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Collection of Hans Christian Andersen Materials to be Auctioned at Bonhams April 21-29

Hans Cropped
A once-in-a-generation collection of materials related to Hans Christian Andersen—the Danish author renowned for his timeless fairy tales that have shaped literary history and inspired cultural phenomena across generations—will be offered at Bonhams in an online sale April 21 – 29. Regarded as the most significant Hans Christian Andersen offering in the past 40 years, this extraordinary collection embodies a remarkable legacy and extends a rare opportunity to connect with Andersen’s enduring magic.
ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR FOR ANDERSEN'S SNOW QUEEN. LEFLER, HEINRICH. 1863-1919. Original watercolor for "The Snow Queen" ["Die Schneekönigin"] for the 1911 Andersen-Kalender Zwölf Märchen,
ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR FOR ANDERSEN’S SNOW QUEEN.
LEFLER, HEINRICH. 1863-1919.
Original watercolor for “The Snow Queen” [“Die Schneekönigin”] for the 1911 Andersen-Kalender Zwölf Märchen,
Comprised of 90 lots, including inscribed first edition books, original watercolors, and letters, highlights in the sale include:

 

  • The scarce first collected edition of The Fairy Tales, which notably contains the first publications of “The Princess and the Pea,” “Thumbelina,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Estimated between $10,000 – 15,000.

 

  • HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN HAND-DECORATED DOLL HOUSE FURNITURE.Miniature chest and wardrobe, black painted wood decorated with gilt lacquer cut-outs featuring fantastical motifs by Hans Christian Andersen for his god-children in the family of Jonna Stampe (nee Drewsen), the eldest grand-daughter of his benefactor Jonas Collin
    HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN HAND-DECORATED DOLL HOUSE FURNITURE.
    Miniature chest and wardrobe, black painted wood decorated with gilt lacquer cut-outs featuring fantastical motifs by Hans Christian Andersen for his god-children

    Hans Christian Andersen Hand-Decorated Doll House Furniture, which the renowned author made and decorated with fantastical cut-outs for his godchildren. Estimated between $12,000 – 18,000.

This remarkable selection originates from the private collection of Justin G. Schiller, a distinguished American bookseller renowned for his expertise in rare and collectible children’s books.