My husband, and I went to a home last week in the outer Bay Area, remarkably filled with material from a tribal group in rural Indonesia. I received a call from the fiduciary of an estate that consisted primarily of the inventory the owner had collected, traveling since 1973 in remote Indonesia. There were ceramics, textiles, wood figures, costumes, weaving tools, musical instruments, spears, shields and much more.
When I first arrived, the elegant, but orderly simplicity of the rooms was inviting. Most of the textiles on the walls had gold threads, many things such as furniture and pillows were oversize, the upholstery was exquisite, every detail deserved a second look. All of this would seem to be overwhelming clutter, but it had a peaceful arrangement of each carefully placed cloth. Even the hanging silk tassels here, there, and everywhere had a distinct quality about them. It was the quality of the material that stood out. A simple upholstered ottoman between two matching chairs had a plain small towel over part of it for protection, not overly so, but gently. This spoke to the condition of most of the property. It was my job to help the fiduciary determine the personal property value as quickly as possible.
The discussion also included local dealers of similar material and auction houses that are provincial or highly visible. Whenever I return from a professional retreat, I come home with renewed knowledge and a good dose of ‘beware’. I stress my objectivity and take my job quite seriously. Best value for client, as quickly as possible.
We stayed three hours examining the sculptures, the shields and spears, and wood drums. We discussed and noted quality elements between similar properties within collection. One of the properties had been included in a publication, published by a museum, and I suggested calling them as a first step. Maybe they would be interested in buying selected property or might know the collectors who would. Remember, the fiduciary’s job was to realize the best value as quickly as possible, a liquidation not a donation. This group who made these objects were known for their wood carving. There were two totem poles in the backyard, a little taller than two figures on top of one another, with a charm on top of the pole and the bottom figure standing on a log. These totem poles must have been shipped back in a container after a visit during the late ‘70’s.
Another part of the inventory were 15 – 20 ceramic Indonesian vessels. Google images helped identify. These jars were large, about 22” tall and 16” diameter, two extra-large jars had the distinct incised pattern of two fish facing each other with large split leaf plants along the bottom of the sea. Most of the ceramic jars have a carefully decorated top, with a small raised filial, that fits snugly on top. These ceramics were found throughout the home. In the kitchen unusual cooking, hardwood spoons, all perfectly imperfect made from beautiful, grained woods.