The Gail & Rich Mellin Collection
It is a distinct honor for Rafael Osona Auctions to offer our clients a curated selection of antiques from the personal collection of Gail & Rich Mellin .
Lot Nos . 1 through 86 represent only a portion of their extensive collection of Canton , in addition to American furniture , fine arts , and décor . Our future auctions will include yet more offerings from the Mellins ’ sizable Canton holdings ; sale dates to be announced .
The Mellins ’ history of collecting Chinese export porcelain of Canton design began with the purchase of two dinner plates at an auction in Jenkintown , PA in the early 1970s . They loved everything about the plates : especially the color , design , origin , and utilitarian purpose . Over the next several years they began studying Canton more in depth , learning everything about the forms , decoration , and history . Their ever-growing knowledge of the subject formed the solid foundation of their successful antiques business and of their skill as collectors .
During the late 18 th through the 19 th century when Canton ware was manufactured , it was relatively inexpensive and affordable , but also found favor with wealthy Americans like George Washington . To Western eyes , Canton decoration was both enticing and exotic , as it bore no resemblance to anything being manufactured in the States at the time . Canton ware captures the living spirit and symbolic meaning in the landscape design , offering both artist and viewer a connection with nature .
The Mellins have participated in some of the finest antiques shows in the country , including the Delaware Antiques Show , the Washington Antiques Show , the Philadelphia Antiques Show , and the Deerfield Antiques Show . They have enjoyed lecturing across the country , as well as providing educational guidance to museums on Canton ceramics .
In 2015 , they wrote the first book to deal solely with Canton , titled “ Canton : In Pursuit of the Best ”. This comprehensive , high quality , illustrated volume explains the reason behind the Canton decoration , defines Canton ’ s ninety-two forms , explains the dating process , various border details and styles of handles , and more .
The Mellins ’ Grandchildren Jack and Katie in Canton Fish Basin