Victorian large 9ct gold brooch set with amber c1900
Price: £200
This is a very rare brooch comprising a very large oval piece of egg yolk amber with inclusions that show fossilised organisms. This is set in a typical Victorian 9ct gold setting. It is unmarked.
Exceptional strand of Scottish Moss agate beads
Price: £45
This is a lovely example of these Art Deco beads as they have very clear stones where the inclusions are bright and noticeable. They are graduated with a silver clasp.
Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Egg, C20th
Price: £55
A Chinese cinnabar lacquer egg, deeply carved with peony and prunus flowers within stylised scrolling foliage, the top and bottom with geometric form ‘shou’ medallions. The technique of lacquer carving (lacquer being the sap of a species of tree native to southern China, but also found elsewhere, which dries to a plastic which can be coloured and carved) was practised by the Chinese from the 12th Century onwards and has continued even into modern times. This egg is an example of their rather later creations but reflects techniques developed over many hundreds of years. There is symbolism here, prunus representing winter and peony spring with the ‘shou’ medallions standing for long life, so perhaps a good luck charm was intended. Dating is probably to the later twentieth century, perhaps the 1970s and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, copies of the model, rather inferior in quality, were produced by the well known firm, Franklin Mint.
Framed Chinese Painting of a Court Official, C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese painting on silk depicting a court official or ‘mandarin’ standing on a wooden decked veranda, dressed in his official robes with a phoenix emblem on his chest, an elaborate bead necklace round his neck and his sceptre of office by his left wrist (the hand is mysteriously lacking). A pavilion can be seen to the rear and beyond the terrace wall are reeds and flowering prunus in a stylised garden setting. The artist has caught the self important majesty of the figure who is perhaps described in the calligraphy inscription to the top right with an artist’s seal stamped in red. Perhaps a portrait but more likely a generic design, this composition probably dates to the early C20th. The frame and mount are, of course, much later but complement the image well and provide an attractive ‘ready to go’ example of Chinese decorative painting.
Bisque Scottish boy character doll c. 1900
Price: £60
This is a very sweet souvenir doll comprising a young Scottish boy in tradition dress with a bisque head, hands and feet and a fabric body. With traditional Scottish garb. Made in Germany.
Spanish red tooled leather trinket dish with the coat of arms for Castile and León, C20th
Price: £25
This is a very striking square dish with a deep central well made from finely worked red leather and decorated with scrolls and fleur-de-lis. There is something of a royal connection here as the embossed decoration includes lions and heraldic shields and the coat of arms presents as those for the house of Castile and León, the shield with four quarters, the first and fourth with a castle (Castile) and the second and third with a lion rampant (Leon). Castile and León is Spain’s largest autonomous community comprising territories that once belonged to the Kingdom of León, including Salamanca, as well as territories of the former Kingdom of Castile, particularly Valladolid and Segovia. Since it most likely dates to the twentieth century, this dish probably belonged to a municipal setting rather than a palace of the nobility but it is an item of luxury nevertheless.
Daum pate de verre bowl, Gingko
Price: £750
This is a beautiful large bowl in pate de verre glass formed as leaves or petals. The design is Gingko. Comes in original fitted box. Model 03570 Coupe Grand Modele
Indian silver onyx and carnelian pendant necklace/brooch, 2006
Price: £125
This is a very striking necklace comprising a large pendant with onyx and carnelian cabachons. Both the pendant and necklace are marked with a Birmingham import mark for 2006 together with '925' and 'DK'. The mark 'DK' is for the 'sponsor' or importer. The necklace and pendant are clearly meant to be worn together as they bear the same mark. There is also a brooch mechanism so that the piece can also be worn this way if desired.
Egyptian Revival Czech statement necklace set with real beetles c1920
Price: £150
This is an unbelievably rare example of early Czech costume jewellery. It is set with real beetles and faux lapis glass cabochons and beads. There is even a beetle on the central drop. Between the beetles are Egyptian icons, enamel flies and gilt leaves set on a cartouche design plaque.
A pair of Art Deco style Onyx Bookends, C20th
Price: £35
A pair of Art Deco style bookends made from onyx and formed in two sections with a stylised figure of a horse's head set on a rectangular base with a rounded end. Onyx is named from the Greek 'ónux', meaning “nail,” or “claw,” and is a variety of the mineral chalcedony, a kind of quartz. Onyx with flesh-colored and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail and a similar effect is seen here. Its use is known since ancient Egyptian times and it has also been commonly employed during the twentieth century. The origin and dating of these bookends is uncertain. Similar examples with a stylised horse's head are ascribed to Mexico in the 1940s but there can be no sure proof that this is the case here. The design is striking with clear reflections of the Art Deco period and the veining of the stone here enhances the decorative effect.
A silver filigree decorative Spoon, probably Scottish circa 1900
Price: £55
This is a delicately worked filigree spoon with an openwork bowl in the form of a shell with stylised leaves, the slender handle of rope twist design with thistle leaf terminals at either end and finished with a thistle flower. Of a decorative rather than practical design, the use of thistles suggests that this piece is Scottish; dating is probably around 1900 or the the early Edwardian period.
African rosewood sculpture of a seated musician c. 1960
Price: £75
A rosewood figure of a seated musician playing a wind instrument, carved in a semi abstract style and with elongated proportions, the surface highly polished and showing in places the variegated patina of the wood. The style suggests African work similar to the pair of Makonde style figures also included in this sale but while similar pieces can be found there are no direct parallels. But the composition is striking and the quality of the wood enhances the carver’s skill. Dating to the second half of the C20th seems likely, perhaps to the 1960s.
Pair of Capodimonte ceramic Wall Hanging Plaques, boy and girl praying, Italian 1960s
Price: £25
This is a charming pair of small ceramic wall plaques, the biscuit porcelain with a slight ivory tint, with moulded designs of a boy and a girl praying, their hair and robes carefully detailed, set in velvet covered oval frames with cording at the edge which also forms the loop hangers at the top. Near identical pieces often have a paper mark at the back reading ‘Porcellane Capodimonte’ ‘Made in Italy’ surrounding a crown device with an ‘N’ above. Capodimonte porcelain was first made at Naples, Italy, in the mid eighteenth century and was often marked with an ‘N’ and a crown above. The original factory was to enjoy a relatively short life but there were many imitators in the nineteenth century and beyond to the twentieth who freely used the Capodimonte name. This pair of plaques is a very modest and fairly recent (probably dating to the 1960s) example of these ‘Capodimonte’ wares but nonetheless have a distinct appeal of their own.
Small suede handbag, England 1940s
Price: £25
This is a lovely small handbag in soft suede with a polished leather closure.
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1950s aurora borealis brooch
Price: £15
This is a lovely brooch set with aurora borealis and faux opal glass stones
Novelty Bonnet Posy Vase, 1940s/1950s
Price: £25
This is an amusing posy vase for the display of small flowers in the form of a straw bonnet, yellow, slightly craquelure effect, glazed with modelled moulded decoration to the hat rim and crown, the latter with a green glazed tied ribbon, and a deep channel in between to hold the floral display, the underside with a ‘C’ shape foot with a printed mark ‘Made in England’ to the centre and the pattern number impressed at the side ‘REG No 837952’. Some similar pieces have a printed mark ‘Falcon Ware’ and others a printed mark ‘SYLVAC’. Falcon Ware was made by Thomas Lawrence (Longton) Ltd and Sylvac Ware (often marked ‘SylvaC’) by Shaw and Copestake, both firms being founded in the late 1800s. The two firms worked independently for over thirty years but amalgamated in the mid 1930s and during the 1940s shared the Thomas Lawrence factory for a time. Models and designs were often shared which explains the different markings on these posy vases which are otherwise near identical. Dating is probably to the post war period, either late 1940s or early 1950s, when Sylvac in particular produced many novelty items which are collected today.
Art Deco Shagreen Picture Frame, 1930s
Price: £110
A rectangular picture frame, the broad border inset with strips of beige and dark grey shagreen skin laid on a wooden surround the edges with short narrow strips stained beige to match the border with graining in imitation of bone, the back stained dark brown with patterning effects designed to imitate animal skin, the central insert hinged and held with fastening clasps to reveal the glass underneath and also fitted with a hinged support.
Shagreen is a natural hide, typically from shark, stingray or dogfish, worked through special processes to produce a granular surface effect. Known in China and Japan from the earliest times and popular in Europe in the eighteenth century Shagreen enjoyed its greatest popularity in the Art Deco period where it was used as a covering for writing desks and well-dressed cabinetry and smaller items such as the picture frame we have here. The clean lines of this piece and the palette of colours employed fit exactly with the ethos of the Art Deco period and a dating to the 1930s is extremely likely. A luxury item at the time it could be used now to provide enhanced presentation of a favourite image adding to it a hint of true elegance.
French Regency style Bevelled Amber Glass & Filigree Ormolu Casket, mid twentieth century
Price: £55
A Regency style bevelled amber glass & gilt filigree ormolu Casket, the pentagonal body with five ovoid amber glass panels with bevelled edges, the borders with an arrow form repeating geometric design, all set between gilt filigree work of stylised foliage, the three spreading feet also with floral gilt filigree work, the hinged lid with a similar circular amber glass panel surrounded by a repeating design of stylised gilt leaves, the interior lined in gold velvet studded with tiny gilt nails.
Various pieces in this style where amber glass panels are combined with elaborate gilt metal work can be found. Most were intended as dressing table ornaments, as here. Sometimes termed 'Hollywood', after the American made products in this style of which Lot 1 in this sale is a prime specimen, these items were designed to add a touch of luxury to the bedroom. They are usually regarded as French and thought to have been made between the 1920s and 1940s. This is a particularly nice example with no damage to either the glass or the metalwork.
Unique 40 strand micro coral bead necklace, India 1910
Price: £150
This is a totally unique necklace comprising forty strands of perfectly worked coral beads to create a dense bib effect. It has a clasp that is a hammered Edward VII British India copper coin that dates from circa 1910. This necklace ends in woven panels.
Taxco silver bracelet, c1980
Price: £50
This is a very recognizable Taxco design with heavy ball and bar stations. It has a typical Taxco box clasp that is marked 'Mexico' 'TC-314' '925 with additional stamped smaller marks including '925'.
Moroccan tooled leather bag c1960
Price: £65
This is a wonderful tooled leather bag that has Morrocan designs all over. It has outer pockets on both sides with a large inner compartment. It is lined in leather and has two grab handles.
Chinese Small Blue and White Potiche and Cover with wood stand, late C20th
Price: £45
A small Chinese porcelain potiche and cover, the straight sides curving out slightly to the top and the overhanging lid slightly domed with a wide knob finial, decorated in underglaze blue and white with a continuous scene of birds and flowers and rocks, the flowers repeated on the lid as floral sprays. The design here is unusual for Chinese ceramics and rather ‘modern’ in appearance which fits with a probable dating to the late twentieth century. While the porcelain is of good quality the paste of the foot suggests fairly recent manufacture (see image 9) and the painting appears to depend partly on stencilled outlines (see especially the bird in the first image). But the wood stand suggests at least some age and the ensemble can be enjoyed its own right as a modest decorative item with the potential for practical use.
Art Deco style Antelope brooch 1940s
Price: £20
This a lovely brooch showing an Art Deco style stag set with diamantes, gold tone
Art Nouveau repousse Pendant on later chain, c1910
Price: £95
This is a large repousse plaque pendant decorated in a typical Art Nouveau floral design. It is marked 'AL-P' which seems to suggest a European origin but more likely Belgium or one of the Scandinavian countries rather than France, to judge from the style. The plaque dates to the early twentieth century and is fitted with a later chain.
Egyptian Revival statement necklace c1920
Price: £85
This is quite an early example of Egyptian Revival pieces made available for the general public. It is a short necklace in a breast plate design with two hanging pendants with many of the standard Egyptian symbols and icons cast in brass and decorated with enamel painting. This would have been quite a modest item in its time, created for those who wanted a taste of the glamour of the Egyptian era.
Two Vintage Japanese Kokeshi Doll Groups, C20th
Price: £25
Kokeshi are simple wooden Japanese dolls that have been made in Japan for more than 150 years as children's toys. Originally from the Tohoku region in northern Honshu, kokeshi are handmade from wood, having a simple torso and head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. One characteristic of kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. Production continues to this day and the dolls are regarded as highly collectible. These two groups are a variation on the traditional design. In one, two child dolls, a boy and a girl, sit in a wicker pannier basket, presumably expecting to be carried. The cylindrical objects on top may be intended to represent logs. In the other, two lady figures are seen wearing the traditional straw rain cape. Regarded as good luck charms, these dolls have a naif charm of their own and might well appeal to an adult as well!
Indian silver repousse cuff bracelet, c1920
Price: £85
This is a beautiful cuff bracelet which has very fine repousse work with floral designs and millegrain patterning. The large central panel has two bands of delicately rendered stylised scrolling foliage on a textured ground edged with a border of repeating stylised shells and detailed beading work and is flanked by two similar smaller panels at the sides. The piece is unmarked but is most likely '925' grade as was the tradition with Indian silver at this time.
West German ceramic Vase, Scheurich, No 290-40, 1960s
Price: £55
A large ceramic vase with a broad ovoid body flaring out towards the rim, the lower half covered in a mottled mustard/orange glaze which merges into a band of rocky texture drip glaze in greys and brown, the interior glazed brown and the mustard/orange glaze of the base with the moulded marks ‘290-40’ ‘W GERMANY’.
Although not marked as such, this vase has all the hallmarks of the firm Scheurich Keramik which started production in 1954, rather later than most of its competitors, but soon became the largest producer of commercial art pottery in Germany. Their pieces rarely carried the factory name but usually the model number followed by the height in centimetres with ‘W.Germany’ below, as here. Scheurich were well known for producing a wide variety of pieces with variegated, almost experimental glazes and this vase is yet another successful example of their work, the simple lines of form combining with a more austere selection of glaze effects than found in some of their other pieces. Dating is to the 1960s.
West German Keramik Jug with drip glaze, second half C20th
Price: £45
A ceramic jug the angular body narrowing sharply to the base and short neck with a large loop handle to the side, glazed in matt black with two bands of mottled grey splash glaze. Marked ‘W.Germany’ with what is probably the form mark ‘4709’ and the size ‘18’ [cm], this piece does not have any easy parallels and another piece with the central mark of a ‘V’ in an oval frame does not seem to appear. The general style is clearly ‘West German Keramik’ but the main producers, Bay and Scheurich do not seem to have made anything similar. There are some resemblances, though, to pieces made by the firm Jasba who seem to have worked with these matt glazes and grey colours. Their pieces are marked ‘W.Germany’ with the form mark which is at least consistent with this. The cool elegance of the shape and decoration certainly make an interesting contrast with the more colourful wares produced by the West German factories after the war.
Stunning 1950s paste necklace
Price: £25
This is a beautiful necklace that features large emerald cut paste stones all around the necklace
Italian marble and alabaster decorative figure of a mallard Duck, C20th
Price: £55
This is a very attractive decorative figure of a mallard duck made from highly polished green and brown marble joined with fine alabaster, the eyes picked out in red. The unusual combination of stone used here is skillfully blended to produce an item of great charm. The materials used to create this piece, perhaps intended as a paperweight, indicate Italian workmanship and the rounded lines suggest a mid twentieth century dating, perhaps to the 1960s.
Arts and Crafts Hand Mirror with Repousse Decoration, circa 1900
Price: £55
A very unusual hand mirror of shaped paddle form, the wood body with applied hammered pewter decoration, the back with an overall design, very finely worked, of flowering lotus and a butterfly on a minutely hammer punched ground, the plain border with studded nail head fixings, the front with a small pewter panel to the handle, similarly decorated and secured, and with a single red cabochon bead to the head, the frame of the mirror in plain wood.
Elements of two contrasting contemporary styles combine here with features from both the Arts and Crafts and the Art Nouveau movement. The hammered pewter with the almost rustic nail head fixings and the red bead reflect the former but the elegant depiction of the lotus and butterfly, with more than a hint of the Orient, reflect the latter. The maker is anonymous but doubtless British and clearly a highly skilled craftsman. Much thought and expertise went into the design of this piece which would be a desirable addition for collectors of either or both of the pieces made under the influence of these two highly popular design movements.
Cranberry Glass Vase circa 1900
Price: £30
A cranberry glass (the name obviously deriving from the colour) vase the globular almost spherical body with impressed dimple effect large roundels and rising to a slender round neck with a ‘squared’ top, the flat base densely dimpled. Cranberry or 'Gold Ruby' glass is a red glass made by adding gold salts or colloidal gold to molten glass. It was produced in relatively small quantities due to the cost of the raw materials. Known from Roman times the most famous period of production was in 19th century Britain during the Victorian Era. Many pieces from that era are known with similar ‘dimple’ effects and this is clearly what we have here. The workmanship is high quality, the richly coloured glass with many interesting glaze effects (see image 4) and skilfully modelled. Perhaps just an ornament or possibly a small table decanter but either way an attractive addition to any glass collection.
Japanese Arita Bowl decorated with panels of flowers and interior Scenes, circa 1820
Price: £45
A Japanese Arita small Bowl the deep sides narrowing towards the base with a short foot, decorated in underglaze blue, iron red and gold enamel highlights in green and grey
with two panels of flowers alternating with two panels of interior scenes with screens and a small animal resembling a buffalo sitting on a table, the foot with small blue
panels highlighted in gold between geometric designs, the top interior rim with alternating segments of iron red and underglaze blue both highlighted in gold and the base interior
with flowering chrysanthemum.
The rather more elaborate style of decoration here and the addition of enamel colours to the standard imari palette of underglaze blue, iron red and gold resembles 'kenjo imari' pieces produced in Japan in the eighteenth century and in the early nineteenth century, a specific type of Imari that was highly decorated and meant for domestic consumption, Kenjo, meaning 'for presentation'. The paste of the foot, harder and smoother than that used in the later nineteenth century, suggests a dating here to around 1820 before trade with the West was temporarily paused. The form suggests a cup for Sake and this piece was probably one of an original set of five, but it stands on its own as a decorative item in miniature.
An unusual pair of Art Deco style Japonaiserie ceramic vases, probably French 1920s/1930s
Price: £75
The fashion if not mania for ‘things Japanese’ in the late C19th and early C20th is well known and well documented. Sometimes pieces were produced with the aim of being more affordable and this seems to be what we have here. This earthenware pair of vases are of hexagonal form, flaring at the neck and base with a rounded foot, and covered in a craquelure glaze which graduates from black at the foot, through dark brown to mustard yellow at the top with the addition of reds and greens. On this is applied stencil decoration in black of two contrasting but complimentary scenes, on the one two geisha planting small bonsai trees and on the other a single geisha standing in a garden scene with a covered bird’s house in the distance. The reverses are plain and the foot glazed in cream, each with the numbers 1593. Modest pastiches of the Oriental style were produced in England in the 1930s (elsewhere on the site can be seen a Pair of Orientalist Staffordshire ‘Foley Ware’ vases) but this pair were more probably made in France at around the same time, where there was an equal if not an even greater enthusiasm for the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. The clean lines of the shape very much recall the Art Deco era but no parallels seem to exist, making this pair a rather ‘one off’ addition to a collection of Japanese influenced decorative arts.
Sweet Taxco heart bracelet c1980
Price: £75
This a very lovely bracelet comprising a heavy sliver bangle style bracelet that has a heart at the centre. It is very sturdy and elegant at the same time. It is marked 925 TC-02 Mexico.. The TC number indicates the silversmith and the TC indicates Taxco.
Abstract Design White Glaze Vase, probably British mid C20th
Price: £25
This is an unusual vase of slender ovoid form, glazed in white and with an abstract geometric design to the front with vertical rows of dots and dashes, the reverse plain. The paste of the foot suggests British manufacture and the geometric patterned design recalls pieces from the 1950s and 1960s, although there are no exact parallels for the decoration here. But the elegant shape combined with truly minimalist decoration together produce an object of decorative appeal, highly suitable for the most contemporary of interiors!
Show stopping suite of necklace and earrings c1960
Price: £85
This is a dramatic necklace comprising five strands of aurora borealis glass beads with the matching clip earrings. The beads are graduating and are facetted with gold tone spacer beads. The clasp is original in a matching design. The earrings are clusters of the same beads and the clips are quite sturdy.
Egyptian Revival style snake motif bracelet and necklace 1980s
Price: £45
This is a wonderful set of a necklace and bracelet both comprising black metal malleable circular mesh with a gold tone snake head and tail, the head with diamante eyes. Probably American.
Trade+Aid Enamel Teapot, No.292.UK, 1990s
Price: £25
This is an intriguing enamel teapot, the rectangular body curving in towards the lid and with a loop handle and spout. It is brightly decorated in coloured enamels on a yellow ground with a large sheaf of sunflowers on each side. The base is marked ‘Trade+Aid’ ‘No.292.UK’ with three Chinese characters below. It comes from a range of teapots produced for ‘Charlotte di Vita Collections’ under the trading name ‘Trade+Aid’. These were hand crafted items using traditional techniques whose sale benefited charitable projects and initiatives worldwide. The various designs were usually limited editions and some are quite collectible today. The decoration on this piece is inspired by the famous painting ‘Sunflowers’ by Gustav Klimt making it one of the more interesting models produced.
Silver Snake bangle, 20th century
Price: £25
This is a very elegant silver bangle in a typical Egyptian snake motif design with hallmarks.
Fun vintage souvenir shell necklace 1960s
Price: £15
This is quite an intricately made necklace that would have been a souvenir piece in the 1960s. It comprises three types of shells that are woven together. It is difficult to name the shells unless you are an oceanographer (!) but the main type of shell is a flat and there are two other smaller shells with one artificially coloured green.
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Art Deco onyx Chess Set with board and fitted box, 1930s
Price: £110
This is a very elegant chess set comprising finely carved onyx pieces which are stored in their own fitted case. The top of the case has been inlaid with onyx and agate pieces to make up a chess board. The pieces are smaller than a standard chess set which makes the fine carving even more beautiful and all have survived in excellent condition which is unusual. The perfect gift for devotees of the game!
Japanese Studio Pottery Vase, signed, C20th
Price: £75
This is a most unusual Japanese vase of elongated proportions, the slender cylindrical body rising to a narrow concave neck with a flaring rim edged in brown. The fine quality white glaze is decorated in underglaze colours of blue, copper red and green in a continuous design of flowering lotus against two horizontal double edged bands. Pronounced potting rings can be seen inside the top interior but the white glazed base is quite smooth and has a seven character mark in underglaze blue, presumably indicating the studio which produced it. Late twentieth century dating seems most likely. There are no ready parallels for this piece, although perhaps with imagination one might possibly see a form of sake bottle here, and for the time being it must be appreciated for itself as strikingly modernist example of Japanese ceramic art.
Indian silver buckle with Buddha figures, marked, 1920s
Price: £55
This is a beautiful Indian silver buckle, each side with the figure of a seated Buddha surrounded by stylised scrolling foliage. It is a fine example of Indian silver made for export and has full hallmarks.
Art Deco Chinese Export silver Buckle later converted to a Necklace
Price: £125
This is a beautiful necklace comprising a very detailed silver buckle that depicts a sinuous dragon encricling the characters for "Blessing", It has been converted to a necklace using a period belcher chain. Full import marks to the reverse and marked Silver.
Chinese four panel Table Screen with embroidered silk panels, signed and boxed, C20th
Price: £110
A fine quality table screen each of the four panels made from rosewood, joined with brass hinges and set with glazed delicately embroidered silk panels, the first panel with a seal character signature. Small screens with four or six panels, usually termed table screens, were made for export by the Chinese in fairly large quantities in the twentieth century, but mostly the panels display paintings on silk. Embroidered pieces are much less common and the fine silk embroidery seen here is much less common and of excellent quality. The composition is a linked design of two birds amidst flowering prunus or plum blossom. The colourings are mostly greens and browns with the addition of light purple for the flowers. The first panel has a six character seal mark signature which may indicate the artist or be a mark of commendation. The screen comes with its original silk fabric covered box with two bone clasp fasteners and probably dates to the mid twentieth century. It is highly attractive and an example of later Chinese export work at its best. A restful distraction for the scholar at work!
Framed Watercolour of a Countryside Scene, C20th
Price: £45
This is a highly attractive watercolour painting of a countryside scene. A river winds from left to right with a mother and child walking along a path in the foreground and trees and buildings to the rear. On the river sails a barge drawn by a horse which has just passed under the brick built bridge to which the couple are approaching. This is certainly a ‘period’ composition suggesting the nineteenth century but the artist, an accomplished amateur, was clearly working in the twentieth. If the frame is contemporary, then this indicates a dating to the 1960s or 1970s but this is admittedly something of a guess. But the charm of the piece is obvious and it would be an appealing addition to a modern home.
Set of three Wade Bramble Pattern teaware items, 1950s
Price: £25
A set of three teaware items in the ‘Bramble’ pattern made by Wade Ceramics, comprising a pot for honey or jam, a jug and cover and a sugar basin. All are similarly decorated with a colourful briar design of raised blackberry leaves and berries on a cream textured ground, the handles in the form of twigs. The bases are marked ‘Wade’, ‘Bramble’, ‘England’.
Wade Ceramics Ltd was a manufacturer of porcelain and earthenware, headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Founded in 1867, it was run by various members of the Wade family until the death of George Anthony Wade in 1987 after which there was a succession of management buyouts. Despite substantial investment in 2009, the firm eventually went into administration in 2022. Wade produced a wide variety of ceramics, including the well known Wade Whimsies animal figurines. A pair of Art Deco green glazed ‘salts’ are also included in this sale. The ‘Bramble’ design was created in the 1950s and a wide variety of tea service shapes were produced in the pattern. Collectors today can attempt to assemble examples from the whole of the range, towards which these three pieces might provide some assistance.
Victorian Whitby jet mourning brooch
Price: £75
This is a quite large brooch in a scroll work design and Greek key edging. It is Whitby jet a fossilised wood stone that is from the Jurassic period that is found in the North York moors in northern England. Whitby jet was the main material for mourning jewellery during the Victorian age for obvious reasons.
A Chinese Carved Wood Figure of Budai, signed, C 19th
Price: £75
A Chinese carved wood figure of Budai shown lying on a lotus leaf. He is depicted in a typically corpulent pose as a stout, smiling man in robes with a largely bare belly, which represents happiness, good luck, and plenty. In his left hand he holds a stylised object which is probably intended to represent the 'sack of plenty' which he is seen with so often and in his right hand is a round ball either representing a pearl (symbolising health and beauty) or a gold nugget (symbolising financial happiness). There is detailed carving to his robes and the lotus leaf is lightly incised with foliage underneath. In addition there is a small signature plaque with indistinct characters. The size and form suggests that this is a 'handling' figure intended for devotional purposes and the style of decoration indicates a circa date in the late nineteenth century.
Pair of large hoop earrings with stone drops
Price: £45
This is a pair of statement earrings comprising to large silver hoop that have a chalcedony and a carnelian drop. The pendants were originally for necklaces and they have been repurposed here. Marked 925.
Long Art Deco pinchbeck watch chain with two pendants
Price: £65
This is a gorgeous long watch chain in a very usual star box link. Attached to the chain is a banded carnelian locket and a rock crystal cross. These are removable and are not original to the chain although they are from the same period.
Striking green glass brooch 1950s
Price: £10
This is a very sparkly brooch set with different colours of green stones
Phoenician Glass Vase, signed, late C20th
Price: £45
A glass vase of slender bottle form, the globular body rising to a tall cylindrical neck flaring outwards to the top rim, the vertical banded decoration employing a mixture of yellows, mustard and greens on a blue ground and possibly intended to represent seaweed, the base with etched script marks ‘Phoenician’ and ‘Malta’ and the body with a diamond shape affixed paper label reading ‘PHOENICIAN GLASS’ ‘MALTA’
Phoenician Glass was founded on Manoel Island, Malta in the 1980s by Leonard Sullivan, who had worked previously at Mdina Glass and many of his designs resembled those of his old employers. Certainly, the influence of Mdina and perhaps that of one of its founders, Michael Harris, can be seen here. Phoenician Glass took its name from the ancient Phoenician civilisation, which colonised Malta during the first millenium BC.
Japanese Blue and White Porcelain Bowl decorated with hydrangea, early C20th
Price: £25
A Japanese Bowl of shallow flattened conical form, decorated in underglaze blue and white with a central panel of flowering hydrangea to the interior surrounded by six hydrangea blooms, the exterior with bands of variegated blue wash above a band of white, the base also with a white glaze.
Hydrangeas flourish in Japan and also carry a hidden meaning of apology and gratitude based on a mythical story of an Emperor, who angered a woman he loved by neglecting her, and gave her in recompense a bunch of blue hydrangeas as a symbol of his deep emotion and gratitude. Used here as a decorative motif, the painting of the flowers is skilful and elegantly combined with the plainer exterior. The paste of the foot rim suggests an early C20th dating, perhaps to the late Taisho era (1912-1926).
Silver Monogram Celtic Style Brooch Hallmarked 1878/1879
Price: £45
A Silver Celtic Style Brooch, the design with interlacing strands in a variety of surface textures, three of which seem to represent the letters 'S' 'S' 'E', hallmarked to the reverse with the stamps (from right to left) lion (fitness mark), anchor, (Birmingham Assay Office mark), 'd' (Date letter for Birmingham 1878 to 1879), 'EU' (Sponsors mark - the firm which submitted the item to the assay office - for Edwin Umfreville who traded at 119 Jermyn Street, St James's, London and offered items with bespoke monograms).
An advert for Edwin Umfreville appeared in 'The Bazaar, The Exchange and Mart - 19th April 1879' where one of his pieces is described. "Like all the “ E. U." jewellery that we have seen, the workmanship is first-class, and the design most tasteful."
An Arts and Crafts small Brass Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £40
A small Brass circular tray with a wide flat rim edged with repeating bead work and a round concave centre decorated in repousse work with a procession of parrots on a boldly chased punch work ground. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, often with a punch, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction as here, although the effect is slightly bolder than in the previous lot (35). Metalware items with 'hammered' decoration were a common feature of 'Arts and Crafts' work with their reminiscences of earlier metal working techniques and the effect of the slightly rustic. As in the previous lot, the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
Scottish silver ring inset with a Chalcedony stone, 1950s
Price: £45
A Scottish silver ring with a thistle design, inset with a Chalcedony stone, marked ‘silver’ to the interior, 1950s.
A Pair of Art Deco Pressed Glass Trophy Form Vases, Davidson, 1930s
Price: £45
A Pair of pressed glass vases of hexagonal form, the rounded body with a lobed rim and standing on a shaped foot, two handles to the sides in the shape of a trophy. These pieces resemble similar designs in clear pressed glass made by the Davidson factory in the 1930s. George Davidson founded the Teams Flint Glass Works in 1867, which later became known as George Davidson & Co. In the 1880s the company began producing pressed glass tableware in a variety of shapes and by the 1920s their designs began to reflect the new Art Deco trends. The firm continued production until the 1980s, closing in 1987. These vases come from their 'Chippendale' range and were probably made in the 1930s. It has been suggested that this and other similar forms were intended to hold celery. Normally sold singly, it is less common to find a matching pair with their obvious decorative potential.
Art Glass Doorstop with Starburst and Bubble designs, perhaps British, late C20th
Price: £45
An Art Glass Doorstop of near spherical form with a flat foot, the crystal style glass incorporating starburst effects in light maroon and blue above a purple ground, all interspersed with bubbles. Similar pieces in a slightly smaller scale are usually described as paperweights, but the size and weight of this item suggests rather a doorstop or 'dump'. High quality paperweights in a variety of rounded forms were made by various studios in Scotland in the mid to late twentieth century and perhaps this is what we have here but no firm attribution is possible. The skill of the maker, though, is self evident.
French Souvenir Verre Eglomise Box and Cover, Sacre Coeur de Montmatre, circa 1900
Price: £55
This box, and others like it, was probably made in France as a tourist souvenir in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. Formed as a small casket, the base is of pressed brass with relief decoration and four small pad feet. The lid has a ‘verre eglomise’, or reverse painted glass, bevel edged panel set in a brass mount and the box is lined inside. Some of the decoration of the lid is probably transfer with other elements hand painted on the back of the glass in true ‘verre eglomise’ style. The scene depicted is the well known Basilica of Sacre Coeur situated on the top of Montmatre, one of the most frequently visited sites in Paris and therefore eminently suitable as the subject for a memento of the ‘great city’. This is the ‘Grand Tour’ style rather towards its end with cheaper materials and a more mechanical method of production but an authentic example of a period souvenir to tempt the traveller.
Large round Scottish agate cloak pin c 1900
Price: £125
This brooch is a traditional Scottish cloak pin and would have been used on the should to hold the cloak in place. This one is a particularly nice example as it has a very intricate twisted design that includes all type of Scottish Agate such as jasper and blood stone. This brooch is unmarked which is not unusual for Scottish silver of this type.
Fine Quality Cloisonne Box and Cover in the form of a Snail, Japanese circa 1880
Price: £95
A fine quality Japanese Cloisonne Box and cover in the form of a snail, the lid modelled with typical shell spirals and the base with a conforming shape, the decoration comprising small flower heads and butterflies on a blue enamel ground with gilt scroll work, the lid and base edged with a red enamel band highlighted with repeating gilt circles, the foot with a similar red enamel band highlighted with gilt semi circles and with two bands of gilt semi circles filled with a minutely speckled green enamel fill, the interior and the foot of the base finished in blue enamel.
The Japanese produced copies of natural forms in a variety of media. Carved ivory fruit and small animals are well known. Here, cloisonne enamel is used which is less common. The quality of the work speaks for itself and can be judged form the small butterflies on the cover and the green speckle enamel fill at the base. It is typical of the best Meiji period (1868-1912) work and a circa date towards the end of the nineteenth century is most likely.
Chinese Soapstone Seal with Shou Lao, C20th
Price: £45
A Chinese soapstone seal of cylindrical tubular form with the figure of Shou Lao on a pedestal, the base with incised script characters. Soapstone was first used by the Chinese over three thousand years ago but began its popularity in the Ming dynasty (1368 -1644) with the height of production during the ensuing Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911) and then beyond into the twentieth century. The style of carving here, fairly coarse and lacking in detail, suggests fairly late work but is expressive, nevertheless. The figure represented is the famous god of immortality, Shou Lao. As often he is represented as an old man with a long beard, a high forehead and a bald head, carrying a peach (which represents immortality) and a staff. The pedestal is decorated with an incised stylised landscape scene and to the reverse is a circular panel containing the character ‘shou’ which means longevity. The seal characters, which unfortunately cannot be translated but probably represent the name of the owner, are stained with the red ink which would have been used when the seal was stamped.
Pair of Bakelite Salts, Italian Fontanini, mid C20th
Price: £45
A pair of Bakelite table salt dishes in the form of two cherubs wearing a quiver and holding a bow and arrow and standing on shell with a rococo style plinth at the edge and three supporting feet underneath. Both pieces are marked 'DEPOSE 186 ITALY' with a small spider mark in addition. This signifies the Fontanini workshop which made a variety of small polychrome resin figures in a rather charming rococo (the term itself derives from the French 'rocaille' which means 'shell work') style of which these are an excellent example. The small spider emblem is often seen on their pieces. Dating is probably to the 1950s.
The well known Italian firm Fontanini, now famous for producing nativity Sets, was founded by Emanuele Fontanini as a small local business in a single room in the tiny Tuscan town of Bagni di Lucca. Working at first in papier mâché, the business turned to the use of bakelite once it became available, marking their pieces with a spider emblem and the wording ‘depose Fontanini up until the 1970s after which these were replaced by the Fontanini name, the date of manufacture, and a small fountain, which allows fairly accurate dating here. Manufacturing is now caried out by the fourth generation of the family.
Vintage Carved wood figure of a seated Man, Bali, Indonesia, second half C20th
Price: £75
A finely carved wood figure with a rich patina of a seated man in deep contemplation wearing traditional headdress. The style and quality of this piece indicate that it was the work of a Balinese craftsman. The island of Bali in Indonesia has a rich tradition of wood carving dating back hundreds of years. Known in the Balinese language as 'Batuan', wood carving has its roots in Bali's Hindu-Buddhist culture. Typically, the pieces are made from hardwoods with a coarse grain including teak, chempaka wood and sandalwood. The highly decorative grain effects here suggest teak and the patterning complements the composition perfectly. Dating is probably to the 1950s or 1960s. Similar pieces are said to have been purchased around that time.
Victorian Egyptian Revival motif necklace with red stones c1900
Price: £85
This is an unusual statement necklace designed in the Victorian era.. These designs were due to the The Egyptian Pavilion at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. This world's fair was extremely popular and it was global news. These designs have more of a European look to them. It wasn't until the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 that the iconography. became more accurate. This necklace is mounted with red glass stones and is the necklace also had red glass beads and diamante roundels.
Pair of Chinese Hand Painted Eggs in Case, 1970s
Price: £25
This is an excellent example of a type of souvenir model made in China, probably in the 1970s. The pair of eggs are delicately painted with ladies in a garden scene to the front which continues to the reverse. They are displayed on small stands set on a crushed fabric base and set within a purpose built case made from wood and glass. Underneath is a label reading ‘Made in China’ with four Chinese characters ‘Zhong Guo Zhi Zao’ which translate as the same. This type of mark seems to have been used on porcelains from the 1970s allowing an approximate dating here.
Silver plate Perfume Bottle with attached Stopper and Chain, Burmese late C19th
Price: £45
This is a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting two confronting Burmese lions between the sacred pearl on the face with a key pattern border and stylised scrolling foliage to the sides, the neck with rope work and the stopper attached by chain which comes out to reveal the scent wand. The style of representation of the lions suggests the country of origin and the piece probably dates to the late nineteenth century. It is fitted to a very long necklace chain, probably later, creating a very wearable piece of fashion history which is both practical and decorative.
A Brannam Bowl, Barum ware, Terracotta and Glaze, marked C.H.Brannam, circa 1900
Price: £45
A rustic bowl with a wavy edge rim and moulded shells to the sides, terracotta with green and black 'tea dust' glazes, the foot coardely modelled and with stamped marks 'Made in England'
'C.H.Brannam' 'Barum' 'N.Devon'. Brannam Pottery was a British pottery started by Thomas Backway Brannam in Barnstaple, Devon, England, in 1848. Ownership passed through the family, Thomas' son Charles Hubert joining the firm aged 12 in 1867 and passing on direction of the business himself to his sons in 1913. It later became part of the "rustic" wing of the art pottery movement, mainly owing to efforts of Charles Hubert who began producing his own distinctive wares in 1879 and registering the name 'Royal Barum Ware' in 1886 after receiving an order from Queen Victoria in 1885. The pieces were widely sold including at Liberty in London. Many pieces were produced in terracotta, sometimes with additional glaze effects but the form
and decoration of this bowl is unusual combining the marine motifs with interesting glaze effects offset by the terracotta base. Perhaps it is not too fanciful to see the work of Charles Hubert himself here. Certainly, great care was taken with the production of this piece and the style and mark suggest a dating to around 1900.
Very unusual Taxco figural ring, Taxco, c1980
Price: £45
This is an interesting ring designed as a naked figure crouching down. Seen from the back it has two eyes and a mouth on the opposite side. It is marked 'Mex 925' and 'TM-5' for Taxco.
Druzy Quartz and Onyx panel Bracelet, c1940
Price: £125
This is a very unusual and large bracelet comprising stations of black onyx together with fine druzy quartz. The panels are graduated with an integrated clasp. It is unmarked but probably of Scottish origin.
Caithness Glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, late C20th
Price: £30
A perfume bottle and stopper, the broad pear shape body with a flaring neck and fitted with a ball shape stopper, the glass blown with swirling flecking effects in apricot and white and the stopper plain. The pattern and design of this perfume bottle is typical of pieces made by the Caithness glass factory in Scotland and similar pieces can be found with their label attached. The Caithness glass factory was established in 1961 at Wick, Caithness by Robin Sinclair, 2nd Viscount Thurso and soon taken over by George Mackie, Baron Mackie of Benshie in 1966 who remained its Chairman for twenty years. Set up to provide additional employment in the area, the company also was intended to exploit the availablity of sand for glassmaking in Caithness, although this did not prove suitable for the manufacture of clear glass. Paperweights became a speciality and the firm received a Royal Warrant from the Queen Mother in 1968. Twice driven into receivership in the early years of this century, it was eventually bought by Dartington Crystal in 2006 and continues the manufacture of paperweights today.
Butler and Wilson Skull Necklace, boxed, modern
Price: £125
There is certainly a hint of the macabre in this ‘halloween’ necklace made by the well known British firm, Butler and Wilson. Founded by Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson in 1969 and initially trading from the once famous Antiquarius antiques market in Chelsea, the company is best-known for its crystal costume jewellery and their pieces have been worn by celebrities and even members of the Royal Family. The firm still trades today and their current range does include a number of skull design pieces but this necklace is around 15 years old. Silver metal and crystals are used to create five skull heads, the largest acting as a pendant with five skull drops. These are linked by a chain which terminates in a spring closure which has a circular medallion embossed with the firm’s name. The necklace comes with its original box which remains in excellent condition. Not perhaps to everyone’s taste but certainly a statement accessory!
DeNicola brooch and earrings 1950s
Price: £20
This is a striking set of brooch with matching earrings by DeNicola the New York jewellery designer that was well known in the 1950s and it quite collectible today. Gunmetal colour set with paste stones and faux onyx central stones. Earrings have strong clips and are easy to wear.
Set of Three Celluloid Figures of Monks, Japanese, first half C20th
Price: £45
This is an amusing group of three Japanese celluloid figures representing young boys dressed as monks. Each wears a patterned coat with complementary trousers and boots, the coloured details carefully picked out. Their poses resemble those of the celebrated three wise monkeys ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ which is a humorous combination with their apparently spiritual role. Celluloid, often known as the first plastic, was used for the manufacture of accessories and collectibles from the late nineteenth century to the 1940s and can be regarded as a cheaper alternative to bone or ivory. The Japanese produced many pieces in the material, other examples of which can be seen elsewhere on this site, but this small group, probably dating to the 1930s, is a particularly charming example.
Amber buddha carving on egg yolk amber and lapis necklace
Price: £175
This is a recently constructed necklace comprising a charming amber buddha head carving set with Art Deco egg yolk amber and lapis beads. With Chinese silver filigree clasp. It is difficult to date the buddha head but it is 20th century. The egg yolk beads are Art Deco and the lapis beads are late 20th century. With brown silk tassel.
Vintage Wicker and Plastic Woven Basket with Handles, probably mid C20th
Price: £45
A highly attractive woven basket with a lid and handles, the composition combining both wicker and plastic twine in an attractive combination of textures and colours, the base, the edges of the top and lid and the loop handles finished in wicker and the main body mainly in plastic. There is also a simple plastic twine fastening to keep the cover closed. By repute purchased in France, it is extremely hard to assign a country of origin to this piece, but the use of woven plastic suggests a dating to the 1950s, a time when the well known 'Lloyd Loom' items enjoyed great popularity. The condition of this basket is excellent and it is quite sturdy so could be an eye catching accompaniment to a summer excursion!
Chinese carved wood Box decorated Dragons, early C20th
Price: £150
A Chinese wood box with a hinged lid of rectangular form, deeply carved with dragon designs , a large sinuous example on the lid, his scales graphically depicted, within a border of bats and floral rosettes, the sides with smaller companions, two confronting at the front and rear between a shield, with a circular geometric motif at the corners, the interior with another large example slightly stylised and wrapped round a large circular panel, perhaps intended to be carved to display the name of the owner. The richly coloured wood is a form of the rosewood used so often by the makers of the furniture and decorative items intended for export and the style of the carving, accomplished but not with the finest detail, suggests early twentieth century work. But this in no way detracts from a rather striking creation intended for the foreign market.
Mexican silver dolphin bangle bracelet c1990
Price: £65
This bracelet has a fun depiction of a dolphin in the ocean with the sun and waves. It is marked Mexico 925.
Korean Najeonchilgi lacquerware jewellery Box, C20th
Price: £25
This is an example of Korean lacquerware known as ‘Najeonchilgi’. The technique, derived from both China and Japan, involves the inlay of shellfish derived small pieces onto a lacquerware base. ‘Najeon’ means ‘mother of pearl’ and ‘chilgi’ lacquerware. These wares were produced quite early on in Korea’s history with a ‘golden era’ during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) but continued to be made until quite recent times. This box, then, made in the late C20th, comes at the end of a long run of a traditional manufacturing process but retains some of the hallmarks of its predecessors. The shape is rectangular with a bowed front, the hinges and clasp fastening in polished metal and the interior lined in red fabric with a mirror fitted to the underside of the lid. The highly polished black lacquer surface is inlaid with mother of pearl decoration, flowers to the front and a moonlit scene of storks to the lid, symbolising long life. Highly decorative in itself, this box is also extremely practical as storage item for a small jewellery collection and would be an elegant addition to the dressing table.
Outstanding Victorian Scottish agate opera length necklace
Price: £1500
This is a very rare constructed necklace comprising a long strand of 87 graduated Scottish banded agate beads with a silver fob clasp. The beads are all different which adds to the beauty of the necklace. Can be wrapped around the neck twice or three times with an extender. This necklace has it all!
Striking Art Deco brooch
Price: £15
This is a very vivid brooch in a Regency design, featuring a faux onyx stone and faux pearl drops
Art Deco style Glass Box and Cover decorated with a dancing Ballerina, mid C20th
Price: £35
An opaque cream coloured circular glass box and cover, the bulbous body with high domed lid which is decorated with a dark grisaille dancing ballerina poised on one leg with grass below and hanging willow above within a yellow scalloped border which is repeated on the base. The style of decoration clearly suggests the 1930s and this piece probably dates to that era although there is no certain proof of this. Presumably a powder box it retains great charm and could well find a home in a contemporary setting.
Japanese Gouache Painting of Flowering Lotus, signed and framed, C20th
Price: £45
A Japanese Gouache painting in tones of green and blue of flowering lotus and reeds with a butterfly hovering above, inscribed to the left with a two character signature in black and a seal mark in red. While the artist of this piece cannot be identified his skill is self evident in both the overall composition and its execution. The fine white and yellow detail on the lotus leaves is striking and the depiction of the butterfly vivid with life. Executed on a circular panel, perhaps originally from a screen, the painting has been sympathetically framed in an octagonal format, with a dark blue mount into which it is inset. The combination presents an object of obvious decorative appeal both to a specialist and to a general collector.
Art Deco chalcedony brooch or pendant
Price: £65
This is a lovely and delicate brooch with bail for a pendant. It is set in silver that has a modern floral design is both polished and textured giving it a very fine and detailed look. The stone is a Scottish chalcedony stone. Marked 925
Statement necklace in the manner of Lalaounis c1990
Price: £75
This is a wonderful quality necklace comprising two tiers of Etruscan design elements and numerous acorn form drops. This is made to emulate the designs of Lalaounis a very popular jewellery designer and goldsmith who worked in Greece until his death in 2013. It has three tiers of drops and the swirl design is the main design element. The origin of this necklace is unknown but it is amazing quality and is drenched in buttery gold plating.
A Mughal style Gouache Painting depicting a Dignitary and Attendants, C20th
Price: £75
A Mughal style gouache painting, the central roundel depicting a court figure scene with a dignitary seated in a pavilion surrounded by attendants, all within a walled enclosure, and the blue ground border with four further attendants, seated, with gilt foliage decoration. Gouache paint is similar to watercolour, but is modified to make it opaque. It was commonly used by Persian artists from the thirteenth century onwards. The style of painting here, though, suggests a dating to the C20th and Indian work in the Mughal Court style which was derived from Persian artists. The frame is modern.
Unusual large evening minaudiere by Volupte USA 1950s
Price: £25
This a very unique large minaudiere by American designer Volupte. It contains powder, lipstick and with a part that would have been for cigarettes. It has a female figure with paste stones in an Art Deco design with gold colour waves below. It has some powder and the original lipstick in red. With black taffeta cover so can be carried as a wrist bag.
Souvenir White House Enamel Box and Cover
Price: £15
A box and cover of ovoid form, the blue enamel ground with raised cloisonne enamel style decoration depicting the White House with the US flag atop, trees to the left and right and a profusion of stars which are repeated on the base with a single star on the interior. Doubtless to be found in the White House gift shops but available here without the need for a trip to Washington!
Art Deco large cuff bracelet
Price: £75
This is a wonderful cuff bracelet comprising silver and coral, probably from Morocco.
Russian Enamel Brooch, probably Rostov Finift, mid C20th
Price: £20
This delicate brooch with its elaborate filigree work has a circular painted enamel plaque painted in greens, pinks, light brown and yellow with scrolling lotus flowers and surrounded by fine silver decoration, with scrolling rope twist strands and slender milled ribbons inset with beads. The style and composition, combining enamel and silver work, is typical of the Russian maker ‘Rostov Finift’ (‘finift’ comes from the Greek ‘fingitis’ which means ‘gleaming’) many of whose pieces can be found on the market today. The art of painting on enamel was first developed in Rostov Veliky (125 miles northwest of Moscow) in the 18th century and continued thereafter with pieces of jewellery, made by Rostov Finift and in which enamels are surrounded by elaborate filigree work, appearing in quantity after the second World War. The pieces are not signed and attribution is mainly speculative but this brooch has much in common with other pieces believed to have been made by the same factory.
Pair of Japanese Shaped Saucer Dishes, Maruku China, 1940s
Price: £25
A pair of fine quality porcelain saucers in the form of a leaf with a pierced handle, decorated in bright enamels with gilt dragons and flames amidst puce impressionistically represented waves, the edges gilt and the reverses plain with a painted blue mark ‘Maruku China’ beneath a crown.
The Maruku factory seems to have operated in Japan after the second world war producing modest but good quality wares for export, rather in the style of Noritake pieces. Usually their pieces are marked in addition ‘Made in Japan’ but for some reason not here. The forms, colourings and designs here are quite unusual and while modest, these are good quality decorative items suitable for a contemporary interior.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Celluloid Bangle with Tortoiseshell style decoration circa 1930
Price: £20
This is an unusual bangle made from celluloid which was used from the late nineteenth century onwards as an imitation of more expensive materials such as ivory or tortoiseshell. It was, therefore, the earliest form of plastic and was to be replaced in the 1920s and 1930s by bakelite. This piece has quite stout proportions and utilises a more complex form than the standard circular ring bangle, with two concave bands between a central ridge. The tortoiseshell style decoration displays considerable and pleasing variegation with an attractive selection of colours in close imitation of the original.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Fairing Figurine – A Mouse A Mouse, German, late C19th
Price: £25
Fairing Figurine "A Mouse A Mouse". 'Fairings', as they are known, were ceramic figures made to be given out, sold or won as prizes at fairs, hence the name. They were a product of the late Victorian era but continued to be made until the beginning of the First World War when they fell out of fashion. Manufacture was in Germany principally by the firm Conta and Boehme who developed a mass production method that no other company could match, thereby achieving a market advantage. They exported large quantities to Britain and the United States, but their pieces have even been found in Australia along with other destinations.
The various figures were made in white glazed porcelain with coloured decoration. The compositions were sculptural and often accompanied by an inscription, as here. Many models are known. Two typical examples are 'Returning from the Ball' and 'Twelve Months after Marriage'. Here we have a composition entitled “A Mouse A Mouse!”, which shows a couple, the wife raising herself from the bedclothes while her husband crawls on the floor, having knocked over a chamber pot in the process. Notably absent is the mouse itself…
Some of the fairing figurines are marked, as here. The impressed number '1886', which would be a series number, is combined with the impressed shield mark found on Conta and Boehme pieces from the late C19th. The paste of the foot is consistent with this and the slightly ‘brassy’ look to the gilding (compare Lot 5) complements this as well. It has been suggested that this particular model type is, in fact, a modern reproduction and there are other versions of the design which do indeed look contemporary but this is unlikely to be the case here and we most likely have an amusing and period example of the genre.