of $23,100 now were mine. I have to pick the bronze up tomorrow at 9:30 and while I'm there I may make a few more bids.

I hope that you see that the way you approach a sale can mean whether it is successful for you or a waste of time. This is a business where you must be using your brain every minute if the end result you wish for is actually to happen. If I had attended the first day of the sale I wouldn't have purchased a thing, but knowing how dealers think told me to wait for the second day. Now let's take another example. There is a sale where there are a lot of items that I am interested in but I know that the first person through the door will be buying them, so what then? I remember one such incident where I spend the night in a driveway so as to be sure I was number one at the sale. Two examples but two different approaches and they were both right. I will report to you as I sell the items I purchased and it is my hope that won't take long.

I hope that in the future we will be able to receive comments on the blog but that doesn't seem to be happening at the present time. I would appreciate if you would send all comment to www.31corp.com until I can solve this problem.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the 31 Club. Join Us Today!