- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 36:
Description
Collection of six assorted animal and sea life figurines from the desk of author Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006). The group includes a carved okimono-style figurine depicting five turtles on a woven basket, featuring a small rectangular inset signature plaque on the base with two incised characters in Japanese script. A carved shark figurine with black bead eyes is mounted to a separate carved base. A carved stone figurine of an owl is marked on the underside with the initials PB in blue ink. The set further includes a cast metal fish with a turquoise-colored inlay eye, a stylized yellow carved turtle figurine, and a natural stone painted with an orca motif. Tallest: 3 1/4" H.
Many of the objects in this section came home from the Benchleys’ dive trips and writing assignments around the world: Tahiti, Komodo, Kenya and South Africa among them, and above all the 1987 National Geographic expedition to Papua New Guinea that produced Peter’s feature “Ghosts of War in the South Pacific.” These items were bought because they were intriguing to Peter and they lived on the shelves of his office for decades.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund.
Condition report:
The collection is in good condition overall, consistent with age and use as desk ornaments. The owl figurine displays some yellowed residue in the recessed eye sockets. The metal fish has a naturally aged dark patina. The painted stone shows minor surface wear to the black pigment.
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