Treasures Show and Sale	Print Issue
October 14, 2008, Volume 55, No. 8

Victorian butterfly, from English antiques dealer Sue Brown.

Treasures Show & Sale, Philadelphia’s premier exotic shopping and collecting exposition of antiques, fine arts, jewelry and textiles from world cultures, returns to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum) for its fourth annual presentation on October 24-26, 2008. A major benefit event for the Penn Museum, Treasures 2008 opens with an elegant “reservations suggested” Preview Party on Thursday evening, October 23 for sponsors, benefactors and patrons, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Treasures Show & Sale takes place at the Penn Museum. Tickets can be purchased at the door and online. Tickets, information and reservations at www.museum.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-9213.

Treasures Show & Sale opens to the public at 11 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 24-26, closing at 6 p.m. on Friday, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, and at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

General admission: $15, includes Show catalogue, unlimited re-entry to Treasures  and to the Museum during the three-day show; $12 for Penn Museum members, Penn faculty, staff, alumni and WHYY members; $10 for students. Call for group rates and to arrange private group events: (215) 898-9213. See www.museum.upenn.edu.

Gold and precious stone frog, from English antiques dealer Sue Brown.	Wooden Ram’s Head from Ivory Coast, from the Silk Tent (PA).	Antique fruitwood demi-table from David N. Salkin Antiques of Philadelphia.	Shahsevan Bagface (detail) mid-19th century northwest Persian carpet from Gallery 51, Philadelphia.

Treasures 2008 will feature dealers offering “timeless treasures” for purchase—fabulous and fascinating antique and decorative objects, textiles and wearable art from artistic traditions of Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. Beautiful and unusual artworks, jewelry, clothing, carpets, furniture, sculptures, ceramics, and woven goods will be for sale in the Museum’s Asian and Egyptian galleries.

Turkish ceramic vase from Iznik Classics

Treasures provides show-goers with the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind 18th-21st century pieces from around the world—antique and unique “discoveries” to enjoy for generations. These vetted antiques and artworks reflect traditions of the countries in which the Penn Museum has conducted research for more than 100 years. Treasures Show & Sale is presented and produced by The Women’s Committee to benefit the Museum’s educational and outreach programs. Co-chairs of Treasures 2008 are Joanne H. Conrad and Helen S. Weary.

Antique Japanese lion dancer from Alan Scott Pate.

Experienced and new collectors, interior designers, home furnishers, clothing visionaries and style-setters are attracted annually to the variety of worldly goods available in a wide range of prices. “This is the place to ‘shop the world,’ have a wonderful experience, and benefit the Penn Museum,” says Susan W. Catherwood, founding chair of Treasures.

Insights for Collectors: two illustrated talks will be presented on Saturday, October 25. Both programs are free with Treasures admission.

2-3 p.m., Collecting, Preserving and Presenting: Building a Personal African Art Collection, presented by Herman Bigham & Associates, Philadelphia, preservers and presenters of African Traditional Art; participants are invited to bring photos of artwork for review.

5-6 p.m., Tribal Weavings: Symbolism and Meaning: Through the Eyes of the Creators, presented by Peter Davies, owner/director of Turkana Gallery, NYC; lecturer, curator, and author of Antique Kilims of Anatolia; sponsored by the Philadelphia Rug and Textile Society.

The popular Blooming Treasures, creative floral arrangements in the galleries, are once again coordinated by Mary Jo Strawbridge. This year’s arrangements are provided by Ikebana International of Philadelphia and feature the Ikenobo School, Ichiyo School, Ohara School, and Sogetsu School. Ikebana, the traditional art of Japanese flower arranging, follows ancient rules and forms. The arrangements are for enjoyment and are never judged.

An International Café/Bar and the Museum Shops will be open throughout the Treasures Show & Sale.

Amber and coral with coins from Berber, from Singkiang.	Silver gilt Bukharan necklace with inlaid turquoise, garnet and coral from 19th century Uzbekistan, from Singkiang.