PAST AUCTION
Pair of Tibetan Gilt Bronze Figures on Deer and Buffalo, 18th/19th c., Lot 6871808, (Estimate: $4,000-6,000),The Collection of James Greenfield: Editor, Journalist, Statesman, International Collector and Traveller, October 17–31, 2024
The Collection of James Greenfield: Editor, Journalist, Statesman, International Collector and Traveller
Presented by: Lark Mason Associates
Online Auction: October 17 – 31, 2024
Lark Mason Associates is pleased to offer the Estate of James Greenfield, a distinguished editor, journalist, statesman, and avid world collector. Greenfield, known for his urbane and well-traveled lifestyle, began his illustrious and multi-faceted career as a foreign correspondent for Time magazine, covering the Korean War in the 1950’s. His assignments led him to live in Hong Kong, India, Vietnam and Myanmar, sparking a lifelong fascination with Asia and its diverse cultures.
In 1967, Greenfield joined The New York Times, overseeing international coverage, including the Vietnam War. His contributions were crucial to the paper’s Pulitzer Prize-winning publication of the Pentagon Papers, a secret Defense Department report on American involvement in Vietnam.
During his extensive travels across Asia, Greenfield forged close relationships with antique dealers in Hanoi’s back alleys, Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road, the sprawling markets of Bangkok, and Cambodian’s flea markets. With a keen and discerning eye, he unearthed small unassuming objects that often turned out to be interesting treasures. Collecting became a lifelong passion, a pursuit that paralleled his career in journalism and public service, which included a pivotal role in the Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson Administrations as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs.
By the late 1970’s, while working in London as a correspondent for The New York Times, Greenfield’s passion for collecting expanded to English furniture, paintings and decorative objects discovered in Cotswold and Bath.
Upon returning to the United States, Greenfield continued his pursuit of art and antiques, frequenting regional auctions, tag sales, and small shops. His collection became a diverse showcase of Chinese ceramics, Southeast Asian bronzes, European bronze sculptures, and scientific instruments, many of which are available in this sale.
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