The much anticipated auction of the Chinese blue and white flask uncovered by Sheppards at a charity valuation in Blarney Castle in September takes place in Durrow on November 7. Lot 134 is described as a rare and important Chinese blue and white flask. This particular type of moon flask is also known as a bianhu or pot. The flask is unglazed and a central raised roundel depicts an arabesque Islamic star with flower head. There is leaf scroll and flower head decoration and a painted outer border in cobalt blue. From a private collection in Co. Cork it is estimated at a whopping 80,000-120,000. Unusually there will be no internet bidding on this lot, meaning that international buyers will have to travel to Durrow for the auction.
Brimful of interest the auction of Masterworks is on view in Durrow from November 2. It is a small well chosen sale spanning centuries of artistic excellence. The catalogue lists just 148 lots. Among them are an interesting pair of covered Cork glass cassoulets and a pair of Dublin hide upholstered antique armchairs. An 18th century carved Chippendale overnmantle mirror with serpentine plate below a pagoda pediment is estimated at 4,000-6,000.Other lots include a 19th century Sevres clock garniture, Chinese porcelain, a pair of 19th century satinwood and painted Dublin pier tables, jewellery and wine in original boxes including a case of 12 bottles of 2005 Chateau Margaux estimated at 6,000-9,000. A large William IV circular dining table is estimated at 14,000-18,000 and a Killarney wood work table is estimated at 8,000-12,000. Among the art lots is Soleil en Foret by Roderic O’Conor estimated at 65,000-85,000 and an antique Flemish tapestry.
