THE OCEANIC ARTS: VINTAGE TIKI COLLECTION AUCTION

Auction Details

Since 1956, one company has been at the epicenter of the mid-century, pop-culture, stylistic phenomenon known as TIKI. If POLYNESIAN GODS, EXOTICA MUSIC, HAWAIIAN HULA GIRLS and TROPICAL COCKTAILS are the lifeblood of the American Tiki movement, OCEANIC ARTS has been its beating heart. With a dream and a handshake, Robert Van Oosting and LeRoy Schmaltz embarked on an extraordinary journey that even they had no idea would go on to influence style around the world and yes, even the finest in American kitsch. From TRADER VICS and DON THE BEACHCOMBER to SEA WORLD and DISNEYLAND, Oceanic Arts has been supplying a tropical backdrop for fantasy and fun. Their hand-made décor has graced the finest restaurants and hotels of the world, as well as the dingiest dives; Glorious theme parks from California to Florida to the cheesiest roadside miniature golf courses. Countless backyard luaus and home tiki bars have been enriched with their wonderful art. No job was too big or too small for this Whittier, California manufacturer. Modestly, they’ve done it all.

Upon the occasion of Bob and LeRoy’s retirement and for the first time in their 65-year history, artifacts which make up the very soul of OCEANIC ARTS are available for purchase.

This includes Warehouse Showroom Samples, Master Pattern Carvings, Rental Department Inventory and rare ephemera from their vast Archives Library. For decades, collectors and general Tiki enthusiasts have been met with the dreaded NOT FOR SALE tags all over the OA Warehouse. Today, those tags have been set aside.

Now, PEEKABOO GALLERY is proud to offer the greatest collection of Mid-Century Commercial Polynesian-Pop artifacts ever to come on the market: THE OCEANIC ARTS VINTAGE TIKI COLLECTION!

Here is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, direct from the original source. POLYNESIAN LAMPS, PAINTINGS, CONCEPT ART, VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS, EPHEMERA, DISNEY THEME PARK RARITIES, TIKI MUGS, HAWAIIAN CLOTHING and rare, one-of-a-kind TIKI CARVINGS are all on offer. This is undoubtedly, the largest intact vintage Tiki collection to ever come to the market and frankly, most probably ever will.

Join us as we bid farewell to Bob and LeRoy and wish them, ALOHA, OA!
PLEASE FOLLOW THE SCROLL and BID BUTTON FOR THE MOST ACCURATE BIDDING STATUS. THE LIVE CAMERA/SOUND MAY LAG.

Buyers premium is 23%

PLEASE BE AWARE OF SIZING ON ITEMS. Note the dimensions in the descriptions for items that may be oversized. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. All items are to be paid for BEFORE shipping can be arranged. Shipping estimates can be provided by our third-party shipping partners. Note lot numbers of inquiry to give to shipping partners.
Choose Your Layout > Switch to Grid View Switch to List View
SET OF FOUR (4) CUSTOM LAMP CONCEPT DESIGN SKETCHES FOR THE TONGA ROOM321 - SET OF FOUR (4) CUSTOM LAMP CONCEPT DESIGN SKETCHES FOR THE TONGA ROOM
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) A rare glimpse into the lamp making process at OA. This set of four renderings attest to OA's attention to customized detail. These lamp...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold for (1,300.00 + 299.00BP) = 1,599.00
 
Details...Bookmark
CARVED ARCHITECTURAL OUTRIGGER BEAM DESIGN DRAWINGS FOR THE TONGA ROOM322 - CARVED ARCHITECTURAL OUTRIGGER BEAM DESIGN DRAWINGS FOR THE TONGA ROOM
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) Gorgeous, large LeRoy concept study sketches for structural beam heads at The Tonga Room. Conte on vellum. Signed by LeRoy Schmaltz.18"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold for (400.00 + 92.00BP) = 492.00
 
Details...Bookmark
OCEANIC ARTS ORIGINAL TIKI CONCEPT DESIGN DRAWING FOR DON THE BEACHCOMBER CHICAGO323 - OCEANIC ARTS ORIGINAL TIKI CONCEPT DESIGN DRAWING FOR DON THE BEACHCOMBER CHICAGO
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) A variation on catalog OA figural poles, custom designed for the late 1960s remodel of Don the Beachcomber in Chicago. Ink on paper.17"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold for (500.00 + 115.00BP) = 615.00
 
Details...Bookmark
SET OF ITEMS FROM THE LAHAINA ROOM AT THE OCOTILLO LODGE - PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA324 - SET OF ITEMS FROM THE LAHAINA ROOM AT THE OCOTILLO LODGE - PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) Here is a very rare peek into the design and installation process with OA on a remote job. In this case, the famed OCOTILLO LODGE in Palm Spri
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold for (525.00 + 105.00BP) = 630.00
 
Details...Bookmark
TUR MAI KAI - KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN GIANT POSTCARD325 - TUR MAI KAI - KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN GIANT POSTCARD
Peekaboo Gallery
(1970) A rare large format holiday greeting postcard sent to LeRoy from the children of the Lum family, whom with he lodged during his month-long inst
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 40.00 - 60.00
Sold for (120.00 + 27.60BP) = 147.60
 
Details...Bookmark
TUR MAI KAI "FOYER" MASTER DESIGN DRAWING A326 - TUR MAI KAI "FOYER" MASTER DESIGN DRAWING A
Peekaboo Gallery
(1969) A colorful concept rendering of a foyer at the famed, TUR MAI KAI in Kalamazoo, Michigan. OA outfitted this job inside and out. LeRoy spent a m
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold for (400.00 + 92.00BP) = 492.00
 
Details...Bookmark
TUR MAI KAI "FOYER" MASTER DESIGN DRAWING B327 - TUR MAI KAI "FOYER" MASTER DESIGN DRAWING B
Peekaboo Gallery
(1969) *see above12"x18"VG+ with light wear
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold for (375.00 + 86.25BP) = 461.25
 
Details...Bookmark
SET OF FIVE (5) TUR MAI KAI MASTER DESIGN DRAWINGS328 - SET OF FIVE (5) TUR MAI KAI MASTER DESIGN DRAWINGS
Peekaboo Gallery
(1969) A highly detailed set of original sketches of exterior and interior elevations for the OA build out of the TUR MAI KAI. Everything from buildin
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold for (375.00 + 86.25BP) = 461.25
 
Details...Bookmark
SET OF SKETCHES AND BLUEPRINT PLANS OF THE FAMOUR TUR MAI KAI RESTAURANT329 - SET OF SKETCHES AND BLUEPRINT PLANS OF THE FAMOUR TUR MAI KAI RESTAURANT
Peekaboo Gallery
(1969) Another set of blueprints and drawings from the Tur Mai Kai build out. Mixed media. Sixteen (16) blueprints and Two (2) sketches. Signature by
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold for (250.00 + 57.50BP) = 307.50
 
Details...Bookmark
SET OF FOUR (4) 4 B&W INSTALLATION PHOTOS OF "THE TROPICS" - PALM SPRINGS, CA330 - SET OF FOUR (4) 4 B&W INSTALLATION PHOTOS OF "THE TROPICS" - PALM SPRINGS, CA
Peekaboo Gallery
(1963) Rare set of four photos of The Tropics - Palm Springs. Featured are Ed Crissman tikis, OA masks and a Featherock Moai, some of which are still
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold for (275.00 + 55.00BP) = 330.00
 
Details...Bookmark
SET OF FIVE (5) PROMOTIONAL BROCHURES AND POSTCARDS FOR THE TROPICS HOTEL - PALM SPRINGS, CA331 - SET OF FIVE (5) PROMOTIONAL BROCHURES AND POSTCARDS FOR THE TROPICS HOTEL - PALM SPRINGS, CA
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) A nice collection of promotional brochures and postcards for Ken Kimes' Tropics Hotels loactiosn across California. One was used by LeRo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold for (325.00 + 65.00BP) = 390.00
 
Details...Bookmark
BLUEPRINT FOR THE TROPICS HOTEL PALM SPRINGS332 - BLUEPRINT FOR THE TROPICS HOTEL PALM SPRINGS
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) A blueprint for the marquee signage of the Palm Springs THE TROPICS when it was sold and branded as a Best Western property. OA created new si
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold for (450.00 + 90.00BP) = 540.00
 
Details...Bookmark
SET OF 4 COLOR AND B&W PHOTOS OF THE INSTALLATION AT "THE TROPICS" - PALM SPRINGS, CA333 - SET OF 4 COLOR AND B&W PHOTOS OF THE INSTALLATION AT "THE TROPICS" - PALM SPRINGS, CA
Peekaboo Gallery
(1963) Rare set of four photos of The Tropics - Palm Springs. Featured are Ed Crissman tikis on the property.3.5"X3.5" to 3.75"x3.75&...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold for (250.00 + 50.00BP) = 300.00
 
Details...Bookmark
ARMET & DAVIS LETTER TO SCHMALTZ & VAN OOSTING SIGNED BY LOUIS ARMET334 - ARMET & DAVIS LETTER TO SCHMALTZ & VAN OOSTING SIGNED BY LOUIS ARMET
Peekaboo Gallery
(1961) A very interesting correspondence letter from Louis Armet (Armet & Davis) to Schmaltz & Van Oosting regarding work quotes on carvings...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold for (100.00 + 23.00BP) = 123.00
 
Details...Bookmark
SET OF TWO (2) BROWNLINE PLANS FOR THE ENTRANCE PORTICO AND FLOOR PLAN - KONA KAI PHILADELPHIA , PA335 - SET OF TWO (2) BROWNLINE PLANS FOR THE ENTRANCE PORTICO AND FLOOR PLAN - KONA KAI PHILADELPHIA , PA
Peekaboo Gallery
(1961) Brownlines with one featuring the famous George Nakashima designed Frigate Bird that sat atop the A-Frame lintel entrance to the Philadelphia K
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold for (500.00 + 115.00BP) = 615.00
 
Details...Bookmark
MOUNTED COLOR INTERIOR PHOTO OF THE BORA BORA in ENCINO, CA336 - MOUNTED COLOR INTERIOR PHOTO OF THE BORA BORA in ENCINO, CA
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) This outstanding color photo features one of the most gorgeous build outs of a Polynesian restaurant interior by Oceanic Arts. A professional
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold for (210.00 + 48.30BP) = 258.30
 
Details...Bookmark
MOUNTED COLOR INTERIOR PHOTO OF THE BORA BORA in ENCINO, CA337 - MOUNTED COLOR INTERIOR PHOTO OF THE BORA BORA in ENCINO, CA
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) This outstanding color photo features one of the most gorgeous build outs of a Polynesian restaurant interior by Oceanic Arts. A professional
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold for (270.00 + 62.10BP) = 332.10
 
Details...Bookmark
SET OF THREE (3) BLUEPRINT PLANS FOR THE KONA TIKI RESTAURANT, AMERICANA HOTEL - NEW YORK, NY338 - SET OF THREE (3) BLUEPRINT PLANS FOR THE KONA TIKI RESTAURANT, AMERICANA HOTEL - NEW YORK, NY
Peekaboo Gallery
(1977) An astonishingly late period, somewhat full-bore Poly-Pop build out for the ill-fated KONA TIKI Restaurant. This was a job OA did with designer
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold for (225.00 + 51.75BP) = 276.75
 
Details...Bookmark
ORIGINAL SIGNAGE CONCEPT ARTWORK FOR TOMMY WONG'S "THE ISLANDS" - PHOENIX, ARIZONA339 - ORIGINAL SIGNAGE CONCEPT ARTWORK FOR TOMMY WONG'S "THE ISLANDS" - PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Peekaboo Gallery
(1970s) This original concept sketch was created by LeRoy Schmaltz for Tommy Wong upon his purchase of The Islands restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona. To
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 225.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
TROPICAL SOUTH SEAS DINING ROOM BROWNLINE340 - TROPICAL SOUTH SEAS DINING ROOM BROWNLINE
Peekaboo Gallery
(1960s) A brownline for a tropical-moderne themed commercial interior dining area. Design by Robert Farthing (signed in ink)19"x23.75"VG+ ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Quantity : 1 | Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark