Seller Story:
John Chirgwin
During his life, John Chirgwin traveled around the globe over 50 times, acquiring authentic art that passed the test of time. His was an adventurous life – filled with exotic places, treasures discovered, and friendships forged across the world. His travel schedule was packed to ensure there was not a country, town or adventure to be missed. He could be found enjoying activities like boating on the Khlongs of Bangkok, trekking through the temples of Cambodia or dancing the night away at the clubs in Hong Kong.
Chirgwin traveled to these exotic places to find unique pieces in areas that are not well-traveled by tourists. He would pick interesting pieces of jewelry with fine design such as Chinese fresh-water pearls, tribal jewels from Afghanistan and silver from Indonesia. From Utilitarian objects such as bowls, plates and drums to the more ceremonial items such, as sculptures, tribal masks, unique artifacts and carvings, exquisite silks, paintings and printings, fantastic swords, a large and varied selection of Buddha’s and Buddhist statues, all are unusual, classic and beautiful.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Scott Addis Large-Scale Abstract Landscape Oil Painting
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Landscape Oil Painting of Countryside Estate, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Vintage and Antique Glass Beaded Sautoir Flapper Necklaces
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Veronica Beard Single-Button Blazer
Inspired by the different pieces he saw during his travels, Chirgwin opened a retail business in his hometown, Edgartown in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, called The Golden Door. The shop was filled with a fascinating selection of objects collected over the years, including jade, porcelain, ceramics, paintings, Buddhas and African Tribal Art. It was these works of art that you would find at The Golden Door – each item had been carefully hand-picked by Chirgwin. Chirgwin and his family were fixtures on the island for generations and he was a presence at every prominent Vineyard summer party, always dressed in a colorful ensemble or natty double-breasted blazer.
For more than 40 years the Golden Door served as a passport to the Far East — and to Africa, the Middle East and other strange and fascinating tucked-away corners of the globe. It held craftworks from around the world, including Tibetan drums, delicate antique statuettes, and beaded baby carriers from Borneo. Dazzling jewelry and elegant jade, beaded purses. It was like walking into a treasure chest, with something new to catch your eye at every turn.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Replica Antique Style Telephones
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Chippendale Revival Oak and Lattice-Front Display Cabinet, Early to Mid 20th C
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Alma Two-Way Handbag in Red Monogram Vernis
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Irma Pfannmoeller Portrait Oil Painting of Happy Chandler
Chirgwin thoughtfully acquired each piece trip by trip, artist by artist. His collection is rich in history, vast, exciting and unique. Click HERE to see the rest of the sale.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Offset Lithograph After Guy Coheleach "Snowy Egret"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Men's Filson Quilted Jacket, L.L. Bean Fishing Vest, Orvis Rain Jacket, and More
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Kathleen Quinn Oil Painting After Carol Rowan of a Still Life with Tulips, 2003
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Marc Chagall Color Lithograph Front Cover From "Verve," 1956
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sterling Diamond Inside-Out Oval Hoop Earrings
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sparky Anderson and George Foster Signed Rawlings Official MLB Baseballs
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Offset Lithograph After John Butler "Ring True I"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Illustrated "Every Boy's Book of Hobbies" by Cecil H. Bullivant, Early 20th C.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Leif Janek Abstract Acrylic Painting, 21st Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Still Life Oil Painting of Glass Marbles, Figurines, and Cookies
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Faux Pearl and Rhinestone Ring
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash