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Exceptional 18th Century Chinese Vases at Christie’s

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

: 18th century Daoist vases at Christie’s. (Click on image to enlarge). Copyright Christie’s Images. UPDATE: THE SELLING PRICE FOR THESE WAS

THIS set of four 18th century Chinese porcelain vases, mounted in the early 19th century with French ormolu, feature at Christie’s on July 7. Over four feet tall they were acquired by either the 3rd Duchess of Buccleuch or her grandson, the 5th Duke. The only known parallels in form, scale, magnificence and style are the vases acquired around the same time by the Prince Regent, later George IV, now at Buckingham Palace, London. The ‘Daoist vases’ are an example of the Chinese taste for auspicious imagery. The presence of numerous bats in flight conveys happiness and prosperity – bats being a homophone in Chinese for a word meaning ‘happiness’, whilst the Eight Buddhist and Daoist Emblems, which take a central importance on these vases, are believed to bring blessings and harmony. The vases are expected to realise between £600,000 and £1 million.

They form part of the Exceptional Sale. This comprises just 52 works and is expected to realise £18 million.

UPDATE: THE SALE REALISED £28,781,000. The four vases were bought by US casino owner Steve Wynn for his Macau Resort Hotel.

: This silver chandelier is a masterpiece of Palladian design. (Click on image to enlarge). Copyright, Christie’s Images. UPDATE: THIS MADE

The Givenchy Royal Hanover Chandelier is a masterpiece of 18th century Palladian design. The German silver eight-light chandelier was conceived by the celebrated architect and designer William Kent for King George II of Great Britain as Elector of Hanover (r.1727-1760). Kent’s inspired design was realised by the Hanover court goldsmith Balthasar Friedrich Behrens and was delivered to the Hanover palace on September 13, 1736. It later graced Windsor Castle and was most recently sold from the collection of the renowned designer Hubert de Givenchy in Christie’s Monaco in 1994. The estimate is £2.6 million to £3.6 million.

Robert Copley, international head of furniture and decorative art at Christie’s said: “For The Exceptional Sale 2011 we have extended the parameters to include pieces from all of the decorative arts which will give the market the opportunity to bid for some of the rarest and finest works of art to come to auction, many of which are offered for the first time.”

Tags: Christie's, Decorative Arts
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BOER WAR BEDSPREAD AT MEALY’S ON JULY 5

Monday, June 27th, 2011

A Boer War bedspread, profusely decorated with devices, monograms, initials and assorted decorations. (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 550

THIS Boer War bedspread, which features at Mealy’s on July 5, was reputedly rescued from the sinking Lusitania off the coast of Cork in 1915. It is lot number 211 at Mealy’s two day summer fine and decorative art sale in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny on July 5 and 6. There are 1,200 lots on offer.

Such quilts were common at the turn of the 20th century. They usually bore the name of the woman or women who created them, the soldiers name or initials and other decoration. They often included symbols that were difficult to decipher.

This c1900 quilt bears the names and initials of both men and women. The name Roberts, sewn on the middle left, is believed to be Field Marshall Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, a distinguished Indian born British peer, who was Anglo Irish.

According to the catalogue notes this suggests that the quilt commemorates soldiers who sailed to the Cape on the RMS Dunottar Castle, which carried Earl Roberts. It is estimated at 600-900.

The catalogue for the sale is on-line. It includes decorative art, furniture, carpets, textiles, paintings, light fittings, garden furniture, bronzes, musical instruments, clocks, silver, wine, glass, militaria and firearms.

UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 550

Tags: auctions, mealy's
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CONTENTS FROM THE KELLY COLLECTION AT 24 FITZWILLIAM SQUARE, DUBLIN

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

The James Adam auction of the Kelly Collection brought in over half a million euro on June 21. The sale of contents from the elegant interior of a stately Georgian home at 24 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin, attracted large numbers of buyers. There was some disappointment when the top lots failed to sell in these recessionary times but buyers were out in force for some of the less expensively estimated lots. The contents were on view at Fitzwilliam Square, the sale took place at the James Adam salesroom on St. Stephen’s Green.

There were posts about the sale on antiquesandartireland.com on June 7 and June 17. Here is a selection of some lots which were sold, (click on any image to enlarge it):

This George III breakfront sideboard, possibly Irish, made 4,600.

One of a pair of Louis XVI painted fauteuils, attributed to G.W. Gourdin and upholstered in blue silk, which made 16,500.

A LATE 18th CENTURY FRENCH FRUITWOOD SECRETAIRE À ABBATANT made 2,600.

A George III inlaid serpentine serving table made 4,000.

A pair of French ormolu cylindrical hall lanters in the Louis XVI style made 7,000.

One of a set of four Regency dining chairs which sold for 1,500.

A George III fruitwood chest sold for 2,800.

A Georgian style chandelier made 3,400.

This George III Pembroke table made 2,600.

One of a pair of Napoleon III giltwood console tables in the Louis XV style which made 6,000.

Tags: dublin, james adam
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CORK SILVER PEPPER POT MADE £5,040 AT BONHAMS

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Irish silver at Bonhams.

A George I/II Irish Provincial silver kitchen pepper pot (lot number 242 in the photograph) by William Newenham, Cork, circa 1720’s, sold for £5,040 inclusive of buyer’s premium at Bonham’s in London on June 22.

Lot number 241, a George III Irish silver sauce-boat, by Matthew West, Dublin, circa 1775, made £1,440. Lot 243, a George I Irish silver bowl, by Henry Daniell, Dublin 1719, was unsold. Lot 244, an 18th century Irish Provincial silver cream jug, sponsor’s mark over-striking another, only part of sponsor marks visible; a script “W” possibly for William Reynolds of Cork, also stamped “Sterling”, circa 1750, made £2,640.

An 18th century Irish Provincial silver hook-end ladle, by Stephen Walsh, stamped twice Walsh and Sterling, Cork, circa 1760 made £2,640; a George III Irish Provincial silver Old English pattern ladle, by Thomas Burke, stamped twice with maker’s mark and once with Sterling, Limerick circa 1790 made £7,920; a George III Irish silver two-handled tray, by James Scott, and retailed by West, Dublin 1812 made £3,360; a George III Irish silver ewer, probably of London manufacture, sponsor’s/retailer’s mark (?)W over-striking another R(?), probably that of Robert Hennell Dublin 1777 made £2,160; a mid 18th century Irish Provincial silver waiter, stamped thrice with maker’s mark only, IB by Jonathan Buck of Limerick, circa 1745, made £6,960; a set of four Georgian Irish silver cast candlesticks, by James Warren Dublin, no date letter circa 1760 made £5,520 and a rare 18th century Irish silver saffron teapot, maker’s mark W(T), possibly for William Townsend, Dublin, no date letter, second half of 18th century made £1,680.

See antiquesandartireland.com post for June 7.

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DIAMOND JEWELLERY IN IRELAND AND ABROAD

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

An aquamarine and diamond spray brooch estimated at 1,500-2,000. (click to enlarge) UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,800.

This Art Deco diamond target ring is estimated at 18,000-22,000. (click on image to enlarge) UPDATE: THIS MADE 16,000 AND WAS THE TOP LOT IN THE SALE.

These are some lots from the next auction at O’Reilly’s of Francis St., Dublin which takes place on June 22. The sale features 497 lots (the catalogue is on-line) including diamond rings, bracelets, an opal and diamond pendant, Art Deco jewellery, antique gold jewellery and coins, watches by Rolex, Cartier, Piaget and Omega. There is also some antique silverware, collectables, furniture and paintings.

SEE HOW IT LOOKS ON YOU

Meanwhile the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum has launched a novel Facebook application for jewellery enthusiasts. It enables the user to virtually try on 28 pieces from the “Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels” exhibition, on view at the New York museum until July 4.

They see it as an innovative way to reach new audiences.

The app, available at http://www.facebook.com/cooperhewitt, enables the user to dress a photo with a work from the exhibition. Included are necklaces, brooches, earrings and a tiara worn by Princess Grace of Monaco.

Tags: Cooper Hewitt, jewellery, O'Reilly's
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TREASURE TROVE OF IMAGES WITH MAGIC LANTERN

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

A late 19th century Irish street scene.

Ogham Stone at Kilmalkedar Kerry.

Early Irish group tourists at the Sphinx in Egypt.

A treasure trove of around 300 early slide images complete with a magic lantern come under the hammer at Hegarty’s sale in Bandon on June 19 at 4 p.m. It is from The Old Manse in Dunmanway, home since 1873 to the Methodist clergyman. Hundreds of slides depict Irish 19th century scenes as well as the pyramids in Egypt and the Holy Land. There are streetscapes, landscapes and pictures of people, many barefoot. One set of slides llustrate the life and works of John Wesley, founder of the Methodists. The magic lantern was made by Riley Bros. of Bradford. Hegarty’s estimate the lot at 1,500-2,500. The sale has over 430 lots including furniture, art, collectibles and jewellery.

UPDATE: The magic lantern and slides sold for 4,000. This was the joint top lot in a sale where 80 per cent of lots found buyers. A three stone diamond ring also made 4,000.

The magic lantern with some of the boxed images. UPDATE: THE LANTERN AND SLIDES MADE 4,000

A longcase clock by Sanderson, Dublin at Hegarty's. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD.

An Oriental cabinet and stand at Hegarty's. UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,250

Tags: Hegarty's, Irish images, Magic lantern
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SILVER FROM BANK OF IRELAND VAULTS AT BONHAMS

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

George II sauceboats and other silver at Bonhams. (click to enlarge)

Irish silver locked away in the vaults of the Bank of Ireland for the past 50 years comes up for sale at Bonhams in London on June 22. It is from the collection of Dr F S Bourke who lived in Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin and practised at Dr. Steeven’s Hospital.

Bonhams silver sale on June 22. (click on image to enlarge)

It was put together with the help of his close friend, the celebrated silver authority, Dudley Westropp.

On his death in 1961 the collection was stored in the vaults of the Bank of Ireland. Some items retain original shops labels or have notes written by Dr. Bourke or Mr. Westropp. It is expected to bring in between £36,000-46,000.

Highlights include a pair of George II Irish silver sauce boats (£4,000-5,000) a rare 18th century Irish silver saffron teapot and an 18th century Irish Provincial silver cream jug.

The collection is being sold by Dr. Bourke’s grandson.

UPDATE: The pair of Irish silver sauce boats did not sell.

Tags: bonhams, Irish silver
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MASTERPIECES FROM CHRISTIE’S SUMMER SEASON IN LONDON

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Gimcrack by Stubbs. (click on image to enlarge)

A curated exhibition showcasing highlights from one of Christie’s most exciting auction seasons is on display at King St. in London from June 13 to June 15. Museum quality works by artists including Michelangelo, Gainsborough, Goya, Stubbs, Monet, Picasso and Renoir, exceptional furniture and medieval manuscripts are included in a disiplay of over 100 works entitled Masterpieces. Most will be offered at auction during the next four weeks in a season expected to realise more than £250 million.

Jussi Pylkkänen, President & Chairman of Christie’s, Europe, Middle East, Russia & India said: “This year we have curated an exhibition for the public of extraordinary quality. The Masterpieces show will include Michelangelo’s beautiful study for the “The Battle of Cascina”, which has been seen in public only once since it was executed, Pablo Picasso’s voluptuous portrait of Marie-Therèse, which was last exhibited in 1941, Thomas Gainsborough’s mesmerising portrait of Miss Read, unseen in public since 1936 and last but not least an astonishing 17th Century sculpture by Adriaen de Vreis which has never been exhibited in public and is one of the great Christie’s discoveries of this generation.”

Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath, with a Trainer, a Stable- Lad, and a Jockey by George Stubbs (1724-1806) is one of the most valuable Old Master paintings offered at auction. From the Woolavington Collection it is expected to realise in excess of £20 million on July 5.

A further highlight is The Duke of Portland’s copy of the original edition of John James Audubon’s masterpiece, The Birds of America. This will be offered in New York on January 20, 2012 and is estimated at $7-10 million.

Tags: Christie's, masterpieces
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A CORK CUP, A COVER AND A COUP FOR THE SILVER TRADE

Saturday, June 11th, 2011

The Cork cup and cover by William Clarke. (click on image to enlarge)

AN unrecognised and rare piece of Cork silver which changed hands for 3,500 dollars at auction in the United States last May 22 is now on the market for 150,000 euro. Catalogued as an early Continental ice bucket this silver cup and cover turned out to be a previously unrecorded piece by the Cork maker William Clarke.

The makers mark and the rare turret mark which told the true story. (Click on image to enlarge)

Made around 1710 the main problem with attribution was the rarity of the hallmark. The double turret mark, based on the arms of the City of Cork, was used for a brief period 300 years ago. The only known piece of silver by William Clarke with this mark is a Queen Anne wavy end hash spoon with large rat tail bowl c1710 from the Westropp Collection. This changed hands for £20,315 at Bonhams in 2003.

Less than two dozen pieces of Cork silver with these turret marks are known. The other pieces with this mark are usually made by Robert Goble Senior and Samuel Pantaine.

The Dublin silver dealer William Crofton of L and W Duvallier describes this as the most important piece of Cork silver which he has ever known or held. It was bought at the Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, Thomaston, Maine on Sunday, May 22 by the London silver trade. Mr. Crofton is now offering the 12 3/4″ high cup which weighs 49.665 oz. for 150,000. It is under active offer by an international silver collector.

Tags: Cork silver, Turret mark
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A DIAMOND TIARA FROM THE 1920’S

Friday, June 10th, 2011

A diamond tiara from the 1920's at Sotheby's. (click on image to enlarge) UPDATE: THIS MADE £277,250

A diamond tiara from the 1920’s highlights Sotheby’s sale of fine jewels in London on July 13. Estimates in this 288 lot sale range from £3,000-55,000. The tiara has an estimate of £35,000-55,000.

There are contemporary and period jewels, spanning three centuries of workmanship and design with signed pieces by designers like Repossi, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany and Boucheron. The entire sale is expected to raise more than £1.7 million.

An opal and diamond corsage. (click on image to enlarge) UPDATE: THIS MADE £25,000

An opal and diamond corsage from the mid-19th century highlights the 19th century jewel section. It was formerly in the collection of Doña Maria Cristina of Bourbon, Princess of the Two Sicilies (Widow of King Ferdinand VII of Spain) Queen Regent of Spain.

Designed as a series of ribbons and leaves and a central cabochon opal within a floral border, and set with cushion-shaped, circular-cut and rose diamonds, suspending a series of four tassels similarly set, it is estimated at £20,000-30,000.

Tags: jewels, sotheby's
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