From The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither, US Navy 1959-1982. With a sense of duty for his country Mike joined the US Navy in 1959 the idea was to see the world and obtain an education that would propel his future. The opportunity to become part of the submarine fleet was compelling and once involved it became his career path of choice. In 1964 he married his lifelong partner Annie Nix. And to this day they are still happily married. While in the Navy he specialized in communication and electronic repair and was able to obtain the rank of Radioman Chief Petty Officer during his time in the service he supervised crews of up to 25 in high speed communications, repair and records and Department Chief coordinating 8 repair divisions. Analyzing commands to discover systemic difficulties and training to resolve difficulties. Additional fields include intercultural and race relations, Drug and Alcohol training. With a long career in the Navy his desire to visit many foreign countries was fulfilled. His desire to be a leader in the open markets directed his path into the pastoral leadership where he was able to train and work with people in Italy Guam Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands, Republic of Palau, with visits to such countries Germany, and Asian Countries. With the opportunity to be in such places also provided the knowledge and ability to obtain collectables from the area. Reaching a point where one feels that it is time to downsize and realign their assets this has opened the door for others to add these items into their private collection. The quality is exceptional, pristine and highly sought after. The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither presented and offered up to auctions from Lot-140 through Lot-153, continued from Lot-268 through Lot-324, continued from Lot-415 through Lot-429, and Lot-439.
An important moon flask vase. Its shape means ?embracing the moon? and consists of a circular flattened body signifying the moon, a flat base, cylindrical neck and 2 applied handles which arch gracefully, descend on either side to create an ?embrace? between neck and body and terminate into a pair of ruyi. The unusual neck is composed of 2 parts ? a small tubular neck which is topped by a ?garlic bulb? or ?garlic mouth. In some dialects, the sounds for ?carp? and ?perch? sound the same as ?incorruptible?. Imperial symbols of a 5-toed dragon and a phoenix in cobalt blue on a fine white ground playing among the clouds and flaming pearls are featured on each flat side. A composite scrolling floral decorates the bulb, neck, curving sides and base. In Feng Shui, both dragon and phoenix are considered a perfect couple who will remain together throughout their lives and whose love and passion will surmount all obstacles. The symbolism of this pair is ensures the double blessings of patriarchal and matriarchal good fortune and great achievements. Multiple clouds are emblematic of continuous fortune and represent the heavens as well. The Flaming Pearl serves as a metaphor for perfection and wisdom. The flames add mystical powers and represent pure intentions and riches, emphasizing the marital bond. The handles embracing the body?s sides reinforce the love of both people. The heart shape of the ruyi ends adds another wish for the couple?s love to last their lifetimes as they work toward perfection with pure intentions. The vase rests on an exquisitely carved and fitted Hongmu stand which is decorated with an inlaid gilt cloud and thunder pattern echoing the wish for abundance of rain from the clouds above. Qianlong six characters reign mark, Qing Dynasty