Antiques & Collecting: Art aided earthquake victims

Alexander Calder (1898-1976) is best known for his sculpture mobiles, although he also did paintings, jewelry and large outdoor statues. He was the first artist to make a new type of statue of wire and metal that was assembled so it moved with each gust of wind. His creations sell for thousands of dollars, but at one time, you could have bought a small rug designed by Calder for much less.

In 1972, there was an earthquake in Nicaragua and Guatemala that killed hundreds of people. A group of artists formed a relief fund, and each artist contributed art made in a limited edition of 100. The art was sold, and the money used for the earthquake victims.

Calder drew 14 designs for a rug or tapestry and a limited edition of each was made by weavers in Guatemala from local fibers. He adjusted the pattern to use the beige maguey fiber and local weaving styles. Many of the rugs are in museums today.

Condition has become the most important feature when determining price. Fame, rarity and history are also considered when setting a price. In 2014, “Moon,” one of the Guatemala Calder rugs, sold for $16,250. In 2017, a faded limited-edition rug brought $4,688.

Current Prices

Wedgwood, tea set, blue jasper, white raised relief, classical figures making burnt offerings, teapot, covered sugar, creamer, impressed mark, 1950s, teapot 5 inches, $55.

Rug, Bakhtiari design, columns of lozenge shaped medallions, light and midnight blue, rust red, pink & ivory, blossoms & branches, multiple borders, 7 feet, 7 inches x 9 feet, $240.

Tiffany sterling silver asparagus tongs, English King pattern, designed by Charles Grosjean, Pat. 1885, 7 1/2 inches, $490.

Aluminum, bench, cast end supports, oak slats, two on back, four on seat, painted, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Ohio, 1900s, 30 x 48 x 26 inches, $595.

Tip: Be sure to take off and save any labels on your pieces of glass. Wash away any glue. The acid in the labels will permanently etch the glass.