#Middlebury
These twin boys, according to Chinese legend, will bring a happy marriage to the owner. But they must wait for another sale, because this time there was no bid high enough to buy the twins.
Once, long ago in China there was a pair of immortal twins, one bringing harmony and the other union, according to the legends. So artists made figurines showing the twin brothers, who were called “He-He.” They often were pictured and given to brides, because it was thought they brought a happy marriage. A recent auction had a 5-3/8-inch figurine of He-He wearing green-and-black, flower-decorated robes. It is easy to recognize the brothers; one carries a lotus flower, and the other carries a box. The auction figurine also had the traditional unglazed base. The twin boys modeled together as a group was estimated at $800 to $1,200, but no one bid high enough. Perhaps the bidders did not know the figures would lead to a happy marriage.
Q: I have an opportunity to acquire two vintage sperm whale teeth authenticated as over 250 years old. They are uncarved. They are treasured collectibles and will not be sold. Can I import them?
A: Sperm whales are protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Whales’ teeth are a hard form of ivory. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website, it is illegal to import whale ivory (whale teeth), or items made from whale ivory, except by special permit. Your whale teeth are not decorated (scrimshawed), so all of the laws may not apply, but you should check with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service before importing them. Breaking the law can result in heavy fines or jail time.
Q: I have a serving bowl that says, “Iron Stone detergent proof hand-painted Japan” on the back. There’s no maker’s mark. Can you tell me how old it is?
A: Ironstone china was first made in 1813 and gained its greatest popularity during the mid-19th century. A clue to the age of your bowl are the words “detergent proof,” which was first used about 1944. Japan was under military occupation after World War II, and pieces made between 1945 and 1952 were marked “Made in Occupied Japan.” Your bowl was made after 1952.
Current Prices
Tablecloth, cotton, red and white checkered pattern, scroll and leaf design with fringed edge, early 1900s, 88 x 56 inches, $75.
Honey box, pressed glass with etched honeybees and beehives, dome lid, finial and splay feet, Indiana Glass Co., c. 1910, 4 x 6 inches, $150.
Ashtray, oval, hammered iron, molded catfish center and wavy rim, c. 1900, 7 x 5 inches, $330.
School dental chart, pull-down poster depicting teeth and natural human dentition, paper on linen, Hagemann, 1960s, 67 x 47 inches, $525.
TIP: Handle gemstone jewelry carefully. Opals crack easily, and soaking them in water to prevent cracking may do more harm than good. Some stones, like pink beryl, will fade if left in bright sun for a long time.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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