INDIGENOUS ART CAPTURED IN WALL HANGING
Q I bought this wool wall hanging for “nothing” at a garage sale a decade ago. I love a variety of textiles and I am a big fan of Native and Northern art. I love the small pictures and I am thinking of cutting it up into individual pictures to frame and hang. I thought I should check to see first. It is wool, like the parka wool, and measures 58.5 x 73.5 centimetres (23 x 29 inches). It is hemmed by hand. All six of the pictures are wool felt. I welcome your thoughts. Thank you.
Donna, Nepean
A These are known to Inuit as “neevingatha,” meaning “something to hang,” and were a way to add income and tell the stories of their traditions and culture. Inuit women had developed essential sewing skills to make sure garments performed their function of keeping the bearer warm. Their decorative work on clothing, done during long winter months, developed into an art form using colourful felt leftovers. Labels on some read “Handcrafted by Canadian Eskimos – Artisanat Esquimau Canadien.” This type of work is called “Kiluk” which, in the Inuktitut language, means “to stitch.” It could be fairly contemporary. Regardless, Indigenous art forms have been gaining in popularity and prices are climbing. It is worth $250.
Q This coffee service was a wedding gift to my parents in 1939. It was likely purchased in Toronto, where I grew up. The coffee pot is 25.5 cm high (10 inches). It says “Farberware” on the bottom. We do not have the cord for it anymore. Thanks for your help.
Fran, Arnprior
A Farber brothers Louis and Harry opened their business in 1915 in Manhattan, N.Y. after gaining experience at another brother's firm, called S.W. Farber. They produced high-quality chromium-plated items (chrome), often coupled with glass inserts such as ice pails and compotes that were sold under the name of Krome-Kraft. Chrome items fell out of favour due to the Second World War and changing tastes. They were in business until 1965. Your set, from the 1930s, is stunning with its fluted, carved and decorated handles. A matching tray was made and you will be able to find a cord. It is a modern design catching the eyes of mid-century modern collectors. Prices seem unpredictable but an average value for your stunning set is $175.
Q My girlfriend, who gave me this card table, told me it was over 200 years old. There is no marking or name on it. She brought it to Canada when she moved here from Europe. It's on wheels. I was looking to find out how much this table is worth since I'm thinking of selling it and I have downsized. Thanking you in advance,
Paulette, Ottawa
A Your great table is coming of age and is difficult to illustrate all of its attributes. Closed, its top exhibits a central diamond lozenge string inlay (matching another one on the front apron), with more inlay accentuating the four quadrants of book-matched figured (or flame) mahogany veneer elegantly. The turned legs are typical of a date circa 1840 and their brass cup casters are original. The secondary wood (the underside structure not seen), appearing to be oak, identifies its origins as European. The design features are typical of English and Scottish cabinetmakers. These are great tables when, like yours, the leaves are straight and true. This was selling, prior to 2008, for at least $1,250. Today it is a buy at its value of $550.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the `Contact John' page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.)
Appraisal values are estimates only.