This lively West African folk scene shows a large elephant facing a tortoise dressed in a patterned cap and vest, who carries a basket brimming with eggs as one rolls away on the path between them. The tortoise is a beloved trickster in West African storytelling, and the scene has the feel of an illustrated fable. Behind them, a village of thatched-roof huts sits beyond a stand of bare trees. The work is drawn in fine pen and ink with intricate decorative patterning, especially in the elephant's ears and headdress and the tortoise's shell. It is set against sprayed washes of vivid magenta, chartreuse, and orange, with chalky pastel accents. It is presented under glass in a gilt frame with an elaborate layered mat: plum suede mats, floral-patterned fabric fillets, and a gold cord fillet. It's a colorful, storytelling piece of contemporary African art; please see photos for condition. Framed size: 27" x 32" (frame dimensions).
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Pieces from the collection, photographed in the Ross home
Burgess Auctions is pleased to present the Catherine Ross Trust, an exceptional collection of art, sculpture, decorative objects and fine furnishings. It was gathered over decades and displayed throughout the Ross family's approximately 11,000-square-foot Northside Indianapolis residence.
Catherine Ross was an educator, interior designer, businesswoman and civic leader whose eye for design is evident throughout this diverse collection. Together with her husband, noted Indianapolis cardiologist Dr. Edward Ross, she assembled an eclectic group of objects reflecting a lifetime of travel, collecting and appreciation for art, culture and design.
What you'll find
Chinese and Japanese decorative arts. Cloisonné, famille verte and famille rose porcelain, hardstone carvings, blanc de chine figures, Rose Medallion and Asian carved furniture.
Fine art and woodblock prints. Woodblock prints by Utagawa Kunisada, Yōshū Chikanobu and Hasegawa Sadanobu III, with works by Itzchak Tarkay, Alexandra Nechita, Michael Godard, Bev Doolittle, Frank McCarthy, Jim Abeita and others.
Jazz Age and Black history. Josephine Baker and Jazz Age posters, a sculptural bust of Ira Aldridge as Othello, and a collection of African American cabinet cards and photographs.
Sculpture. Randy Cooper's Diana, limited-edition bronzes by Mary and Jacques Regat, Western bronzes after Frederic Remington, Cortese Capodimonte porcelain, and African and Asian figures.
Furnishings and more. Drexel Heritage and other fine furniture, Persian and Asian-style rugs, art glass, porcelain, books, medical collectibles and travel-related objects from around the world.
A few highlights
This is not simply the contents of a house. It is a collection assembled over a lifetime: objects chosen to be lived with, displayed and enjoyed. On October 4, that private collection will be offered to the public.
Browse the Catalog & Bid
Bid in person at the gallery or online from anywhere.
Terms
Buyer's premium is 15% for onsite bidders and 20% for online bidders.
Save 3% when you pay cash, plus another 1% when you pay within 24 hours of invoicing.
7% Indiana sales tax applies unless a valid exemption is on file.
Pickup is at the Knightstown gallery: Monday, October 5, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Tuesday, October 6, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Questions? Call 765-445-7814.
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Honoring Legacies, Delivering Value.
TERMS & CONDITIONSCatherine Ross Trust Auction (Auction 48310)Live & Online Public Auction - Sunday, October 4, 2026 - 12:00 NoonBurgess Auctions Gallery, 45 W. Carey Street, Knightstown, IN 46148BUYER'S PREMIUMA buyer's premium is added to the hammer price of every lot:- 15% for bidders registered and bidding in person at the gallery.- 20% for bidders using online platforms. This premium includes online bidding and card-processing costs.PAYMENT DISCOUNTS- Save 3% on invoices paid in cash.- Save an additional 1% on invoices paid in full within 24 hours of invoice issuance.The two discounts can be combined.SALES TAXIndiana sales tax of 7% is charged unless a valid, completed Indiana resale or exemption certificate is on file with Burgess Auctions before invoicing.PAYMENTInvoices can be paid online through your Burgess Auctions bidder account, or by phone at 765-445-7814. Cash is accepted in person at the gallery. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. We do not accept American Express. Payment in full is due by [PAYMENT DEADLINE]. Buyers bidding through third-party platforms pay according to that platform's payment terms. Unpaid invoices may be charged to the card on file, and the lots may be resold. Buyers who fail to pay may be barred from future Burgess Auctions sales.SELLING WITHOUT RESERVELots sell to the highest bidder regardless of price, subject to the opening bid set for each lot.CONDITION: AS-IS, WHERE-ISAll lots are sold as-is, where-is, with no warranties or guarantees of any kind, expressed or implied. Descriptions, dimensions, dates, attributions, marks, and editions are provided in good faith as a guide and are not warranties. Terms such as "after," "style," "in the manner of," and "mark" mean exactly that. They are not statements of authorship, period, or origin.YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INSPECTBidders are responsible for satisfying themselves as to condition and authenticity before bidding. Inspect in person at the preview (Friday, October 2, 10 AM - 5 PM) or request a condition report before the sale. Absence of a condition note does not mean a lot is free of wear, restoration, or damage.BIDDINGThe auctioneer controls the bidding increments and has sole discretion to settle any bidding dispute. The auctioneer may reopen or re-offer a lot, withdraw a lot, or group or divide lots. Burgess Auctions is not responsible for failed internet connections, platform errors, or missed online or absentee bids. Onsite and online bids are accepted in real time, and the auctioneer's decision is final.PICKUP & REMOVALPickup is Monday, October 5, 9 AM - 5 PM, or by appointment, at the Burgess Auctions Gallery, 45 W. Carey Street, Knightstown. To schedule an appointment, call 765-445-7814. All items must be picked up by Sunday, October 11. Buyers are responsible for bringing their own help, packing materials, and a suitable vehicle, especially for furniture and large items. Burgess Auctions staff may assist as a courtesy but are not responsible for loading or for damage after the sale. Items not picked up by October 11 are considered abandoned and may be resold or disposed of without refund.SHIPPINGBurgess Auctions uses Shipping Saint for all shipping.1. Pay your auction invoice first. Only paid invoices are released for shipping.2. Shipping Saint picks up paid orders from our gallery every Wednesday. Invoices paid after a Wednesday pickup go out the following Wednesday.3. Once Shipping Saint packs your items, you will receive a separate shipping invoice from Shipping Saint. Shipping charges are billed and paid directly to Shipping Saint, not to Burgess Auctions.4. White-glove service is available for furniture, rugs, large sculpture, and other oversized pieces.Burgess Auctions is not responsible for items once they are in Shipping Saint's possession. Please direct shipping questions about packed orders to Shipping Saint.TITLE & RISKTitle and risk of loss pass to the buyer at the fall of the hammer. Items remain the buyer's responsibility from that point, including while awaiting pickup.ANNOUNCEMENTSAnnouncements made on sale day take precedence over printed or online materials.GOVERNING LAWThese terms are governed by the laws of the State of Indiana. By registering to bid, you agree to these terms.Burgess Auctions LLC - Indiana Auctioneer License AU19600029 - 765-445-7814
Monday October 5 9:00-5:00
Randy Cooper, Diana, wire-mesh shadow sculpture 
After Frederic Remington, The Buffalo Signal 
Utagawa Kunisada, complete woodblock triptych 
Pair of Chinese gilt-ground cloisonné vases 
Josephine at Bobino, 1975 Paris poster