Vintage Petit Point Tapestry Bag, Austria, 1920s
Price: £55
This is a fine example of the minutely stitched embroidered bags made in Austria during the 1950s. Of sack form, the black ground tapestry canvas is decorated on each side with a profusion of multicoloured flowers including peony and lotus worked in the ‘petit point’ style with tiny stitching within a gold rococo border, the sides and base decorated in the same style. The top and snap clasp are in gilt metal and suspended from a gilt metal chain. The inside is finished in cream coloured silk with two green stitching bordered pockets and a label which reads ‘MADE IN AUSTRIA’. The maker is anonymous but their work rivals that of the well known firm ‘Jolles Original’, founded in Vienna in 1923, whose creations won a Grand Prix award in the 1958 World Exhibition held in Belgium and were sold by premier American Department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue making this bag a desirable addition to a collection of embroidered bags or vintage bags in general.
Japanese Blue and White Sugar Bowl and Cover, first half C20th
Price: £25
A Japanese porcelain sugar bowl and cover of globular form, two modelled loop handles to the sides and a flush fitting lid with a squat knob, decorated in bright underglaze blue with stylised scrolling lotus, the design repeated on the lid. In common with many blue and white pieces exported from Japan in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the decoration here is not handpainted but applied with the use of a stencil which explains the slightly ‘mechanical’ effect. These sugar bowls are often paired with a cream or milk jug but do not seem to have formed part of a larger tea service. The slightly uneven profile of the handles is found elsewhere and while dating is most likely to the 1920s or 1930s this piece is still of either decorative or even practical use around a hundred years later!
Victorian Grand Tour Wedding Cake glass necklace
Price: £125
These glass beads are very unusual due to their age and condition. It is a perfectly graduated set of 25 beads with original brass findings. These beads are gold in colour decorated with detailed floral and scroll work. The stations are interspersed with amber glass spacer beads.
Egyptian Revival filigree cuff bracelet 1930s
Price: £95
This is a very unusual statement bracelet comprising alternating filigree stations. The round stations have a central incised portrait of Nefertiti and the ingot shape stations have the typical papyrus design. The bracelet has Egyptian hallmarks indicating a dating to the 1930s.
Arts and Crafts garnet and moonstone earrings c1910
Price: £55
These earrings are are wondeful quality. They are set with vibrant square cut garnets and finished with large moonstone cabachons. They are set in silver with millegrain work. They are marked 925.
Toy Wicker Chair, mid C20th
Price: £35
A masterpiece in miniature, this is a small size wicker chair of tub shape, the arms merging into the back rail, the seat and lower sides closely woven with the upper sides and back in openwork and the legs with loop stretchers. Dating is probably to the mid twentieth century and this may be the work of an accomplished amateur, perhaps as a gift for their child. Certainly, these model chairs are much less commonly found than their full size counterparts and do not seem to have been manufactured widely. The perfect display item for a treasured Teddy!
Two lacquer bird brooches 1980s
Price: £15
This is a fun set of two brooches in an unusual lacquer design.
Black and Gold Copper Glitter Art Glass Scent Bottle, probably Murano late C20th
Price: £55
This is a very stylish scent bottle and stopper with a bulbous body, a concave neck with a flat top rim and a fitted stopper with a ball and pointed top and a long interior seal, the black glass with gilt flecks made from copper in globular and swirling patterns. Almost all the pieces with similar form and decoration are attributed to the Murano glassworks in Venice although none seem to exist with labels which would authenticate this. But the high quality of the glass blowing certainly suggests Murano work and the attribution seems reasonable. This example is particularly pleasing and is in excellent condition with the stopper original and intact.
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.
Doulton Vase with geometric and floral designs, late 1920s
Price: £75
A Doulton vase of ovoid form with a short concave neck and an inturned rim, brightly decorated in colourful enamels with modelled geometric and floral designs and with a mottled green/grey glaze below and beige above, the interior glazed brown at the top and the base unglazed with a typical impressed mark for Royal Doulton and the numbers ‘X8828’ ‘9869’ and also with scratched marks ‘WB’ ‘AT’. After the grant of a Royal Warrant in 1901, Doulton pieces carried a standard form of mark comprising a lion and crown above the name Royal Doulton and the '4D' symbol but from 1922–1927 a mark lacking the crown was used as here which allows a fairly precise dating for this piece. The numbers are for the model and pattern and the initials are artists’ marks, but unfortunately these cannot be identified. Made at a time when the Art Nouveau movement was nearing its end and the Art Deco style making its beginning, this vase reflects both, the floral decoration looking backwards and the abstract shapes looking forwards. The Doulton designers made great efforts to match the trends of their day and the result here is unusual and most attractive.
Framed needlework picture, Anemone Flower, C20th
Price: £25
A colourful and decorative needlework picture featuring a blue anemone flower surrounded by geometric patterns in shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. This is most likely the work of an accomplished amateur and possibly follows a pattern design. Many similar compositions can be found but this one is particularly successful and well complemented by its frame which is most likely contemporary with it and probably dates to the mid to late twentieth century.
Stunning Art Deco onyx and rock crystal necklace
Price: £250
This is a gorgeous necklace comprising large carved "pumpkin" shaped stones in onyx and rock crystal with spacing beads. The clasp is integrated into one of the onyx beads so it looks as beautiful from the back as it does from the front. This necklace has been constructed from the large beads which are from the Art Deco period c. 1930 with modern spacer beads which are rock crystal and black tourmaline. The necklace has been restrung using modern techniques.
Majolica plate signed Mancinelli, Deruta, Italy, C20th
Price: £75
A tin glazed majolica earthenware plate with a slightly lobed edge, vividly decorated with floral sprays to the centre within a repeating arrow shape border, the rim with stylised lotus leaves and round dots, the reverse glazed white with handwritten marks to the centre ‘Mancinelli, Deruta, Italy’ ‘p.2/25’ ‘graffito e dipinto a mano’ and the footrim pierced for hanging . Italian majolica wares date back to as far as the fourteenth century and Deruta in Umbria was one of the centres of its production. The Mancinelli family have been one of the most important Deruta based manufacturers of this ware from the nineteenth century onwards and combined with other potteries in the region to establish the ‘Societa Anonima Maioliche Deruta’ in 1910. They continue to produce Majolica pieces today, painted by hand as the markings to the reverse often indicate. This dish is an excellent example of their more recent work and probably dates to the second half of the twentieth century. The bold design is an attractive contemporary reworking of an antique tradition.
Figure of a Seated Ballerina, Royal Dux, late C20th
Price: £75
This is a highly attractive ceramic figure of a ballerina represented seated with her right leg raised as she ties her shoe. The salmon pink tones of the skin contrast vividly with the pure white of her dress, while the detail of her face is picked out in red, blue and brown with gilt highlighting to her white headband. While Art Deco in style this piece dates to the late twentieth century as is indicated by the form of the marks found on the base.
Duxer Porzellanmanufaktur, or the Dux Porcelain Manufactory, was started in 1860 by Eduard Eichler in what was then Duchov, Bohemia, later to become part of Czechoslovakia. Production was to continue until the beginning of the second world war and beyond and their later pieces are now generally referred to by the abbreviated name, ‘Royal Dux’. The distinctive pink triangle plaque mark was first used in the late nineteenth century but appears on pieces from all dates, the version found here indicating late twentieth century work which is also confirmed by the rather indistinct stamped mark comprising a triangle surrounded by the wording ‘Hand Painted Made in Czech Republic’. The artist is named as ‘V.David’ and there seem to be two other companion pieces in different poses. The quality is quite excellent and explains the original popularity of the firm when it began manufacturing in the nineteenth century and produced highly successful imitations of its contemporary rivals.
A Celtic or Pictish Brooch decorated with Horses, St Justin of Cornwall, circa 1980
Price: £10
A circular pewter Brooch, the decoration based on a Pictish horse engraving found on a stone in Inverurie. The three horses are shown embedded in a nest of classic Celtic lines and knots. This brooch was made by the firm St.Justin of Cornwall with Cornish Pewter. Their mark can be seen to the reverse.
Inverurie is a town in Scotland where Pictish carved stones are found in the graveyard dating from the 7th Century. The Picts were a tribe of peoples living in the East and North of Scotland. Little is known of their origins but they were called 'Picts' by the Romans because of their painted and tattooed bodies. The Inverurie horse is the inspiration for this brooch. The actual design of the three horses was created by George Bain (1881-1968) the Scottish artist and teacher, famous for chronicling Celtic Art.
St Justin of Cornwall is well known for the production of 'craft' pieces in a variety of forms and materials. This piece probably dates to the 1980s and certainly cannot be found in their current catalogue.
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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.
Pair of slender green glass Vases with silver decoration, possibly French early C20th
Price: £45
A pair of light green glass vases of slender form with near cylindrical bodies and a flaring neck above an ovoid globular base with a spreading foot, each decorated in silver inlay with flowers (chrysanthemum) and geometric designs. In contrast to the previous lot, the shape here suggests the designs of the Art Nouveau era and the decoration certainly has a French feel to it which would be consistent with this. The elegance of this pair of vases is striking, probably an ornament for a mantel piece at the time and more than suitable for a mantelpiece of today.
Large ironwood (palo fierro) carving of a duck and baby, Mexico, second half C20th
Price: £75
The ebony like wood used here is distinctive and comes from the Olneya tesota tree, which grows in the Sonora Desert in northwest Mexico and the southwest United States. For many years used as firewood or for the production of charcoal and only carved to form tools or small toys, it began to be used for the production of small sculptures and figurines to be sold to tourists from the mid C20th onwards but these became so popular that by the end of the C20th restrictions were imposed on the supply and use of the wood causing its price to rise and the output of carvings to reduce making the existing pieces more valuable.
Carving was originally done by the Seri people, a nomadic tribe of no more than 500 who live in Mexico and then by town and city dwellers from Sonora and Baja California, who embarked on the trade after the figures became commercially popular. Seri carvings were essentially hand made whereas the mass produced pieces were created with the use of power tools.
The forms are derived from the wildlife to be found in Mexico and are often abstract in style. While it may owe some elements to the use of machine tools, this carving is a fine example of the ‘ironwood’ style and is, in fact, an unusual composition with the mother and baby duck carved in one piece. The modelling is expressive and well complemented by the patina and finish of the wood. From the above, dating is clearly to the second half of the twentieth century and perhaps more to its later years if this is an example of the ‘commercial’ pieces produced at that time.
An Arts and Crafts small Brass serving Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £95
A Brass circular tray with a shaped raised pie crust edge decorated in repousse work with overlapping geese on a 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. 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. The design here is unusual and attractive and the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
A Large Islamic Pewter Ewer, C20th
Price: £45
A pewter ewer with a globular shape body above a flaring foot, rising to a slender neck with a collar and slightly flaring out at the top, the conical lid hinged and with a knop finial, an ‘S’ curved handle to the reverse and a slender tapering spout with a zoomorphic terminal, the whole decorated with bands of impressed stylised foliage. The form of this ewer is typical of middle eastern designs and occurs in a multitude of variants adopting the same basic format. Provenance and dating are uncertain but a Turkish origin seems likely, perhaps from the mid C20th. The use of pewter rather than brass gives a slightly rustic feel and enhances the middle eastern origins of the piece.
Studio pottery style wavy edge Bowl, 7th Layer Ceramics, China, early C21st
Price: £25
A studio pottery style stoneware shallow bowl with a wavy edge rim, stoutly potted and glazed on the outside and top interior in cream, the interior with contrasting green glazes with a craquelure effect, the foot unglazed and with a printed mark to the centre ‘7th Layer’ next to a circular logo. 7th Layer Design Ltd was a Chinese firm making high quality ceramics heavily inspired by European studio pottery techniques and the Director of the firm can be seen showing a selection of their range in a Facebook video dated to 2007 (see image 9 for a still photograph from this) but there is no record of them now and it has to be assumed that the business ceased production since then and today only selected pieces by them are available online on eBay or Etsy. Not yet, then, a collector’s item perhaps, but this bowl is a good example of the wares that the firm was trying to produce which unfortunately did not achieve long lasting commercial success.
Fine quality Japanese Cloisonne bottle form Vase with black ground, late C19th
Price: £45
A cloisonne vase of bottle form, the bulbous ovoid body rising to a tall narrow cylindrical neck, the flat base in copper metal, the black ground decorated on the body with flowers including peony and butterflies, with a stylised wave border below and a band of peony blooms on the shoulder on a brown speckle ground, and on the neck with stylised hanging floral blooms. While not necessarily at the level of some of the signed pieces produced by the Japanese craftsmen in the late nineteenth century, this vase is an excellent example of the best work produced for export. The decoration is detailed and complex and employs some of the ‘special effects’ used, including shading to the enamels and a speckle ground, created with the addition of gold filings to the enamel, both seen in the decoration to the shoulder (see image 5). No doubt intended as a cabinet piece and not necessarily one of a pair, this vase is an excellent tribute to one of the classic ‘arts of Japan’ produced towards the end of the nineteenth century.
Japanese Celadon Dish decorated basket of flowers, circa 1900
Price: £45
An unusual shallow dish of lobed and fluted circular form, the rich celadon glaze decorated in underglaze blue and overglaze enamels with a basket of flowering lotus, the design slightly off centre, the reverse with a blue transfer mark representing fungus (a plant traditionally symbolising long life).
Celadon glazed wares with enamel decoration in fairly muted colours are a familiar product amongst the ceramics produced by Japanese potters at the end of the nineteenth century but examples of this type of dish are rather less commonly found. The basket of flowers is a regular decorative feature of Chinese ceramics, but given here a slightly different interpretation with the depiction of lotus, the emblem of summer. The mark probably imitates Chinese ‘commendation’ marks inscribed within the foot rim, another nod on the part of the Japanese potters towards their Chinese counterparts.
Two similar Chinese Export Style Monteith Form Jardinieres, C20th
Price: £75
Two Chinese Export Style Jardinieres, each of deep oval form with wavy edge rims, one with rococo style handles in pink enamel and the other with lion head mask handles in iron red and mustard yellow, both similarly decorated in polychrome with insects, butterflies and flowers, the interior of the first with a floral spray and of the second with fish. Each has a slight craquelure effect to the glaze which is probably intentional and both have glazed bases with numbers applied to the biscuit foot.
The form here is a miniature version of the Chinese ‘Monteith’ first produced in the early to mid eighteenth century. The wavy rim was designed to hold the stems of glasses which were stood to cool in iced water placed in the interior. The style of the decoration is in Chinese Export taste as well, but dating here is to the C20th probably around the 1960s. Some similar examples have Chinese seal marks and one the name of a Chinese manufacturer implying that these pieces were most likely made in China but this does not assist with establishing their age. Purely decorative objects then with no intent to deceive but amusing creations in themselves and pleasing to a contemporary eye.
Orange Soliflore glass Vase, probably Murano, Italy late C20th
Price: £35
A slender and tall art glass vase, the squat lightly lobed and rounded base below a tall slender neck with raised twist trails flaring outwards towards the petal shaped top rim, the bottom flat with four small protruding feet, the orange glass exterior encasing a white glass interior. The form of this vase is called ‘Soliflore’ from the Latin solus (alone) and flos (flower). Originating in the Art Deco period and very much in keeping with the minimalist designs of that time, these vases were designed to hold a single flower such as a rose or a tulip. They continued to be manufactured after the war, especially in Italy at either Empoli or Murano. The high white casing, twist effects and finish of the base suggest the latter with a circa date probably in the 1980s.
1950s Regency style needlepoint kit bag
Price: £75
This is a lovely needlepoint bag with a floral motif on a cream coloured ground. It has gold hardware in the Regency style and a chain handle. It is lined with taffeta and is in immaculate condition. These bags were quite popular in the 1950s as they were a kit. The purchaser would do the embroidery work at home and then send it off to the manufacturer and they would make the bag. These bags are now becoming quite difficult to find and this is an excellent example of the type.
Studio Pottery Vase with Robin’s Egg Glaze marked Zambia
Price: £25
This is a stoneware vase, the pear shape body with a slender concave neck and flaring rim, covered overall with a mottled blue glaze closely imitating the Chinese ‘Robin’s Egg’ effects which extends to the interior, the foot rim unglazed and the lightly glazed base with incised marks ‘ZAMBIA’ ‘BJ’ above and (?) ‘R’ below. The stoneware body aside (and, of course the marks at the base) this vase could almost have originated in China both in respect of its shape and its glaze which almost exactly copies the Robin’s Egg colourings produced by the Chinese potters, a glaze which originated in the eighteenth century and employed the technique of blowing turquoise onto a blue glaze base to produce mottled effects. But the studio potters based England in the early to mid twentieth century often turned to their Oriental counterparts for inspiration and when studio pottery was developed in Zambia in later years, partly with the assistance of visiting European artists, it was no surprise that this influence should be repeated. Zambia now has its own tradition of studio pottery and other pieces are found marked with the country of origin just as this one is. The potters must remain largely unknown to us, despite their signature marks, but this vase shows that they are capable of producing pieces of high quality, both collectible for students of studio ceramics and decorative in their own right.
Beautiful Victorian ruby glass scent bottle, circa 1880
Price: £350
This is a lovely ruby glass scent bottle decorated with enamel flowers in a rope twist design. It has a brass top with chain and is fitted with the original stopper which is quite rare.
Mdina pulled ear glass Vase, Blue Summer pattern, signed, second half C20th
Price: £55
A stoutly blown glass vase of tapering ovoid form with a narrow neck and a widely flaring rim the sides ‘pulled’ to resemble stylised ears, the base flat with an etched signature ‘Mdina’, the blue flecked glass with colourings of green and yellow.
Mdina Glass was founded in the Maltese town of Mdina in 1968 by Michael Harris and Eric Dobson. The town had no history of glass making but the venture proved to be a success. Its wares, free formed organic glassware, often in colours inspired from the sea, sand, earth and sky, proved very popular with tourists visiting Malta. This vase is one of the earlier productions made by Mdina (the format of the signature confirms this) probably dating to the 1970s and, if not designed by Michael Harris, it certainly resembles the organic forms he created and the colourings, often referred to as ‘sea and sand’ although more correctly termed ‘blue summer’, reflect this. The raised detail to the sides enhances the overall profile contributing to a piece of satisfying charm.
Victorian carved celluloid cross c1900
Price: £45
This is a very unusual pendant comprising a very intricate carving in celluloid plastic. This type of plastic was also called Ivorine as it was meant to simulate ivory. This was most likely cast and then hand finished. It has its original loop.
Three Indian gouache paintings depicting Krishna and Radha, framed, first half C20th
Price: £150
Three Indian gouache paintings, one depicting Krishna and the other two depicting Krishna and Radha, all with lady attendants in stylised landscape scenes within elaborate floral borders. The Hindu God, Krishna, and his beloved consort, Radha, were often portrayed in Indian paintings from the early to mid C20th. The relationship between them was complex. Radha was acknowledged as the Supreme Goddess and Krishna was held to achieve fulfilment only by devotional service from her. Devotees would worship her in order to attain Krishna through her and this may be intended in some of the compositions here. This triptych probably derives from a larger set but stands on its own as an excellent and atmospheric example of Indian art. Dating is probably to the early to mid C20th but the frames are later.
Chinese provincial double spout Teapot, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a rather unusual teapot, the near spherical body with two spouts, a large angular loop handle and a rounded conical cover with a flattened ball knob, the interior with a central dividing wall and the lid with two cut outs to accommodate this, the glaze slightly off white with a fine craquelure and sketchily painted with typical lakeside scenes including pavilions, trees and rocks. Blue and white teapots with two spouts and a central interior division were made for export during the Kangxi period (1662-1722) but this example is much later, probably dating to the early twentieth century, and, to judge from the coarse decoration, made for the domestic market, but, even if utilitarian ware, there do not seem to be many parallel examples. By tradition, teapots designed with two halves were intended to promote a harmonious relationship between a husband and wife as each could enjoy their favourite type or strength of tea, although it has equally been suggested that they were rather intended for use in tea shops so that differing tastes could be catered for at the same time. A new owner might like to carry out some experiments!
Oriental White Metal Box decorated Dragons and Chrysanthemum, C20th
Price: £25
A white metal box and cover of rectangular form with spreading feet, the surface with highly detailed cast decoration, a swirling dragon on the lid and profuse chrysanthemum to the sides, the interior lined in wood and the base with a two character mark within a diamond shape frame. Similar examples are catalogued as both Chinese and Japanese and the same mark appears on some. The style of decoration here, particularly the rendering of the flowers, suggests more Japanese work than Chinese and a dating to the early C20th when the cigarette box was a favourite form for export to the West.
Five Murano glass fish pendants
Price: £25
This is a rather random lot comprising five small Murano glass pendants. Each one has a hole in the fin so they are all ready to be worn as necklaces or to be put together as one fabulous necklace. It is all up to you! :)
Framed Picture of Two Elephants signed Mary Beth Zeitz and dated 2003
Price: £25
This attractive composition was, in fact, drawn on a serviette as the label at the back indicates and can easily be seen from the material itself. Depicted are a pair of confronting elephants with colourful saddle hangings and open top howdahs. The painting is skilful and there is much detail in the representation of the fabric hangings and the sides of the howdahs. But then, this is the work of an accomplished and known artist, Mary Beth Zeitz, whose signature appears at the bottom right hand corner (see another example of her work [image 7] for comparison). Born in the C20th in Louisville, Kentucky, she was raised in Wilmington, Delaware from the age of 3 and then went on to study French at the University there following this with a spell the Universite de Montpellier while she was living in the South of France. Her work is distinguished by detailed subjects and antique-style textures which are often to be seen in her watercolours. Her paintings have found their way into several galleries and have been purchased by private and corporate collectors. The recipient of this gift was lucky then and received a decorative object of great charm and skill.
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.
Small frill rim glass vase, Island Studio Glass, Guernsey, late C20th
Price: £25
A small glass vase in mottled blue and deep pink, the broad ovoid body narrowing towards the neck which flares out into a frilled rim, the base with a three character moulded mark. The mark here, usually held to represent three lions, is that used by the glassworks Island Studio Glass, based in Guernsey, some of whose pieces also carry a label bearing their name. This little known studio was founded with the assistance of Michael Harris of Isle of Wight Glass and traded from 1980 to 2002. It seems to have specialised in pieces employing distinctive mottled glass, many with frill top rims as here. The mark reflects the coat of arms for Guernsey which comprises three lions or leopards and seems to have been applied to most of the pieces produced.
Japanese Kutani Teapot in a carrying Basket, circa 1900
Price: £45
A Japanese Kutani teapot, the body of broad ovoid form with two lug handles and a curved spout, fitted with a very faintly domed flush lid with a knob finial, set in a matching carrying basket of woven wicker with a metal hook and eye fastener, two ring hinges and two loop handles.
Kutani (the word means 'nine valleys') porcelain was made at various factories in the former Kaga province of Japan. The earliest pieces were in a completely different style employing a palette of colours emphasising green, the so called 'Ko Kutani'. Production of this ceased around 1730, and manufacturing was not revived until the early nineteenth century when the more familiar colourings of iron red and gold were introduced. Vases, bowls and plaques are found in this style but also teapots of which this is a typical example. The decoration is of birds and flowers on a faintly craquelure glaze ground and the lid has a complementary ‘brocade pattern’ design. The base has a two character mark reading ‘ku’ ‘tani’ as is often found. The basket is of tightly woven wicker with the metal fitments as described and is probably Chinese in common with many similar examples, although the Japanese did, of course, have a basket weaving tradition of their own. Slight damage means that the ensemble has to be of decorative value rather than practical use but it remains an interesting and entertaining souvenir item from the orient.
Murano Art Glass Dish, 1960s
Price: £55
An Art Glass dish made by the well known firm of Murano, based in Venice, Italy, the flowing triangular form with turned over sides indented to the centre and joining at three complementary 'lips', the blue glass skilfully combined with clear glass and shades of brown. Just possibly intended as an ashtray, the design is striking and appealing and representative of the best Murano work. A circa date in the 1960s is likely and the style matches other designs from that era.
Pink Alabaster Box and Cover, Italy late c20th
Price: £25
An attractive box and cover of circular form made from pink alabaster, each section mounted in gilt metal and attached by a hinge, the lid with a finely detailed design of flowering lotus. Italy is a prime source for alabaster and many similar boxes have a sticker on the base saying ‘Made in Italy’ giving us the country of origin here. Dating is probably to the 1980s/1990s.
Art Deco bar brooch with moonstone cabochon, c1930
Price: £75
This is a very elegant bar brooch that has finely detailed silver work that exhibits both Art Deco and Islamic design. It is set with a bluish moonstone cabochon. It is marked 835 so most likely Austrian.
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'.
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.
Burmese Jade sautoir Necklace, C20th
Price: £45
This is a very unusual 'sautoir' necklace (the term denotes its length) comprising jade facetted roundel beads that end in two clusters, a piece which you can tie around the neck in different ways depending on your outfit and mood. The beads are different types of celadon jade interspaced with silver beads, the clusters ending in two silver beads with millegrain terminals. A flexible addition to the wardrobe in more than one sense!
Art Deco style crystal glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, late C20th
Price: £35
A crystal glass perfume bottle and stopper, the angular body comprising two truncated cones, one inverted, with facetted surfaces, the shoulder flat and with a white metal screw thread collar above which fits into the white metal base of the stopper which is also angular and facetted. While Art Deco in style, this attractive perfume bottle is more likely of fairly recent manufacture dating to the late twentieth century but it is a stylish piece nevertheless and the quality of the glass enhances the detail of the design making it an elegant dressing table accessory.
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.
Art Pottery Vase with Geometric Motifs, C20th
Price: £55
An Art pottery Vase of slender ovoid form, narrowing slightly towards the base and with a short everted rim, the body splash glazed in brown with raised geometric motifs
and bead work in green, the base with a blue green glaze and a repeating geometric design again in green incorporating rectangular motifs and bead work, the foot also
glazed in a blue green glaze.
The style of decoration suggests Art Nouveau designs but there are no obvious parallels. Continental manufacture seems likely, perhaps France or Germany.
Taxco bracelet set with carved obsidian stones c1950
Price: £55
This is a bracelet that is often seen in different forms and must have been quite popular in its time. It is silver with a gold colour wash and set with carved obsidian stones. Aztec face heads alternate with square stone stations and the surrounding silverwork borders depict the headdress of the Aztec face carvings with scrollwork to the square stations. Marked 'Heche en Mexico' with an eagle head which denotes 925 silver.
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.
Classic black crocodile handbag 1940s
Price: £75
This is a very classic style bag in a square shape typical of the period. It is lined with black leather and is in excellent condition. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use. All you need are some white gloves and you are ready for anything!
North American turquoise ring c1990
Price: £75
This is lovely ring with a good size cabachon turquoise stone set it silver. It appears to be North American turquoise but it could possibly be from the central Chinese province of Hubei, another source of high quality turquoise stones. Unmarked, it has a modern design with a halo effect and the bead work detail is typical of North American work.
Victorian leather bound photo album made by Mechi and Bazin c.1870
Price: £110
This is an incredible photo album comprising a finely tooled green leather cover and gilt edged pages that have inserts for the photos. It is made by Mechi and Bazin, a well respected manufacturer based on Regent Street in central London and mainly known for their campaign fitted toiletry boxes and writing slopes. This album is quite petite so it was most likely also meant for travel. It holds 23 beautiful Victorian photographs : mainly portraits with a few outdoor views.The album Is marked 'Mechi & Bazin Makers London' on front cover.
Japanese miniature wood sample Cabinet, late nineteenth century
Price: £55
A small wood cabinet with three drawers and two sliding doors, two of the drawers with marquetry inlay to the front faces both patterned and grained, the sliding doors with graining effect and the third drawer plain. Two of the drawers are signed with the same character and the underneath of the cabinet has further signature marks.
This is an example of Japanese marquetry technique known as ‘Yosegi-Zaiku’ in which intricate geometric patterns made from small pieces of wood were used to decorate the surfaces of small pieces of furniture such as jewellery cabinets or ‘kotan-su’ (kodansu). The technique originated in the town of Hakone, near to Tokyo, in the Edo period (1601/3 to 1868) but continued into the Meiji era (1868-1912) and beyond. Some of the pieces produced have an elaborate array of designs, but what we appear to have here is a sample or specimen piece showing the types of effect the craftsman could produce. This is further complicated by the fact that the top right drawer, which has no decoration at all and is not signed underneath like the other two, appears to be a later replacement with a different form of handle. But there is still some charm and no small amount of skill here. Dating is most probably to the late nineteenth century and this experimental ‘kodansu’ could easily find a place in an early twenty first century setting.
1001 Arabian Nights Brooch c1930
Price: £20
This is a fun brooch that depicts a rather evil looking sorcerer. He has glass eyes and there is a large glass stone in his turban. The brooch is made from brass and would have had colourful enamel painting in its time. It also appears that originally there might have been drops from the ears.
African wood figural group, Guinea c1970
Price: £35
This is a carved wood group depicitng a woman carrying water with a pig, fruit and other household implements.
Swirl design Cranberry glass Decanter and Stopper, probably Italian mid C20th
Price: £45
An unusual decanter and stopper set, the broad pear shape body narrowing towards the neck which has a curved lip at the front and a loop handle at the back and is fitted with a flattened ovoid stopper. Both pieces have moulded decoration and the handle has repeating circular indentations, the clear glass with swirling ribbon highlights in cranberry glass. While cranberry glass decanters are seen with a combination of clear and coloured glass there is no close parallel to what we have here. Similar pieces were made in England (for example Fenton glass) and by the ‘Bohemian’ workshops (Bohemian glass was made in the regions of Bohemia and Silesia, now parts of the Czech republic). There are also a few Italian pieces, some made on the island of Torcello near Venice. But none of these is exactly the same and the form of the stopper is very rarely found. The rather ‘open’ decoration with the trails of Cranberry coloured glass suggests most of all though the last of these with a dating, perhaps, to the mid C20th. While something of a mystery this remains an attractive and appealing item in particular for collectors of Cranberry glass wars.
Framed Oil Painting on Board of a Winter Landscape Scene, C20th
Price: £55
Clearly the work of an accomplished amateur artist, this dramatic landscape painting of a snowy winter scene shows a gabled house set by a river with reeds and trees in the foreground and craggy snow capped mountains in the background. The location is really a matter of guesswork but the building resembles some found in Holland which might indicate a Dutch setting. The grandeur of the scene is obvious with the mountainous outcrops graphically depicted. The board surface used and the style of the frame suggests a mid to late twentieth century dating but this picture would grace a room setting of any age.
Monochrome tubular bead necklace, Modern
Price: £95
This is a rather fabulous necklace that feature very large tubular beads that are half crystal and half onyx. They ae paired with smaller crystal beads with black inclusions. The large beads adre very unusual. It has a silver clasp.
Very unusual banded carnelian panel bracelet
Price: £45
This is a very striking bracelet comprising six large banded carnelian panels interspersed with carnelian beads on typical stretch elastic. This is especially beautiful because the stones have natural inclusions. The origin of this bracelet is not clear. Could be Scottish or possibly Chinese.
Art Deco Burmese dragon head Necklace, 1920s
Price: £75
This is a stunning and large necklace comprising a bold dragon head pendant formed from moulded brass with filigree work mounted with enamel to simulate stones. It comes attached to the original brass link necklace. This is a real show stopper!
Pair of Chinese Paintings on rice paper, C19th, later framed
Price: £110
A pair of Chinese paintings on rice paper of two figures, a lady and a gentleman, in traditional court dress. She holds a fan while he holds a quiver of arrows in one hand and a bow in the other, suggesting, perhaps fancifully, a contrast between war and peace. Finely detailed, almost jewel-like, cabinet paintings of this type were made in the 18th and 19th centuries for export to Europe, from the Chinese ports and in particular Canton. The subject matter included botanical studies, commercial and domestic scenes and, as here, people depicted wearing elaborate Chinese dress. These paintings were often issued in sets or albums either to be enjoyed as connoisseurs’ items or for framing to be used as wall decoration. The detail of the brushwork here, especially seen on the robes, and the expression of the faces represents the best of work which was exported and the rice paper ground is in remarkably good condition with little or no trace of foxing. Dating is fairly certainly to the nineteenth century and perhaps to the 1840s/1860s since the style of work resembles that seen on the porcelains produced at this time. The simple frames are doubtless a twentieth century addition and allow these two miniature masterpieces to be displayed with great effect.
Purple Art Glass Vase by Anthony Stern, late C20th
Price: £150
This is a strikingly bold art glass vase heavily blown with thick walls, the simple ovoid body with a small concave aperture at the top and a rounded spreading foot below. The light purple of the body is contrasted with the clear glass base and the underneath contains the incised signature of Anthony Stern. Born in Cambridge in 1944, Anthony Stern (see image 7) was initially known as a film maker working with many of the pop stars and media personalities of the 1960s and 1970s including Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones. By 1976 he had begun to tire of this and went on to complete an MA at the Royal College of Art in Glass then becoming a highly successful glass maker whose work eventually found its way into the collections of Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Elton John, the Saudi Royal Family (Red Sea Palace), the Victoria & Albert Museum, Barclays Bank, Morgan Stanley, the Nomura Group, Sir Derek Jacobi, and the Broadfield House Glass Museum amongst others. To Stern, there was a firm link between the two disciplines once saying that ‘Glass and film are identical, they’re both translucent materials through which light passes.’ Eventually succumbing to Parkinson’s, after which he made a brief return to the world of film, Stern died in 2022. His work was mainly sculptural and often employed an imaginative use of colour effects (see image 8 showing his glass studio). The form here is much simpler and seems also to have been made in much smaller white glass examples. His pieces are signed with an etched, slightly dotted inscription bearing his name as here. The size and colour of this piece appear to make it unique and a desirable acquisition for collectors of C20th art glass or perhaps devotees of the pop culture which flourished at the time.
Ottoman silver marriage Mirror, Turkey, early 20th century
Price: £75
This is a beautiful small mirror of lobed ovoid form decorated to the reverse with a very fine repousse work design of stylised lotus sprays within a stylised floral bloom itself within a chain link border and fan shape devices all on a chased hammer punched ground of small circles. There are marks '925' for the silver purity and 'ISIK' for the maker. The mirror itself is framed by a simple border with stylised shells and flower heads again on a hammer punched ground.
These mirrors, small and with finely worked designs in silver, were a traditional aspect of the Turkish marriage ceremony where they are given by the groom to the bride as part of a dowry, then to be hung in the home for good luck, usually turned around with the reverse facing front during prayer ceremonies. This is a fine example of the type with high quality craftsmanship and most likely dates to the early twentieth century.
Large traditional Taxco Amethyst cross on chain c1950
Price: £175
This is a very traditional Taxco design in the form of a cross. It is set with rose cut and cabachon amethyst stones. It is marked Made in Mexico with makers mark JGD and 925. It has been paired with a complementary heavy chain that is Indian in origin.
Cup : the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1972
Price: £25
A bone china loving cup with two silver decorated lion handles made by the Paragon China works to commemorate the Silver Wedding (1947–1972) of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1972. The front has the royal coat of arms between a lion and a unicorn and the reverse a cipher, intertwined ‘E’ ‘P’, within a wreath below a crown and sceptres, the blue scroll work reading ‘Love and Unanimity in Married Life’. Lettering in puce at the top and sides celebrates the Royal Wedding in Westminster Abbey in 1947.
The Paragon China Company, formerly the Star China Company (see Lot XX), produced high quality gift items from 1920 to 1971, at first independently and then in alliance with other companies, finally being absorbed by Royal Doulton in 1972 who kept the ‘Paragon’ name until 1991. Commemorative wares were a speciality and this cup is a fine and typical example.
Cornucopia design suite of necklace and earrings 1990s
Price: £45
This is an incredible set of necklace and earrings. The necklace has a cornucopia with one side set with diamantes and the other side is a twisting floral design set with diamantes and faux sapphires. It is made of gild metal with a polychroming effect in soft greens and peachy tones. The earrings mirror this design and are just as striking as the necklace. The origin of this set is uncertain; it could perhaps be American but it will certainly attract attention!
Triple strand of amber Bakelite beads, British 1930s
Price: £750
This is an imposing three strand necklace comprised of assembled graduated marble effect butterscotch amber beads joined at the head with a silver clasp. The beads have recently been restrung with wire to make the whole more robust and safer to wear. The three strands interlock perfectly and the selection of beads has been carefully chosen in respect of colouring and size to produce a striking ensemble which is bound to impress.
Art Nouveau comb with coral fish and pearls
Price: £45
This is a beautiful piece of Art Nouveau, a celluloid hair comb with an inset carving of a koi fish in coral and seed pearls. It is carved with swirls and incised with very fine designs.
Avon Brand vintage wood telephone Money Boxes, 1950s/1960s
Price: £20
These are two items of nostalgia from the 1950s/1960s acting as money boxes for the cost of a telephone call. Presumably they were placed next to the telephone as a hint to a guest user to make a contribution to the cost of a call when using the host’s telephone! Each has a roundel with a slightly saucy young lady with an image of a telephone next to it. There is a slot at the top and a removable panel to the rear to give access to the coins stored inside. Each has a label at the back ‘Avon Brand’ one with ‘Seal of Quality’ and the other with ‘Made in England’. The format of the telephone dates these boxes to the late 1950s or early 1960s which is entirely consistent with their general style. Nothing is known about the ‘Avon Brand’ (who were lucky not to get involved in a trademark dispute with the more famous user of the name…) but there are many other similar pieces with their label, some with the image of a town and its name written on the base. Perfect items for devotees of ‘kitsch’!
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.
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
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.
Georgian neck brooch c1820
Price: £85
This is a very unusual brooch meant to be warn at the neck. It comprises white metal and brass elements. It has a hanging garland that moves and then there are three chains attached. It has a typical Regency design. It has been restored so the pin and clasp are not original. Nor are the chains original although they compliment the brooch so well this most likely is an authentic restoration back to its original state.
Daum Crystal Glass Swallowtail Bowl, signed Daum-France circa 1960
Price: £150
A fine quality crystal glass bowl manufactured by Daum in the 'Swallowtail' form with a typical elongated design rising at each end from a narrow hollowed out base and terminating in a stylised beak at one end and a stylised double edged tail at the other, the abstract form intending to represent the bird.
Vases in this form were produced by the well known French maker Daum in the 1950s and the 1960s. The sizes and designs can vary with some examples measuring up to two feet and intended as table ornaments. This piece is rather smaller and perhaps more elegant. The crystal glass is of extremely high quality and reflects the light in a very attractive way. The weight is good and the glass itself is thickly blown and expertly formed, The flat base shows signs of bevelled edging at the exterior and one of the sides bears the typical etched Daum mark with 'Daum' and 'France' separated by a device comprising an upright line with two crosses.
The more petite size and the quality of the manufacture and design make this a most appealing example of Daum's work at its best. Dating can be assumed to be around 1960 if not slightly before. A desirable piece indeed for collectors of twentieth century art glass.
Six engravings of Pigs published by Rogerson and Tuxford, second half C19th
Price: £30
A set of six engravings of pigs, all by Edward Hacker (1812-1905) after various artists and issued by Rogerson and Tuxford from the 1860s to the 1870s. It was the custom of gentleman farmers to commission pictures of their ‘prize’ livestock which were then issued as prints, sometimes in agricultural magazines and sometimes as wall decoration for the farmhouse. Edward Hacker was a celebrated engraver who specialised in sporting and animal prints and Rogerson and Tuxford were well known for publishing animal prints. Doubtless many more examples were issued in addition to the six here, but they are typical of the output and the genre in general and are collected by enthusiasts today.
We see (1) ‘Dorset Infants’ (1877) after Edward Corbet (1823-1899) a British artist who specialised in sporting scenes and portraits of animals (2) ‘The Cup Pen of Pigs’ (1874) artist anonymous (3) ‘A Prize Boar’ (1860) after William Henry Davis, a British artist many of whose works were commissioned horse and livestock portraits (4) ‘Prize Pigs’ (1868) after Edward Corbet (5) ‘Prize Pigs’ (1861) after John Vine (1808-1867) a watercolourist whose work included animal studies (6) ‘Improved Dorset Pigs’ (1866) after Edward Corbet.
Long Murano Glass Necklace 1970s
Price: £55
This is a very striking long necklace comprising a geometric design with different shaped Murano glass beads and metal links.
Opera length mille fiore station necklace and earrings c1950 and later
Price: £45
This is a striking and very long necklace comprising stations of mille fiore glass beads and red and black glass beads with paste stones in between. It is very elegant and detailed. It is meant to wrap around the neck and then hang down to the waist although it could be also wrapped around the neck a few times. It is paired with complementary earrings that have black glass and paste stones. The necklace is not silver and most likely would have had gilding in its time. The earrings still have a gold tone. The necklace dates to the 1950s and the earrings are later, most likely 1970s.
Taxco abalone cross over bangle c 1960
Price: £65
This is a very elegant bangle bracelet in a crossover design. It has a hinged opening so it is free sized. It is set with abalone stones and marked TL-105 950 Mexico.
Small Chinese Gilt Ground Cloisonné Bowl, C20th
Price: £35
A small bowl with a short foot and an everted rim, the gilt ground decorated in raised cloisonne enamel with prunus flowers, the base and interior finished in mottled turquoise enamel. The cloisonné technique, where glass derived enamels are inlaid between gilt metal outline designs, the so called 'cloisons' or 'partitions', was developed in China from as early as the fourteenth century and employed continuously thereafter, even until the present day. In the early twentieth century pieces were produced with a gilt ground onto which were applied raised cloisonne enamel designs, as here. The quality of the work is excellent and self evident but note in particular the shading effects in the enamels which are seen in images (3) and (4). Prunus is the emblem of Winter and the symbol of life because its blossom appears in springtime on an apparently lifeless tree. This small bowl or cup was probably intended for drinking tea or wine which explains the shape of the rim. Dating is most likely to the first half of the C20th.
North American Turquoise pendant necklace c1990
Price: £150
This is a very striking necklace comprising a large pendant with a modernist design set with North American turquoise, most likely from the Kingman mine. The pendant is marked 925 and has been later paired with a complementary and heavy Balinese chain which is unmarked.
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.
Murano blue glass star shape Bowl, 1960s
Price: £25
A small deep bowl of shaped square form with pointed edges and incurving sides, the blue glass combined with clear glass in a technique known as ‘sommerso’ (Italian ‘submerged’) whereby two or more layers of contrasting glass are created without the colours mixing together. Sommerso pieces are formed by dipping coloured glass into molten glass of a different colour before blowing the glass into the required form and the technique was developed by the Murano factory in Venice. The colour range here is typical of their work and other pieces can be found with similar and even identical designs. Dating is probably to the 1960s and the flowing organic form is charcteristic of pieces from that time.
Art Deco paste collar necklace by Schreiber & Hiller c1930
Price: £125
This is a quintessential Art Deco piece by Schreiber and Hiller. It is marked DGRM 1138525. This is a German patent number held by Schreiber and Hiller and pertains to the type of fluid link that has been designed to hold channel set stones. This patent was issued in September 1930. The company ceased to trade during WW2.
Art Deco Scottish agate necklace, 1920s
Price: £125
This is a very unusual necklace comprising carved stations of different Scottish agate stones, the stones are slightly graduated and are connected by gilt brass spring like connectors and fitted with the original screw clasp.
Thai Akha tribe Doll, late C20th
Price: £35
This is a fine example of the dolls produced by the Akha tribe who live in Northern Thailand. The clothes are modelled on traditional Thai designs, the black cloth with brightly coloured accessories, bead work and silver metal accents, and the head, hands and feet are ceramic with painted detail. Made in the late twentieth century, presumably as tourist souvenirs, the charm of these dolls speaks for itself and would add a touch of colour and humour to any contemporary interior.
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.
Silk Print of a Bird, Bianchini-Ferier, France, early C20th
Price: £25
A silk print of a bird perched on a branch of flowering acorns. The design of the bird itself employs ‘flock work’ technique where slender coloured threads are laid onto the fabric surface to produce a slightly raised effect but the remainder of the image is printed onto the silk using grisaille colouring. Similar examples are known, some depicting birds and some flowers, but all are marked at the bottm ‘Bianchini-Ferier’ ‘Made in France’.
Bianchini Ferier was a silk weaving manufacturer based in Lyons. Founded in 1888 by Francois Atuyer, Charles Bianchini and Francois Ferier, it first produced fine silk damasks mainly for the clothing industry. After gaining a silver medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889 it went on to enjoy great success and many well known artists created designs for it in the early C20th, most notably Raoul Dufy. Production continued until the early 1990s when the firm was acquired by Tissages Bauman.
This print resembles designs in the firm’s archives from the late C19th and was probably created in the early C20th. It was designed for framing and the dotted line definition of the composition can be seen at the edges. Presented now in a modern surround it provides an excellent example of the firm’s work and a reflection of the Art Nouveau style so popular when it was produced.
Japanese Celadon Ground Tazza with Chinese Nanking decoration, late C19th
Price: £25
This is an unusual and hybrid piece combining elements of both Japanese and Chinese decoration. The stoutly potted footed bowl, or tazza, is Japanese porcelain employing a fine quality stone like clay, visible on the underneath of the three feet, often found in these celadon glazed pieces made for export towards the end of the nineteenth century. The pedestal feet support a stubby bulbous column which in turn supports the circular serving dish on top. The underside of the dish has moulded decoration and its edge is slightly shaped. The celadon glaze is enhanced with blue and white decoration and the dish itself is wholly decorated in blue and white with a landscape scene closely resembling the designs on Chinese export wares of the late eighteenth century (see the previous lot in this sale for a typical example) and often known as ‘Nanking’ ware in Europe, Nanking being the Chinese port from which it was shipped to the West. The elaborate border with cell and diaper work and stylised flowers also copies the Chinese exemplar. The shape is a Japanese interpretation of a European form and was clearly intended as a serving dish, perhaps for a small desert service of pieces in a similar pattern, but it can stand on its own today as a piece both decorative and practical.
Carved celadon jade pendant Necklace c1920
Price: £95
This is a beautiful and long necklace that features a large carved Buddha pendant figure in celadon jade. It is strung on the original silk cord that also has bead stations.
(Please note that although this is jade, we are not specialists in this field and cannot be sure whether or not the jade has been treated in some way.)
Art Nouveau Fairy earrings c1930
Price: £25
These are a pair of earrings comprising a pink paste stone with a suspended Mucha style fairy figure ending in a long faux pearl. These are post and butterfly earrings that are quite light and easy to wear.
Large python handbag with wood closure detail 1930s
Price: £125
This is a very interesting bag that comprises python skin throughout. It is lined with taffeta and has python on the interior accents. It has an unusual wooden closure and a handle that is also covered in python skin and is in great condition. It is large enough for use any time day or evening.
A gilt metal and onyx figure of a Cherub holding a Globe 1960s
Price: £45
This is an amusing figure of a cherub holding a globe, perhaps intended as a desk ornament or paperweight or possibly as part of a two piece clock set. The cherub is modelled in gilt metal with a smiling face, standing on one leg with the right arm upraised and supporting a globe which is held in place by a screw attachment. The globe and base are formed from onyx with typical striations. Similar pieces are usually dated to the 1960s which would seem to be the case here. Mounted onyx globes do appear, but the addition of the cherub figure is more unusual.
Delft style garniture vase, probably Chinese C20th
Price: £20
The marks underneath this vase proudly announce production at Delft, Holland which is written below the standard apothecary bottle and the cipher ‘JT’ (from Joost Thooft, the company owner from 1876) with, in addition, a painter’s mark, which cannot be identified and a date code leeter ‘R’ for 1896. There are also some impressed letters and numbers which are hard to identify. The form and decoration is similar to that of a Chinese eighteenth century garniture vase (there should be a cover to this in addition) which is entirely consitent with original Delft pieces which copied or based themselves on Chinese models, although the shape here is exaggeratedly slender. But the mechanical craquelure glaze is totally unauthentic as is the thickly potted body and the paste of the base which is most likely Chinese and therefore yet another example of the European style pieces they made during the late twentieth century, a few example so of which can be seen elsewhere on this site. A novelty pastiche then but with the potential for the display of small flowers which it would complement rather well.
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.
Marionette Figure of a Prince, probably Burmese mid C20th
Price: £45
This is a puppet figure of a man wearing elaborate dress suggestive of the royal court with billowing sleeves and a flaring skirt, the bold and striking design elaborately worked with sequins, stitching and minute bead work studded at the front with large coloured glass beads representing gems, his hands and face gilt with red and black detail, his feet clad in gilt boots and his head surmounted by a gilt and beaded conical helmet. Eight gilt strings are suspended from a double bar handle piece allowing the puppet master to operate the figure.
The style of the dress suggests Burma which has a tradition of marionette puppetry (marionettes are a specific form of puppet where the figure is controlled by strings or rods) dating back to the late eighteenth century and still popular today with visitors to the country, now called Myanmar. Termed ‘Yoke thé’, the Burmese marionette tradition allowed political commentary under the guise of of an entertainment display. The standard ‘troupe’ comprised twenty seven characters, both animal and human, and this male figure is probably the ‘King’ (‘Mintayar gyi’). Dating is probably to the mid C20th and a little earlier than the female marionette figure also included in this sale. This figure is rather more majestic as befits his regal status.
Japanese wood Netsuke of a Cobra, signed, C19th
Price: £45
A Japanese boxwood netsuke sculpture of a cobra, seated coiled with its head upraised and mouth open with the tongue protruding, the scale naturalistically rendered even to the underside where there is an incised artist’s mark. The eyes are inset with small hardstones [CHECK] which is an additional sign of the quality of the work here which would have required no small amount of skill to create such an ‘open’ composition. Netsuke were carved toggles used to attach hanging objects, usually okimono, to the sash of a kimono and became the subject of the master carver’s art, sometimes of the very highest class. They were formed from ivory or wood, as here, and usually display the holes through which the fastening cord was threaded but this is not the case here because of the nature of the composition. While there is certainly abundant artistry, the carver’s signature cannot be identified. Netsuke began to fall out of fashion in the nineteenth century as European dress gradually became more popular but a dating to this period seems reasonable.
Oil Painting, Shakespeare Cliff, Dover, unsigned, C20th
Price: £75
It is easier to identify the subject of this painting than the artist who painted it. The white cliff outcrop in the background is the well known ‘Shakespeare Cliff’ situated just to the West of Dover harbour and famous for its association with the play ‘King Lear’ as well as for its coastal views. It was often painted and even caught the imagination of Turner who captured many views of it including one aspect closer up but similar to that seen here (see image 9). In this picture, the cliff is a backdrop for a maritime coastal scene with riggers beached below and cockle boats with a fisherman in the foreground while various bystanders survey the scene. All the elements depicted are Victorian and some of the representations to be found do date from that period, but the style of the work here, particularly the semi impressionistic treatment of the rocks looks later and an early twentieth century dating seems more likely. But the anonymous artist was accomplished and has produced an attractive version of a well known composition.
Vintage Brass Pocket Case with a lid, probably a Vesta case for Matches, circa 1900
Price: £55
A small brass case with a hinged lid of irregular rectangular form decorated in high relief repoussé tecnique with a devil’s head encircled by a snake whose scaly tail continues onto the lid. 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. Other examples of these cases are known with a similar shape and technique and even the devil and snake motif. It is more than likely that this case was designed for matches, the so called 'Vesta Case' of which there is another example in this auction. Like that piece it is fitted with a ring, presumably to allow it to be attached to a watch chain. But other uses could have been intended, possibly for business or visiting cards (the Victorian calling card was much smaller) or perhaps for pills. The style of decoration very much recalls 'Arts and Crafts' pieces made around 1900 and a similar dating seems likely here.
Taxco Incised Silverwork Cuff Bracelet c1940
Price: £250
This is an incredible and massive cuff bracelet in a typical Mexican design of fish in water. It is very heavy and makes a real statement. It is signed Sterling Ranch Allegre 18, Taxco 925 A.L. and dates to the mid C20th.
Balinese Silver Bangle with Elephant Heads, 1980s
Price: £45
Balinese Silver Bangle with a typical rope twist design terminating in two elephant heads with raised trunks. One terminal with a small circular pad marked 925 (the nine is very feint and can only be seen with a loop). Style and form of decoration suggest a circa date in the 1980s.