DECORATIVE ARTS & COLLECTABLES
Welcome to our latest International Decorative Arts & Collectables catalogue! Here are a few of our highlights so you’ll know what to expect as you leaf through the following pages.
The first day begins with what has become a tradition for us, a very fine range of items illustrating the art of silversmiths from around the world. Lot 6, a stunning antique Burmese betel leaf box, and Lot 14, a spectacular Chinese silver bowl with dragon handles, are great examples of the quality and diversity of material we are offering this time.
Ceramics and porcelain are very popular so we are delighted to have some lovely traditional pieces like Lot 125, a Moorcroft Pansy pattern ewer, as well as the quirky, Lot 132, a Hawaiian lady by the Italian studio Ronzan, with many other items in between. The Art Glass collectors amongst you will be delighted with the range of colours and craftsmanship you will find between Lots 176 and 304. We love the delicate Georgian wine glasses, Lots 176 and 177 just as much as the classical lines of BACCARAT French crystal champagne ice bucket, Lot 208. Lots 234 and 235 by Dino Rosin, are magnificent examples of his “torso” sculptures and Lot 244 is simply a stunning illustration of the colourful work of ALFREDO BARBINI with his glass cylindrical vase. Lot 269, a Canne and spiralli yellow cased Murano glass vase, by Alberto Dona, shows a completely different approach to colour, form and technique, while Lots 277 and 278, the creations of Afro Celotto, are different again. Many of these magnificent pieces have been adorning our window display and have certainly stopped a lot of people as they’ve walked past in recent weeks.
The lovely Art Deco statue of a lady, in bronze and carved ivory on black marble base by Dorothea Charol, Lot 352, is just one of a number of other beautiful and collectable pieces you will find in this first session, which then moves into the large section of Chinese and other Asian artworks. Lots 436 and 437, two superb porcelain vases, display the qualities that are so desirable in Chinese ceramics – the colours, the shapes, the sense of balance and serenity – and the two porcelain table panels, Lots 442 and 443, show how beautifully ceramics and delicate painting can combine in a sublime meeting which even includes poetry. Also attracting a lot of attention in our windows are Lots 543 to 548, a “family” of tall wooden and bronze statues of Guanyin, luohans and Buddha, all of which have come to us from the collection formed by Judith Heaven and her late husband, Barrie. Keeping them company are two monumental-sized floor vases, Lots 550 and 551. Together, they make a truly magnificent display.
Two of our favourite pieces of furniture in this auction are Lots 655 and 656, both by Gillows of Lancaster in England. The first, a beautiful burr walnut davenport is one of the finest we have seen, and the next lot, a lovely walnut hallstand was originally a fixture in the Gillows store in Oxford Street, London. Lot 669, the oak wall bracket featuring the horned head and face of Pan, is a wonderful piece of architectural carving.
Day Two kicks off with Clocks and Timepieces. Even if you’re not a collector, Lot 787, a mahogany longcase clock by Robert Smith of Upper Shadwell, London, won’t fail to impress. And Lot 814, a more modern Georgian-style longcase clock also has a fine mahogany case that would look wonderful in the right home.
The work of James Audubon is rarely seen in Australia, so we are particularly pleased that Lots 909 and 910 were consigned for sale. Audubon was the “John Gould” of North America, his artworks depicting the birdlife of that continent being particularly prized. These two, with impeccable provenance, created in 1837, were purchased directly from the artist in 1850 by the City of New York. Lot 953, a painting by the Indonesian artist, Jeihan Sukmantoro, is also work rarely seen in Australia which we have been enjoying during the weeks we have been writing this catalogue.
Lots 977 to 1026, a private collection from the Western District of Victoria, is a significant collection of tribal artifacts and artworks, mainly from Papua New Guinea. Remarkably, Lots 1027 to 1087, the Hillcoat Collection, beautifully complements and extends the offering. Together, they present a remarkable overview of the stunning diversity of the works created by the many tribes and cultures that occupy our closest neighbouring island. Two masks, Lots 1025 and 1048, illustrate this perfectly. We are sure you will enjoy viewing these pieces.
For something completely different, what about Lot 1210, an early automotive picnic set by “EDWARDS & SONS, REGENT STREET, LONDON”, or Lot 1239, a vintage point-of-sale illuminated advertisement for SANYO showing a bikini-clad “housewife” excited about her new vacuum cleaner? Lot 1281 is a superb fully fitted 19th century pattern maker’s toolchest; you will find a very good range of carpenter’s, surveyor’s and builder’s equipment also included in this catalogue. Lots 1335 (an English blunderbuss) and 1339 (an Omani dagger) are particularly fine examples of the artistry that is sometimes encountered in the creation of arms and armaments.
For book lovers and collectors, the release of the latest James Bond movie coincides with our offering you four first editions of Ian Fleming’s books on which the popular series is based. Lot 1399 includes “Thunderball” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” and all of them with original dust jackets! Lot 1403, a collection of seven novels based on the rollicking (and totally fictional) “Flashman Papers” is also unusual because of the presence of every dust jacket. While in the book department we must mention Lot 1402, a “little green book” of Chairman Mao’s wisdom – incredibly rare and with a fascinating story. And while we’re thinking about 20th Century icons, we can’t go past Lot 1448, a fabulous poster publicizing the original Batman TV series of the mid-1960s, or Lot 1451, a complete set of the 1966 Topps “Get Smart” collector cards. James Bond, you’ve got company!
Finally, on the theme of 20th century icons, what could be more appropriate than Lot 1495, an early version of Walt Disney’s iconic creation, Mickey Mouse? We hope you enjoy the rest of the toys, models, puzzles and games which make up the final section of this mammoth catalogue.
We look forward to hearing from you and, now that Covid-19 restrictions are somewhat relaxed here in Melbourne, we hope to see some of you viewing in person.
Good health and good luck with your bidding.
Contents
Session One (Lots 1 – 786)
Saturday 6th November 10.00am AEST
001-081 Silver
082-175 Porcelain & Ceramics
176-304 Glass
305-419 General
420-619 Chinese & Asian Art
620-769 Furniture
770-781 Lamps & Lighting
782-786 Rugs, Carpets & Textiles
Session Two (Lots 961 – 1564)
Sunday 7th November 10.00am AEST
787-828 Clocks & Timepieces
829-898 Jewellery, Watches & Luxury Accessories
899-960 Paintings & Artworks
Collectables
961-976 Antiquities
977-1099 Tribal Artefacts & Artworks
1100-1265 General Collectables
1266-1287 Vintage & Antique Tools
1288-1323 Oil Lamps
1324-1326 Musical Instruments
1327-1334 Radios and Gramophones
1335-1360 Military
1361-1365 Railways
1366-1421 Books & Ephemera
1422-1422 Posters
1423-1428 Postcards
1429-1432 Cigarette & Trade Cards (General)
1433-1440 Autographs
1441-1444 Music & Recordings
1445-1454 Movie Memorabilia
1455-1457 Cameras & Photographic Equipment
1458-1564 Models & Toys