A micro mosaic specimen marble table top, a Donegal carpet, antique furniture, Cork silver and 70 lots of books from the library of late Kanturk solicitor Gerard O’Keeffe are among the 248 lots at Sheppards sale in Durrow on November 8. The Masterworks auction features an exceptional collection from Irish country houses with everything from a Qing Dynasty Imperial green jade seal to a rare early 18th century Irish marquetry side cabinet. Books of Irish, Cork, legal and literary interest are included in the O’Keeffe library. Among the first editions are works by John McGahern, Lady Wilde, Brendan Behan, Truman Capote, Arthur Griffith, Samuel Beckett, John B. Keane, Roddy Doyle, Norman Mailer and Patrick Kavanagh.
Furniture lots of note include a Louis XV commode, a Chinese Chippendale side table, a pair of 18th century Chinese lacquered bureau cabinets, a pair of 19th cnetury carved giltwood console tables and avset of six George II dining chairs. There are three large hall lanterns, art, jewellery, fine wines and collectibles. The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection: