ALAMEDA, CA.- Michaan’s dedicated Arts & Crafts Auction to be held on November 6, 2014 highlights a desirable piece of lighting in a Dirk Van Erp and D'Arcy Gaw “Gourd” lamp (lot 2090, $25,000-30,000).  The piece dates to 1910 and displays the fine metal work and classic Arts & Crafts sensibilities that Van Erp and Gaw are acclaimed for.  The lamp’s rich, reddish brown, copper base is of a bulbous shape, bearing original materials and patina.  The base is then stamped with a windmill insignia alongside the artists’ names denoting, “D’Arcy Gaw/Dirk Van Erp.”  Topped by a conical, refinished mica shade measuring approximately 20 x 20 inches, the effect created when lit remains quite stunning.  The lamp is of an excellent overall condition, with sound seams as well as the absence of any damage or dents.  

California Arts & Crafts metalworker Dirk Van Erp and designer Elizabeth Eleanor D’Arcy Gaw entered a brief working partnership from 1910-1911.  This short production time eventually came to represent the apex of both of their metal working careers and the pieces they created together continue to be regarded as the best of each of their creative outputs.  This period also saw the development of the refined patinas that are so highly prized by collectors today.  Works by the design team carrying the D’Arcy Gaw and Dirk Van Erp mark continue to be amongst the most rare and highly prized forms of art metal from the early 20th century.  

The November 2014 Arts & Crafts Auction will hold over 100 lots, including but not limited to, decorative items, furniture, lighting, artworks, ceramics and photography.  Notable decorative pieces include a Duffner & Kimberly leaded lamp with fiery granite glass and a set of Liberty Tudric buttressed enamel vases.  Collectible artworks of interest are found in lots such as Mary Deneale Morgan’s “Palm Springs Canyon” as well as Alexis Fournier’s circa 1922 oil on board titled “Evening Gold.”  Stickley furnishings, Grueby ceramics and Leopold Hugo photography round out prime examples from the additional auction categories.  

The illustrated auction catalog will be posted online at www.michaans.com when it becomes available.  Previews for Michaan’s Arts & Crafts Auction open on October the 31st to November the 2nd, as well as the day of sale, November 6, 2014.  For general information please call (510) 740-0220 ext. 0 or e-mail info@michaans.com.  Michaan’s Auctions is located at 2751 Todd Street, Alameda, CA 94501.