New-York tribune., 1889-12-22
RARE AND COSTLY .BRIC-A-BRA G
SALE OF S. L. NJ. BARLOW'S COLLECTION

HANDSOME POTTERY. ART FURNITURE. sTATU
AIRY AND EMBROIDERY IN ABUNDANCE.
The remarkable collection of books belonging TO S. L.
NJ. Barlow, the sale Of which begins February 3, wa
noticed in The Tribune of Thursday, together with
many OF the pictures. Although the library derives
its importance from the fact that it is the most remark
able collection of books In existence relating to Amer
lea from the time of its discovery by Columbus, the
sculptures ceramics. amental and historical fur
niture cuIios embroide. IS and wooden carvings are
exceedingly valuable Mr. Barlow born collector
and one of marked udiy duality OF taste. When the
Chinese Minister and his suite dined with Mr. Barlow
several years ago the Minister greatly interested
in the collection, but he admired in particular a
sangue de boeuf about fourteen inches in height
with belshapcd mouth and an especially deep glaze
which has not single check or faw in its rich
coloring Taking ii up in his hands and showing
it to his suite he said You have never seen any
thing like this, but have seen this ware In the
palace of the Emperor" From what the minister
said and other Of information, Mr.. Barlow was
led TO believe that the was the finest specimen
Of its kind in the world.
There are quantities OF other fine oriental ware
in the collection. including Japanese Chinese and
Persian ware in the shape of and plates in all
sizes and shapes, together with various kinds OF
ornaments, among them being hne specimens oi
SatSuma, Imari and CloisOnne enamel, and last, but
not least boxes and other specimens OF fine 500
Chow LACQUER most remarkable feature Of the
Oriental department is Chinese of the early
middle ages. with Italian scenes depicted upon
them, and figures in full relief. Nor have the Eu
foDean porcelains been neglected There arc many
choice examples of sevres, Dresden. Royal Worcester
ard other Continental factories. But to collectors
the gems Of the lot will undoubtedly be wonderfully
cUrOus CUP of Capo d Monte ware and a most unique
set of twelve CapO spoons. Two plaques OF Buen
Retro soft paste, with minutely and elaDoratcy
carved old oaken frames, which formerly belonged
TO Joseph Bunapartc, also not likely TO be neg
lected The same thing may be said OF the forty or
more old Maoica plaques which are scattered through
the group of porcelains.
Most interesting the pair Of porphyry vases, four
feet high, sent by Bernadotte while King of Sweden
to his royal master Napoleon l, on his marriage 20
Marie Louise of Austria OTHER Napoeonic relics are
the dressing tables of the Corsican conQueror aud his
Queen Josephine, used by them at Malmaison.
Another valuable historical relic is chandelier OF
Dresden china, which once belonged 10 Marie IN
tonette still another piece of art furniture is the
bulh cabinet brought TO this country by POnchantran
one of the French Governors OF Louisiana. There are
other pieces of art furniture, including Francis
and Nefnis Martin cabinet and sCme notable bronzcs
by modern artists
Among the statuary is marble satuette of Voltaire
by HoudOn, duplicate OF which sold at the Hamilton
sale in London for 900 guineas. There arc also
many ivory carvings in the form of satuettes and cps
mounted In metal A great curiosity is an ivory full
relief figure of Christs descent frOm the cross, about
eight inches high and three inches wide. IL is sup
posed to be from the hand Of the noted BenVentO
Cel!ln Some notable glassware is in the shape of
Frederick the Great. and other German wine glasses
There are any quantity of interesting odds and ends
in the collection. including exquisite pieces Of ff
teentl.century spanish wooden altar carvings, and
brOidered.