Los Angeles, CA — John Moran Auctioneers presents California Living on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at noon PST. This auction captures the California lifestyle that began in the early 20th century when the Arts & Crafts movement ruled and bungalows reigned. It encompasses works by California plein air artists, Art pottery, Arts & Crafts and Spanish revival furniture and the household ephemera that accompanies the comfortable and warm living style. Also featured in this sale is a private collection from the estate of Dave and Holly Davis, longtime members of the Pasadena community.
Alexander Dzigurski (1911-1995), "Capris Italy" $5,000-7,000
David Morton Davis, a beloved figure in Pasadena, California, passed away on August 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of community involvement and service. Born on December 11, 1941, in Santa Monica, David spent most of his life in Pasadena, where he became a respected investment advisor and dedicated volunteer. Throughout his 57 years with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, he played an instrumental role, including serving as president in 2005. He was passionate about supporting local organizations and causes, from the Pasadena Conservatory of Music to the Pasadena Playhouse, and he also contributed significantly to the National Football Foundation. A graduate of USC, David met his wife, Holly, during their college years, and the two enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage before Holly’s passing in 2016. Together, they shared a love for the arts, travel, and their family, which included two children, Jason and Jessica, and four grandchildren. David’s enduring commitment to his community, his leadership, and his generosity of spirit will always be remembered.
Among the offerings in this collection is a selection of art pottery including a J. B. Owens landscape triptych. Estimated $2,000-3,000, the three glazed stoneware tiles depict a landscape with a dirt road following the banks of a stream and a farmhouse in the distance of the left panel. Fine art highlights include a work by Percy Gray titled, “California oak,” 1939, estimated $1,000-2,000, a collection of 14 etchings and works on paper by Armin Hansen, and eight Paul Jacoulet woodcuts, including ‘’Le Mandarin aux Lunettes. Mandchoukuo,” 1950, valued at $600-800. For furniture, there will be an early 20th century L. & J.G. Stickley sideboard, estimated $1,000-2,000, and Dirk van Erp and Roycroft table lamps, estimates ranging from $1,000-3,000. A wide-ranging collection of first and limited-edition books will make their way to the block, including a group of eighteen “Babar” hardcover books, 1931-1952, by Jean de Brunhoff, estimated $2,000-3,000, and books by Zane Grey, AA Milne, John Steinbeck, and Frank Baum. Rounding out the collection, a sterling Tournament of Roses trophy and other Rose Bowl and Pasadena ephemera.
An L. & J.G. Stickley sideboard, No. 735 $1,000-2,000
Collectors are sure to take notice of Alexander Dzigurski’s “Capris Italy,” 1950, estimated $5,000-7,000. Dzigurski (1911-1995) earned the nickname “The Poet of the Sea” from the Chicago Tribune for his remarkable ability to capture the essence of the ocean. Known for his unique use of color, Dzigurski blended a full palette to create stunning, natural landscapes that art collectors and dealers continue to admire. A work by Heinie Hartwig, “A View of Bridal Veil Falls”, is valued at $1,500-2,000. Hartwig (b. 1937) is an American artist known for his romantic western scenes, as well as landscapes and still lifes. He taught himself to paint by studying the Old Masters and, over time, gained recognition for his ability to capture light, color, and composition. Hartwig, a former long-distance runner and self-taught painter, became a prominent figure in the art world, earning a spot in Who’s Who in American Art by 1991. There will also be works by Granville Redmond, Alfred R. Mitchell, and Anna Katherine Skeele’s, Portrait of a young sailor, estimated $1,000-2,000.
Furniture highlights are aplenty. A 10-piece Spanish Revival dining set features inset glazed ceramic tiles on a trestle table with two extension leaves, six side chairs with cotton upholstered seat cushions, and a small trestle server, all with an estimate of $3,000-5,000. Another Spanish treasure, a Spanish Colonial redwood hutch with carved grape motifs, estimated $2,000-4,000. For midcentury modern collectors, a Modern sideboard by Henry Walter Klein for Bramin, estimated $1,500-2,500, is a must-see. The selection of eye-catching table lamps includes an early 20th century Quezal mushroom table lamp, valued at $2,000-3,000, as well as several Handel lamps.
Other noteworthy pieces are a Shand Mason fire engine by Maxwell Hemmens Precision Steam Models, circa 1860, estimated $2,000-3,000, and a collection of firemen helmets from the late 19th century/mid-20th century with estimates ranging between $400 and 800.
— Brenda Smith, John Moran Auctioneers
“Among the offerings in this collection is a selection of art pottery including a J. B. Owens landscape triptych. Estimated $2,000-3,000, the three glazed stoneware tiles depict a landscape with a dirt road following the banks of a stream and a farmhouse in the distance of the left panel.”
Carl Barks (1901-2000), "Bullet Valley" $50,000-70,000
Upcoming Auctions
John Moran Auctioneers is continuing their 2025 lineup with the Art + Design sale, Tuesday, February 25th, 2025, followed by the California Living auction, Tuesday, March 11th, 2025. Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming auctions so you don’t miss out on the action, and the treasures!
Art + Design: Tuesday, February 25th | 12:00 pm PDT
California Living: Tuesday, March 11th | 10:00 am PDT
Asian Art + Design Online: Tuesday, March 11th | 3:00 pm PDT
Art of the American West: Tuesday, March 25th | 12:00 pm PDT
The Traditional Collector: Tuesday, April 8th | 12:00 pm PDT
Jewelry & Watches: Tuesday, April 22nd | 12:00 pm PDT
For upcoming highlights, online catalogues, and more information on these sales, visit Moran’s website: www.johnmoran.com and follow us on social media: @johnmoran_auctioneers. Along with our website, bidding is now available online via Moran’s new mobile app, Moran Mobile, available on both iOS and Android operating systems. You may also choose to bid by phone or absentee.
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