Lomonosov Teapot decorated Cockerels, late C20th
Price: £45
This is a fine quality teapot of compressed globular form with a short straight foot, a flaring neck fitted with a countersunk domed cover and a curving loop shape spout and handle. The base has a stamped mark in iron red which is for the Lomonosov factory situated in St Petersburg. With a history of production spanning back to the mid eighteenth century, Lomonosov has continued manufacturing up to the present day. Dating here is determined by the form of the mark which was used from 1986 to 1992. Red was reserved for the best quality pieces and the mark itself is in the Russian alphabet (ЛФЗ), that is ‘LFZ’ in English which is an abbreviation of the factory name ‘Lomonosovkiy Farforoviy Zavod’. In addition are the words ‘Made in USSR’ implying that the piece was intended for export. There are also two small marks, possibly for the model number and the decorator. Lomonosov pieces were always known for the high quality of their execution and while fairly recent, this teapot is an excellent example of their work with a striking and attractive design.
Chinese Scroll Painting of a Merchant and his Client, C20th
Price: £45
A scroll painting depicting what appears to be a scene in a Chinese merchant’s shop where there can be seen scales and a box containing coins on a table in the background. The elderly trader is seated next to a younger gentleman, presumably his client. One attendant stands watching and another bears an object on a tray which may well be the subject of a bargain to be made. The painting is colourful and expressive, with the faces carefully delineated. The style looks to be early twentieth century work and resembles that of reverse glass paintings from the period. The scroll is offered with a complementary scroll box, European with chinoiserie scenes in gilt, which considerably enhances the decorative effect.
Framed Watercolour, Harbour or Beachside Scene, signed, C20th
Price: £25
This is an attractive watercolour depicting a harbour or beachside scene with a sailing boat moored to the left, a lighter boat to its side and various sailing boats in the distance with mountains beyond. The tones used are mainly sepias and browns but more colours combine in the rendering of the sky with its setting sun. The artist’s signature can be seen to the bottom left but is unfortunately very hard to read. The impressionistic style is typical of mid century work - the well known English artist George Hann comes to mind and perhaps the painter here, an accomplished amateur, shares his nationality. The appeal here is obvious and not just to a collector of maritime scenes!
A Pair of African Ebony Wood Makonde Style Carved Figures, probably late C20th
Price: £55
A Pair of African Ebony Wood Makonde Style Carved Figures of a Man and a Woman, probably late C20th
This pair of wood figures represents a man (left) and a woman (right) carved in a semi abstract and elongated style. Both are dressed in flowing robes, the lady’s pulled away to expose her right breast. The man holds a stylised shield and the lady a stylised musical instrument as indicators of their gender and the lady is slightly more ornately dressed with a necklace collar and bangles at her hands and ankles. Both are represented with the stretched earlobes typical of the Maasai people. The weight, graining and dark highly polished surface of the wood sugests ebony which became the preferred material for wood carving of the Makonde people after the 1930s when their art began to attract the attention of Western collectors.
Maasai and Makonde are ethnic terms used to describe African peoples who live in Tanzania, Mozamique and Kenya, with their own distinctive languages, culture and art. This pair of figures is typical of the wood carvings produced by their craftsmen in the second half of the twentieth century but their quality and size is well above average, the ebony wood finely rendered with much attention to detail and finished with a highly attractive glossy patina. The two figures complement one another well, their heads slightly turned to face one another with their legs turned slightly outwards and their robes flowing almost in mirror image. The abstract style makes them well suited to a contemporary interior where they could prove a striking accessory.
Charming small amber pendant brooch set as an owl c2000
Price: £15
This is a very sweet small pendant brooch that is shaped like an owl with an amber belly. With full hallmarks and bail for pendant.
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.
Egyptian Revival statement necklace signed EBE c1930
Price: £110
This is a beautiful necklace comprising heavy brass elements and lapis glass beads. The central pendant has the Egyptian bird god Horus flanked by Tutankhamun on a serpent scroll work background. The pendant is set with lapis glass cabochons that match the beads. Most likely Czech glass elements assembled in France.
Czech glass faux turquoise brooch c1930
Price: £65
This is a very rare brooch comprising a central faux turquoise glass stone surrounded by smaller beadwork set into white metal. This is a typical Czech glass design for makers such as the Neiger Brothers.
Papier Mâché Tray with Millefiori Decoration, Kashmir, C20th
Price: £55
A Papier Mâché Tray of octagonal form with rounded indented corners profusely decorated in rich and detailed colourings with small floral blooms, the ‘millefiori’ (thousand flower) pattern, a central roundel and four hemisphere panels at the corners all set on an orange ground, the border with bands of floral spray and repeating geometric design in gilt, the reverse plain showing the black lacquer ground. Trays and boxes in this distinctive style were made in Kashmir in India and some carry the label for Srinagar, a city famous for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like the Kashmir shawl, papier mâché, wood carving, carpet weaving, and jewel making, which is most likely the place where this tray was made, probably in the 1920s. It is a superb example of the type with exquisite detail in the decoration and a strikingly attractive use of colour.
Compagnie des Indes style reticulated edge Armorial Plate, Chinese C20th
Price: £45
The general appearance here is that of a piece of Chinese Export porcelain dinner ware (the so called ‘Compagnie des Indes’ or ‘East India Company’ style) made around 1800. This plate essentially follows the late eighteenth century form, even in its openwork or reticulated edge which was not uncommon at the time although the lightly scalloped edge is anachronistic and the piece is far heavier than an original would be.. The centre is painted with an armorial crest but not, on this piece, one that can be identified indicating a ‘pseudo’ composition. The border has a repeating grape vine pattern and a band of blue enamel with stars, both typical of late C18th Chinese work, but if the front seems reasonably authentic the reverse betrays the date of manufacture with the printed wording in iron red which reads ‘For decorative purposes only’ ‘Not for food use’ [and as if that was not enough] ‘Article may poison food’. Similar wording is found on other C20th Chinese pieces and is probably indicative of a post war dating to the 1950s or 1960s. There was clearly no attempt to deceive here and the producers presumably sensed a demand for such pastiche pieces which do seem to be collectible, even today.
Loetz style glass Bowl, early C20th
Price: £110
The celebrated Loetz glass factory has its origins in the nineteenth century, when the widow of Johann Lötz, Susanna, remarried after his death in 1844 and with her new husband bought in 1851 the glassworks firm Klastersky Mlyn which was henceforth named Johann Lötz Witwe (the widow of Johann Lötz). The factory was situated at Klostermühle (Klášterský Mlýn, now part of Rejštejn) in southwestern Bohemia, Austria-Hungary and then Czechoslovakia. Johann’s grandson, Max Ritter von Spaun took over the business from his grandmother in 1879 and continued to run it under the old company name, ‘Joh. Lötz Witwe’, which was later changed to ‘Lötz’ and around 1900 changed again to the anglicised version of this ‘Loetz’. Around this time, the firm began producing the range of iridescent lustre finish glass in the Art Nouveau style for which they are now so famous. Production continued until the closure of the factory in 1947.
Most of the original Loetz pieces were not signed and there were many contemporary manufacturers making pieces in a similar style. There are, furthermore, modern reproductions. The attribution ‘Loetz’, is, inevitably, generously and loosely applied but sometimes true certainty is hard to achieve. Much information and assistance can be obtained from the website Loetz.com. On that basis this attractive bowl with its crimped rim and wavy line design on a purple ground is best regarded as Loetz style but probably contemporary with the output of the Loetz factory itself. It has great decorative appeal nevertheless.
Japanese Ceramic Figural Group of two Geisha, late C19th
Price: £25
A Japanese ceramic figural group of two Geisha, one standing with her right arm upraised and the other seated with a fan in her left hand, both dressed in the traditional Japanese kimono wrapped round at the front and tied with a tassel at the back, and positioned on a blue ground rocky outcrop which is pierced at the top and bottom, possibly as a result of the manufacturing process. Various ceramic figures of geisha, sometimes pairs and sometimes individual figures, were produced in Japan in the late nineteenth century, doubtless for export. All share fairly bold modelling and a bright palette of colours but a group such as this seems a bit more unusual. It is an effective composition and a modest reflection of the taste for ‘Japonisme’ in the West at that time.
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.
Oil Painting of a landscape scene with trees, framed, C20th
Price: £45
An oil painting on hardboard in impressionistic style of a landscape scene with trees, a field in the foreground and a river bank in the distance, signed, but illegibly in the bottom right corner. Doubtless the work of an amateur artist this presents an attractive scene employing the techniques of the ‘impressionist’ masters and rather more affordable than their work. The frame is simple but complementary. The use of hardboard suggests a dating to the 1950s or 1960s when that material was particularly in vogue. On the back can be made out the letters 'RICHARDSON' 'NO PIC' 'G' and the signature at the front may well be read as 'Richardson'. Many artists by that name are known but while this picture cannot be atrributed to any of them, the painter was clearly accomplished.
Outstanding Egyptian Revival necklace c1960
Price: £125
This is a very unusual necklace that features a large central pendant that depicts a beautiful design of Egyptian iconography. This includes cobras, ankh symbols, Horus the bird god and Ramses II. It is all done in bright gold with enamel work. This is on its original rope style chain fashioned to allow the pendant sit on the upper chest. It is probably of American manufacture.
Mdina Earthtones Pattern Vase, late C20th
Price: £85
While lacking a signature at the base, this vase is almost certainly from the glassworks at Mdina, Malta. The body is an upright cylinder with a protruding band at the top below the concave neck and flaring rim. The finish of the base and the stoutly blown glass have the hallmarks of Mdina but the pattern has direct parallels with other pieces which are signed. It was called ‘earthtones’ and later just ‘earth’ and introduced in the mid 1970s. One example in this shape (but not signed either) comes with a large ball shape stopper, implying that we may have the base of a decanter here. If so, the form is still complete in itself to the eye and there are various other similar examples.
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. Michael Harris left Mdina in 1972 and formed a new company, Isle of Wight Studio Glass, on the Isle of Wight, UK, leaving Eric Dobson in charge, but many of the designs he created continued to be made at Mdina Glass after his departure although new designs and patterns were added as well of which this vase is an example. Ownership of the company later changed but it is still producing a popular range of glasswares today.
Bombay Japan pattern deep Dish, Minton or Samuel Alcock, English mid C19th
Price: £25
An earthenware deep dish of shaped oval form with moulded handles to the sides, transfer decorated in ‘flow blue’ with coloured highlights and gilt detail with a central stylised garden scene within a diaper pattern border, the rim with floral sprays and the two handles in the rococo style, the reverse plain and with a central blue transfer mark in the form of a vase with flowers and reading ‘BOMBAY’ ‘JAPAN’ with red script numbers ‘1273’. Various pieces can be found with this florid design, all with the same mark and script numbers. Attribution is either to the well known firm Minton or the factory of Samuel Alcock, whose Staffordshire pottery produced a highly popular range of pieces in the early to mid nineteenth century. Given the slightly rustic nature of this piece, the latter seems more likely. This is a serving dish from a much larger set which would have all been decorated in the same pattern. Oriental designs have been adapted to suit European taste with great aplomb and the result is both functional and attractive.
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.
Small Chinese Cloisonné Dish decorated lotus, C20th
Price: £25
A small Chinese cloisonné enamel circular dish of typical form decorated with scrolling flowering lotus on a black ground with gilt stylised floral scrolls within a lobed edge blue border and a gilt metal rim, the reverse plain and in blue enamel. The cloisonné technique, in which glass derived enamels were set in wire outlines (the so called ‘cloisons’ from the French word), was developed in China in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and then used throughout, right up until the C20th, indeed pieces are still produced today. The later examples can have their own charm and often the quality of the work is excellent, as here, with an imaginative use of colours and shading effects to the enamels, seen here in the lotus flowers and leaves. Some of the later examples can have paper labels indicating a date of manufacture during the era the People’s Republic of China’ (1912-1949) and a circa date of around 1930 seems reasonable here and is confirmed by the weight of the dish and its finish at the reverse.
Burmese silver plated Scent Bottle on a chain c1880
Price: £45
This is a very wearable piece of fashion history. It comprises a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting Burmese lions, fitted to a very long necklace chain. The stopper is attached by chain and comes out to reveal the scent wand. Not without a practical use this piece certainly fulfils a decorative function!
Burmese silver plated Scent Bottle on a chain c1880
Price: £45
This is a very wearable piece of fashion history. It comprises a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting Burmese lions, fitted to a very long necklace chain. The stopper is attached by chain and comes out to reveal the scent wand. Not without a practical use this piece certainly fulfils a decorative function!
Chinese aventurine lariat necklace
Price: £20
This is a lovely necklace that features aventurine beads and central pendant. It is threaded on cotton cord with a Chinese knot closure.
Pair of African Wood Figures of a Man and a Woman, probably mid C20th
Price: £25
A pair of wood figures of a man and a woman carved in an abstract style with slender proportions, the man holding a long staff and the woman balancing a vessel (presumably for water or wine) on her head, the clothing of both with etched patterned decoration and their complementary bases with contrasting geometric designs. The patina and colour of the wood suggests ebony and the style is African. As with the previous lot there is a label indicating manufacture in Nigeria and Kaduna is the capital city of Kaduna State, and the former political capital of Northern Nigeria. It was a trade centre and a likely source of artefacts made for tourists of which these are most likely an example. Dating is probably as the label indicates and many other similar pieces were produced at that time.
Spatter Glass Basket with thorn rope twist handle, probably Stourbridge, late C19th
Price: £75
A glass basket or bonbonniere of rounded sack like form with a diagonally fluted base and a fluted neck below a crimped rim fitted with a looped thorn rope twist handle. The white body is decorated in the ‘spatter’ technique whereby hot blown glass is rolled over small pieces of crushed or powdered glass and then blown into shape or formed in a mould. The yellow and maroon colourings here contrast with the clear glass of the modelled handle.
The 'spatter’ technique was known from Roman times but enjoyed something of a renaissance in the Victorian era when there was a general revived interest in the glass making techniques of the ancient world. Similar baskets are normally associated with the glassmakers at Stourbridge, Worcestershire, a centre of glass production since the 1600s, and this seems the most likely source of this piece, with a dating to the late nineteenth century. It is an excellent example of the type and remains in fine condition.
Rectangular Box and Cover, Basanite Jasper, C20th
Price: £95
A rectangular box and cover constructed from joined slabs of basanite Jasper, both parts with the rims metal mounted and joined by a hinge at the rear, the base with four short feet. The material here is a form of Jasper, a naturally formed rock which can appear in a variety of colours and patterns. One of these is ‘picture jasper’ where the outline of scenes or images can be seen on the polished surface and another ‘basanite jasper’ known for its black streaked tones. Both of these can be seen here, particularly the apparently mountainous design of the lid and the two side panels, front and back. Jasper is found in a wide variety of locations, including Russia but it is not possible to determine the origin here. Dating is equally uncertain, but the piece has a strong ‘Art Deco’ look with its clean lines and simple geometric feet and this may well point to the timing of its manufacture. Colour and form, though, combine to produce a striking decorative item well suited to the most contemporary interior.
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.
Taxco suite of necklace and earrings, malachite and onyx stations, 1990s
Price: £250
This is a quite rare suite of necklace and earrings that come from the Taxco region of Mexico. Both comprise stations of malachite and onyx that go all the way around each piece. The stations are each individually hinged which gives these pieces a fluidity and quality that only comes from the Taxco workshops. Both have the typical box clasp and are marked 'TN-57' 'Mexico' '925'. The TN number indicates the workshop although there is no definitive list regarding the numbers attached and an exact provenance cannot be determined.
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).
Vintage Japanese Doll of a Hat Seller, C20th
Price: £25
A vintage Japanese Doll of a lady, standing with her head turned to the right and wearing an elaborate floral robe tied with a sash at the back. Her hair is covered by a simple circular cap form hat which acts almost as a sample of the wares she is holding in each hand, three sets of similar hats linked with cord. Like the young ladies in the previous lot, this is another excellent example of the rather charming dolls made in Japan after the 1950s and probably dates to the same period in the late C20th.
Pair of Ceramic Goblets : the Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981
Price: £20
A pair of ceramic goblets blue glazed with a bulbous body above a spreading foot, the front with silhouette portraits of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer within a circle of wording commemorating their marriage below the Prince of Wales feathers, the reverse plain and the interior gilt. Inside the foot is the mark for Prinknash Pottery in gold. The Prinknash Abbey Pottery was started in 1942 by the Benedictine monks there when they found a seam of clay during some building work. Situated in the abbey Granham in Gloucestershire their pottery continued production until 1997 when it was sold to the Welsh Porcelain Co. Their blue glaze commemorative wares stand apart somewhat with something of a ‘regal’ feel.
Prince Albert Necklace with T bar pendant c1900
Price: £95
This is a very lovely necklace comprising two Prince Albert figaro link chains combined with a T bar which would have been used to connect a gentleman's pocket watch to his waist coat. It has a markers mark 'HPJ' with an omega symbol and '925'. This could either European or American. The mark indicates that it is not British.
Chinese style Vase and Cover decorated with ladies and courtiers in a garden scene, C20th
Price: £55
A Chinese style vase of ovoid form with a short neck and foot fitted with a matching dome shape cover with a plain finial, decorated with a polychrome design of two ladies in a garden scene being watched through a stylised window by two courtiers, flowering trees to the front and reverse, probably plum blossom or prunus, and typical verandah fencing, the foot, shoulder and cover with pattern designs loosely imitating those of the eighteenth century, including lotus panels, ju'i form lappets and floral borders with scrolling peony. This piece is a pastiche of Chinese work and probably dates to the 1960s. While it looks back in some respects it has a contemporary feel, particularly in respect of the shape which is simpler and more Western than that of its sources. The mark is pseudo Chinese and the manufacturer was clearly European, most probably an Italian factory since some similar pieces exist with a label stating 'made in Italy'.
Vintage Cobalt Blue Glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, 1930s
Price: £25
A blue glass small bottle and stopper in deep cobalt blue of squared and rounded pyramid form with a stepped concave neck. The shape suggests a perfume bottle and similar examples do exist including one with a gilt Chloé mark which would mean a post 1952 date of manufacture. The technique here, though, resembles the ‘pressed glass’ pieces made in England during the 1930s, for example by the firm Davidson, suggesting a more likely dating to that period. The slightly Art Deco feel to the form fits in with this. While it has slight damage, it is, of course, more unusual to find this shape with its original stopper.
Silver rose ring, 20th century
Price: £35
This is a very elegant ring that comprises very detailed depictions of a rose with foliage. There also seems to be two little daggers on the edges. Not sure what those are for, maybe they are a type of flower that looks dagger like.. :) Marked 925
Silver Snake bangle, 20th century
Price: £25
This is a very elegant silver bangle in a typical Egyptian snake motif design with hallmarks.
Egyptian Eye of Horus braclet c20th
Price: £25
This is a cool bracelet that features a silver Eye of Horus flanked by Ankh symbols. These are put together on a double faux leather cord. With Egyptian hallmarkes
Ceramic Tankard celebrating the Marriage of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986
Price: £10
A ceramic tankard of bell form and with a shaped loop handle glazed in blue inside and out, the front with titled silhouette portraits of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson between the royal coat of arms and the reverse with an image of Westminster Abbey and wording marking the event of their marriage in 1986. The base has the mark for Prinknash Pottery in gold. The Prinknash Abbey Pottery was started in 1942 by the Benedictine monks there when they found a seam of clay during some building work. Situated in the abbey at Granham in Gloucestershire their pottery continued production until 1997 when it was sold to the Welsh Porcelain Co. Their blue glaze commemorative wares stand apart somewhat with something of a ‘regal’ feel.
Steiff Hedgehogs : Macki and Mucki, 1950s/1960s
Price: £120
The German toymakers Steiff are synonymous with luxury soft toys and especially their ‘Teddy’ bears named after Theodore Roosevelt. Their range is considerable and even encompassed a small family of hedgehogs Mecki and Micki and their children Macki and Mucki who appear in this Focus auction as amusing and striking examples of a long and distinguished tradition of toy making.
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The firm Steiff was begun by Margarete Steiff in 1880. A seamstress by training Margarete recognised a strong demand for some fabric elephants which she had made and intended for use as pincushions but soon became adopted as toys. Many other animals followed and a felt factory was founded in Giengen, Germany, in 1893 soon to be followed two years later by the first consignment of her wares to Harrods, London. In 1897, Margarete’s nephew Richard joined the firm and went on to design the first plush bear with movable arms and legs for which a substantial order was received of 3000 examples in 1903 from an American buyer who sensed a growing demand for these animals as a result of the US President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt being shown in a photograph with a young cub in The Washington Post of the previous year. By 1907 a little under one million of these bears were being produced and turnover went on to increase substantially. Steiff bears can be purchased today and the earlier examples are actively sought after by collectors.
In the 1930s, Steiff began to collaborate with the Walt Disney company and characters from their films were reproduced starting, unsurprisingly, with Mickey Mouse and going on to include some of the most famous creations even up to the present day with ‘Nemo’ and ‘Woody’ from Toy Story being recent and popular additions.
The Hedgehog family, comprising Mecki and Micki with their children Macki and Mucki first appeared in 1951 and continued in production until the 1990s. These four characters are often found, sometimes with the characteristic round Steiff tag bearing their name and with the wording ‘Steiff–Original–Marke’ with an arrow pointing to a teddy bear’s head, but other hedgehog models which can be regarded as ‘cousins’ were made for a brief period in the 1960s. The nuclear family, though, comprised these four and they are sometimes illustrated together on postcards. Some of the round tags have additional wording ‘nach Diehl Film’ (‘from/after the film [maker] Diehl’) which refers to a German film company set up by three brothers Ferdinand, Hermann and Paul Diehl in 1937. They specialised in the ‘stop motion’ technique which involves the minute movement of model figures which, when photographed and with the images displayed in quick succession, allows the illusion of movement, now familiar today in the films featuring Wallace and Gromit.
Mecki and his family were popular characters in some of the films the Diehl brothers made and first made their appearance in 1949 designed as mascots for a German periodical called ‘Hor Zu’ which began publication in 1946 and covered radio and television news. Some of the tags attached to members of the family allude to this and Macki’s here reads at the back ‘Redaktionsigel von Hor Zu’ (‘the hedgehog editor of Hor Zu’). This explains the blue stain on Mucki’s skirt which is clearly meant to represent ink. Other members of the family also display marks on their clothes as a sign of being hard at work. Sensing the popularity of these characters, Stieff negotiated an exclusive right to produce dolls of them in 1951 and the hedgehogs became a staple of their output. The Diehls’ last film was made in 1970 and the hedgehogs featured in more than one over the years, becoming much loved characters in Germany during the 1950s and 1960s.
The techniques of production of the figures varied over time as did the attached labels. The earliest were made from 60% wool and 40% cotton with the faces formed from rubber like latex over a straw filling. Such example of these as survive are in rather poor condition. The very latest versions, made from 1968 to 1990 have a different form of chest name tag and a different ‘button’ label. (From the earliest times, Steiff toys had a yellow rectangular label listing the materials used and the country of origin and sometimes the price, attached by a small button marked ‘Steiff’. Unfortunately, these are missing here but the chest tags are intact and in good condition which does not always occur.) Dating of these two examples is therefore midway and probably to the late 1950s or early 1960s and they survive in near pristine condition making them an excellent addition to a collection of Steiff soft toys and a fine memento of almost iconic companions to so many children in post war Germany.
An unusual Pair of Chinese carved Soapstone Vases, circa 1900
Price: £110
A pair of Chinese soapstone vases with mottled colourings in a wide variety of brown and beige, the triangular form deeply carved on the two front faces with flowering peony and birds nestling in the branches, the reverses flat, each with a rock and a leaf, the base also flat and the interior hollowed out. 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). The triangular form of this pair of vases is most unusual and the depth of carving displays near virtuoso expertise. There is little or no trace of the drill here, unlike some of the later twentieth century pieces, and all the pointers are to a dating no later than around 1900. The carver was fortunate to find two matching pieces of stone which allowed him to produce such a well balanced pair in shape, colour and decoration. The nature of the material means that soapstone pieces are found less often as matching pairs and this triangular shape, perhaps suggested by the original stone pieces themselves, is rarer still.
Chinese Export Nanking Pattern Saucer, Qianlong period (1736-1795)
Price: £75
A fine quality Chinese Export saucer in the typical form of a shallow bowl with a small short foot, decorated in underglaze blue with a landscape scene, pagodas on rocky outcrops by a river, within an elaborate border, floral and geometric designs with cell work, the edge with gilt highlighting. The pattern here is a fine example of the ‘Nanking’ wares, so called from their port of export, produced by the Chinese in the second half of the eighteenth century. This saucer comes from a tea service and is rather larger than the standard size implying a matching cup of similar proportions. Some of these tea services had gilt decoration added on arrival at their destination; it is usually held that this was done in England. The result has a hint of luxury and is highly decorative.
Large graduated necklace of nut carving beads, 1930s
Price: £25
This is a very unusual necklace comprising 51 nut carvings with a floral motif.
Art Deco statement necklace with real pearls and paste stones c1920
Price: £100
This is a very rare necklace that is in a lariat design. The central pendant has a lace design set with real seed pearls and paste stones. There is also a large teardrop shaped natural fresh water pearl.
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.
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.
Teapot and Cover : Golden Jubilee Queen Elizabeth II, 2002
Price: £10
A ceramic teapot and cover transfer decorated and with gilt detail, the front with a single and the reverse with a double portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, both sides inscribed ‘Golden Jubilee’ ‘1952-2002’. While crowned in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on the death of her Father, King George VI, in 1952. 2002, therefore, marked fifty years of her reign and various souvenirs were produced in commemoration her Golden Jubilee of which this piece is one. This teapot was sold either as an individual item in a matching box or as part of a set of four items, packed in polystyrene and fitted also into a box (see image 5). In both cases the boxes were marked ‘Limited Edition Collectable’ but the numbers produced might have been rather greater than the wording implies.
Baroque Style Picture Frame with Still Life, C20th
Price: £25
The elaborate stylised floral decoration of this picture frame looks to the baroque era prevalent in Europe during the late C17th and early C18th with its elaborate floral scrolling but its date of manufacture is rather more recent. The material seems to be resin and the aim was clearly to produce a lavish effect at a bargain price. The picture enclosed is, of course, far from baroque but the semi impressionist style of this floral still life actually matches its surround rather well. A piece of decorative whimsey then, probably 1950/1960s and continental, and a clear antidote to austerity!
Pair of Bohemian Harrach Glass Vases, Morocco pattern, second half C19th
Price: £95
A pair of opaque glass vases of flattened pear shape, the necks spreading slightly outwards towards the top with a cup shape rim, the white ground glass heavily enamelled with polychrome decoration, a variety of bead bordered shaped panels with yellow, blue and pink grounds dotted with stylised floral blooms. The pattern of these pieces is known as ‘Morocco’, presumably a nod towards the decorative items produced there, and can be found in the nineteenth century pattern books of the Harrach factory situated in Bohemia, now part of the Czech republic.
The Harrach glassworks is named after Alois Raimund von Harrach (Count Harrach), on whose estate it was founded in Bohemia, in the early eighteenth century. Managed at first by one Elias Muller, the firm traded under a variety of names becoming known as Harrach in the nineteenth century and Harrachov, the name eventually given to the town where the factory was situated, in the twentieth. These opulent vases were a popular part of its range in the nineteenth century, the pattern being produced in a variety of similar shapes and always as shelf ornament pieces. The decoration here is particularly lavish with an attractive use of colour and has survived in excellent condition making these a desirable addition for collectors of Bohemian glass or admirers of nineteenth century glass style generally.
Vintage Indian silver pendant Necklace, 20th century
Price: £85
This is an assembled necklace with both elements probably of Indian workmanship. The circular slide pendant has elaborate concentric bands, chain, cord and beadwork within a repeating stamped roundel border and terminating in a ‘V’ device. The reverse is plain with the stamped mark ‘925’. Pieces with similar designs also have the word ‘INDIA’ which most likely indicates the provenance here. The herringbone chain which has been matched with the pendant is clearly marked ‘INDIA’ with other marks in addition, probably those of the maker. The two combine to produce a bold piece of statement jewellery with timeless appeal.
Chinese Blue and white ceramic beads, C20th
Price: £15
This is a great strand of Chinese ceramic beads all hand painted i blue and white with symbolic motifs. They are strung on a red cord with an adjustable Chinese knot.
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!
Victorian style Czech glass statement necklace c1930
Price: £65
This is a beautifully designed necklace that features a central lariat pendant set with red glass stones. Necklace has corresponding red bead.
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.
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.
Porcelain Mug : Buckingham Palace 1997
Price: £10
A bone china mug, slightly flaring at the rim and base and with a modelled loop handle, richly decorated in gilt with swags and floral wreaths, the front marked ‘Buckingham Palace’ and the reverse ‘1997’, the base with a circular floral wreath surrounding a crown and the wording ‘Buckingham Palace’ ‘1997’. This mug is one of a series produced from 1993 to 2010 for sale in the Royal Collection souvenir shops. Each year was given a different design and all were dated. The manufacturer is unkown. The design and decoration of the ‘1997’ model seems particularly pleasing.
Pair of Vintage Art Deco style armchair Pipe Rests, English c1930
Price: £55
A pair of small ceramic armchairs modelled in typical Art Deco style with deep rectangular sides, grooved arm rests, a tilted back and a thick padded cushion, glazed overall in turquoise/green, the bases unglazed with a central hole. The form here, typical of the 1930s, is usually regarded as a smoker’s accessory, the seat acting as a pipe rest and the grooved chair arms intended for cigarettes. There are no factory markings, although Denby is sometimes suggested, but we are clearly looking at something from the years before the second World War and if these miniature chairs are less ‘functional’ today they remain entertaining and appealing decorative items, rarely found as a matching pair.
Pair of Chinese Ceramic Shoes, seal mark and with fitted box, C20th
Price: £55
An amusing pair of Chinese ceramic models of shoes or clogs, modelled in the form of a kylin head with a pronounced snout, the sides of the shoe with impressed repeating geometric patterns below a band of stylised scrolling foliage, the brightly coloured glazes all with craquelure patterning, the interior glazed turquoise with an impressed seal mark and the underneath glazed in cream, also with a small circular impressed mark. The pair are presented in a fitted box, fabric covered and silk lined, which is presumably contemporary. Neither of the marks can be deciphered and dating is uncertain, probably to the late C20th, but this does not need to detract the rather humorous design which does have at least one parallel from the C18th (see image XX)and may have been intended as a brushwasher for a scholar with something of a sense of humour.
Cruet set in the form of three Friar Tuck Monks on a Tray, Hummel, West Germany, 1960s
Price: £55
The portly figures of ‘Friar Tuck’ Monks seen here are perhaps rather appropriate for a set intended for the serving of condiments : salt, pepper and mustard. The three similar figures are amusingly modelled with benign expressions, the smaller ones pierced at the top for salt and pepper with plastic stoppers underneath and the larger in two parts, here complete with the original spoon. This set comes from the ‘Hummel’ range produced by the German ceramic manufacturers Goebel. Founded in 1871, the company began to enjoy enormous popularity in the 1930s when Franz Goebel, grandson of the founder, began an association with a Benedictine nun Berta Hummel who later took the name sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. Hummel had produced a range of postcard drawings of figures which Franz Goebel realised he could turn into porcelain figurines. Production started in 1935 and was immediately successful. Sister Hummel died in 1947 but the association with her covent continued and figures in her distinctive style were produced for many years thereafter. Dating is established by the format of the mark, which went through many variations. Here we see a ‘V’ with a bee within at the top and the wording W.Germany. The German word ‘hummel’ means ‘bee’ and the ‘V’ stands for ‘Verkaufsgesellschat’ or ‘Distribution Company’. This bee has sharp angular wings set parallel to the tips of the ‘V’ which was the format used between 1960 and 1972. In addition all ‘Hummel’ pieces were marked with the model number which can be seen clearly here on the base of the mustard pot, ‘S 183’. For some, the Hummel figurine might be an acquired taste but few can fail to admire the whimsy here and this set would add spice, so to speak, any dinner table conversation.
Cruet set in the form of three Friar Tuck Monks on a Tray, Hummel, West Germany, 1960s
Price: £55
The portly figures of ‘Friar Tuck’ Monks seen here are perhaps rather appropriate for a set intended for the serving of condiments : salt, pepper and mustard. The three similar figures are amusingly modelled with benign expressions, the smaller ones pierced at the top for salt and pepper with plastic stoppers underneath and the larger in two parts, here complete with the original spoon. This set comes from the ‘Hummel’ range produced by the German ceramic manufacturers Goebel. Founded in 1871, the company began to enjoy enormous popularity in the 1930s when Franz Goebel, grandson of the founder, began an association with a Benedictine nun Berta Hummel who later took the name sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. Hummel had produced a range of postcard drawings of figures which Franz Goebel realised he could turn into porcelain figurines. Production started in 1935 and was immediately successful. Sister Hummel died in 1947 but the association with her covent continued and figures in her distinctive style were produced for many years thereafter. Dating is established by the format of the mark, which went through many variations. Here we see a ‘V’ with a bee within at the top and the wording W.Germany. The German word ‘hummel’ means ‘bee’ and the ‘V’ stands for ‘Verkaufsgesellschat’ or ‘Distribution Company’. This bee has sharp angular wings set parallel to the tips of the ‘V’ which was the format used between 1960 and 1972. In addition all ‘Hummel’ pieces were marked with the model number which can be seen clearly here on the base of the mustard pot, ‘S 183’. For some, the Hummel figurine might be an acquired taste but few can fail to admire the whimsy here and this set would add spice, so to speak, any dinner table conversation.
Victorian silver gilt filigree bracelet, Morocco
Price: £95
This is a stunning bracelet comprising four stations set with real stones amethyst, calcendony, tigers eye and garnet. These are surrounded with faux pearls. There are also small stations set with turquoise. It is marked 950 Silver. Probably Moroccan or North African.
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.
Massive natural coral beads
Price: £175
This is an unbelievable bit of set of graduated coral beads that are natural in both colour and shape. They are ready to be strung to your taste, either as a choker style like Iris Apfel or possibly to mix it with other beads. This size of bead does not come up often and they are only getting more rare.
Cup : Marriage and Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, 1911
Price: £10
A china cup with flaring sides and a simple loop handle, transfer decorated with portraits of King George V and Queen Mary in beaded frames with flowers, the union jack and royal standard flags, the royal coat of arms and inscribed scrolls commemorating the royal marriage in 1893 and coronation in 1911, the reverse marked ‘In Commemoration’ below the royal crown. The base has an indistinct mark which appears more clearly on other pieces and can be read as ‘England’ ‘The Paragon China’ below a crown and a cipher with interlinked letters which read ‘S C Co’ for ‘The Star China Company’, China manufacturers at the Atlas Works, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England from 1899 to 1919 who introduced the trade name ‘Paragon China’ in 1903.
Production of this piece was presumably contemporary with the coronation in 1911 and many similar pieces were made by other factories at the time, more often in a straight sided mug shape. The form here suggests that there might have been an original saucer but none seem to have survived.
West German Studio Pottery Vase, Scheurich 259-41, 1970s
Price: £150
This is an outstanding example of the ‘West German Ceramics’ as they are known, produced for forty years or so after the Second World War. There were many pottery factories operating during this period but the best known and the most prolific was Scheurich Keramik which still trades today. The vase featured here demonstrates their mastery of both form and decoration, the complex combination of glazes used contributing to an object of immediate decorative appeal.
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It took time for Germany to rebuild after the Second World War and it was not until 1949 that the country regained its national identity. The production of ceramics slowly revived and began to gain momentum in the 1950s eventually reaching a total of over one hundred companies and studio potteries. Some of the concerns produced a substantial output including Carstens, Bay, ES, and Dümler & Breiden but the most prolific of all was Scheurich. In 1927 Alois Scheurich established with a partner a company named ‘Scheurich and Greulich’ (S&G) which focused on producing low cost ceramic and glass items (see image 7). The success of this business provided the springboard for the creation of ‘Scheurich KG Keramikfabrik’ in 1954. While it commenced production rather later than some of its competitors it soon grew to overtake them and the glaze colourings for which it became best known were produced in the 1970s. Eventually the firm changed direction yet again and is now known for producing ceramic garden ornaments which have an international appeal.
Most of the Scheurich pieces are marked, nearly always with two sets of numbers ‘XXX-XX’ and the wording ‘W.GERMANY’, although there are variants. The firm’s name can appear in addition, as here, where we see as well ‘SCHEURICH KERAMIK’, and it is thought that this indicates a later dating to the 1970s/1980s. The first three numbers are the model number and the last two the height in centimetres, here ‘259-41’. ‘259’, as with nearly all the model numbers, was made with a wide variety of glaze colourings and effects. Equally, similar colours and patterns were used on different models. The shape is one of the firm’s most successful. The cylindrical body narrows gently towards the base and has a well defined shoulder with a concave neck and an inturning rim. The bright orange at the centre is bordered with and divided by irregular black ‘crusty effect’ bands. These are an excellent example of the apocryphally named ‘lava’ glaze for which Scheurich was so well known. Either side of this are two sections of grey speckle glaze which complete the whole. The vase is glazed brown inside and at the base which has the factory markings in raised lettering. Similar glaze combinations can be found on other pieces but the result is rarely as successful as here and the colour scheme used enhances the classic simplicity of the shape, loosely derived from a Chinese original.
This is a vase to appeal to decorators and collectors alike and is very much a ‘one off’ example of these popular wares standing rather apart from its many companions.
Gilt decorated English porcelain powder box and cover, probably mid C20th
Price: £15
This is a large English porcelain powder box and cover, the circular body with a shallow domed cover, the surface glazed white with elaborate gilt decoration of embossed stylised floral bands with stylised floral gilt borders above and below. The base is unmarked but the paste of the foot suggests English manufacture and the rich gilt decoration reflects that of dinner services produced by some of the well known twentieth century porcelain producers, Minton in particular.
Vintage Brass Vesta Case in the form of a Violin, circa 1900
Price: £55
A Brass Vesta, or Match, case in the form of a Violin with an opening cover to the bottom and a fabric covered bar inside. Vesta was the Roman Goddess of the hearth, home and family and
altars and temples dedicated to her commonly employed a live flame, which caused some manufacturers of matches in the nineteenth century to name their products 'Vestas', the most famous being the Swan Vesta match produced from around 1900. Early matches were highly combustible and cases to keep them safe were produced from around 1830 onwards. The peak of popularity of the 'Vesta Case' was around 1900 and their use declined in the 1920s when the first cigarette lighters were produced. The cases were made in a variety of forms and materials, even gold and silver. This example is brass and probably from around 1900. The surface of the cover is ribbed in order for a match to be struck against it but he function of the interior covered bar is less clear. The case is fitted with a ring, presumably to allow it to be attached to a watch chain. Practical in their time, Vesta Cases are collectible now and the rarer shapes much sought after.
Two Avon Perfume Bottles, Lady and a Girl, 1970s
Price: £20
These are two from the series of perfume bottles in the form of ladies or young girls issued by Avon in the 1970s. The first represents a figure in 1920s dress and is sometimes found with a label (missing here) which reads ‘Roaring Twenties’ followed by the name of a perfume. The second is a country girl complete with its label which reads ‘Avon’ ‘Nearness’ but the same model is found with other labels, indicating that both these containers were used for more than one brand of perfume. These bottles were an amusing marketing ploy which doubtless contributed to many successful sales.
Bay Ceramic Ewer No 268-30, West Germany, 1960s
Price: £55
A ceramic ewer stoutly potted with a bulbous body above a short straight foot, the slightly concave neck terminating in two slightly flaring bands and fitted with a simple loop handle, the light mustard coloured glaze with moulded decoration of palmette leaves separated by an abstract geometric design and with bands of a repeating ovoid bead work pattern resembling a wheatsheaf, the interior glazed brown and the base with modelled marks ‘Bay’, ‘W-Germany’ ‘268-30’.
Bay Ceramics was founded by Eduard Bay in the 1930s and based in Ransbach Baumbach, the heart of the main West German pottery producing region. Their productions included vases in a wide variety of shapes and designs which continued in production until the 1980s. Bodo Mans was amongst their most famous designers working in the 1950s and 1960s. He seems to have concentrated on organic semi abstract designs and ewers in this form, with the same pattern number but in a variety of different glazes, are attributed to him. This monochrome mustard glaze seems particularly attractive and complements the design very successfully producing a striking and decorative item which might enhance a wide variety of interior settings.
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.
Murano White Glass Vase of abstract organic form, 1960s
Price: £55
A white glass vase of abstract organic form with wavy edge sides and openwork panels, the edges finished in clear glass, the interior with a slightly blue finish at the bottom and the base clear glass and flat. While there is no direct comparison, very similar pieces were made by the well known Murano factory in Venice and some of them carry its name on an affixed paper label. Murano experimented with many abstract organic shapes and, as with other pieces, dating here seems to be to the mid twentieth century. This piece certainly has a feel of the 1960s and given the complexity of the design, it is remarkable that it has survived unscathed.
Two Wood Boxes : Marriage of Charles and Diana, Birth of Prince William, late C20th
Price: £15
These two wooden round boxes, doubtless intended for trinkets, announce their purpose on the respective covers, to commemorate (i) The Marriage of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer on 29th July 1981 (ii) The Birth of Prince William on 21st June 1982. Both have the initials of the subjects inset on the covers and the first has an incised mark underneath (see image 6). If these were produced commercially, no other examples seem to exist, which just possibly suggests that they were the work of a skilled amateur or trial pieces for a range which was never produced.
Vintage black crocodile Handbag, Italian, 1980s
Price: £150
While lacking the branding of some of its contemporaries, notably those produced by Gucci, this elegant handbag is certainly a match for them in quality. Made from fine crocodile skin, soft with detailed patterning and carefully stitched (see image 3) it is of the traditional ‘bellows’ form with three interior compartments, one of them zip fastened (see image 7), and a strap handle. The fastenings of the handle and the flap buckle are in gilt metal of geometric almost art deco like designs and the interior is lined in leather.The work is Italian craftsmanship at its best and dating is probably to the 1980s after which these unbranded bags were no longer produced. An elegant accessory in its time, it would be an elegant accessory now.
LOT 13
Pair of Royal Worcester Grainger and Co Vases, date mark for 1902
Estimate: £80 – 120
3d 10h 57m
£0.00
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.
Japanese Fukagawa Jug and Stand decorated lotus, signed, circa 1900
Price: £45
This is an unusual jug and matching stand made by the celebrated Japanese ceramics manufacturers Fukagawa, more commonly known for their vases, bowls and plaques, many in the classic Imari colourings. The squat ovoid form jug has a wide opening at the top with a broad spout and a loop handle in the form of a dragon’s head; it sits on a complementary deep dish or stand of lobed ‘kiku’ or chrysanthemum form. Both pieces are decorated with finely enamelled lotus flowers on a deep blue ground with gilt detail, the stand with continuous stylised floral detail on the exterior and each with one of the characteristic Fukagawa marks underneath, a mountain and stream followed by the script characters for the firm.
The Fukagawa kilns produced the best quality Imari items made in Japan in the late nineteenth century for export to the West. Their history starts with Ezaiemon Fukagawa who in 1856 became head of his family's porcelain business and in 1875 founded Koransha (The Company of the Scented Orchid) in Arita, Japan, to produce tableware for export. In 1894 the modern Fukagawa company was founded by Chuji Fukagawa, with the Fukagawa trade mark of Mount Fuji and a stream, as its trade mark. Dating of these pieces is therefore towards the end of the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) probably around 1900. While the decoration is similar to that found on other Fukagawa pieces there are few, if any parallels, and tea ware pieces by the firm are not very often seen.
Japanese Kutani Dish decorated with the Thousand Faces pattern, first half C20th
Price: £45
A Japanese polychrome plate decorated with a central roundel of a gilt stylised dragon and phoenix amidst waves on an iron red ground, surrounded by nine concentric borders, the first two with geometric designs and the next six with small repeating faces, the ‘thousand faces pattern’, and the outermost with chrysanthemum heads edged with an iron red and gilt border. The reverse with an iron red mark ‘Made in Japan’.
The colourings and style of work here clearly indicate the workshops of Kutani (the word means 'nine valleys') in the former Kaga province of Japan. By the nineteenth century the majority of their pieces were decorated in iron red and gold but sometimes with other colours in addition, as here. The ‘thousand faces’ pattern (an apocryphal term and this cataloguer has not attempted to count the number of faces appearing here) seems to have been evolved around the end of the nineteenth century and then continued in production until the mid twentieth. Both plates in various sizes and even tea sets are found in the design. The mark ‘Made in Japan’ was usually employed after 1941 (in the previous twenty years ‘Japan’ was the norm) but there are exceptions and the paste of the foot rim here does suggest a slightly earlier date, perhaps around 1930. In perfect condition, with very little wear to the decoration, this piece is a fine example of a rather eccentric decorative patttern.
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.
Framed Ceramic Plaque depicting St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon, late C20th
Price: £25
A small ceramic plaque of octagonal shape painted in tones of sepia and depicting St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon, signed by the artist, ‘B.West’, and dated 1991. It is set in an oak frame with a border of stylised foliage on a ‘fishscale’ ground, the reverse backed with hardboard. St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon dates back to the late thirteenth century although some form of church on this site seems to have existed from the seventh century onwards. The view is taken from the south west and shows the old church nave and chancel (C13th) with the new church nave to the right (C20th). The artist was presumably local, perhaps a member of the congregation, and produced a pleasing, slightly impressionistic view of a familiar building. The frame looks earlier than the 1991 date inscribed on the plaque and may have been made from older pieces of wood adapted to fit. The combination produces an attractive decorative item, even to those not familiar with the location themselves.
Mintons Coronation Plate, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth 1937, boxed
Price: £25
This was a rather deluxe souvenir amongst the many produced to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on May 12th 1937. It was made by the famous porcelain manufacturers Mintons, who specialised in high quality pieces, particularly dinner services. The plate shows many distinctive features of their work with fine quality enamelling and gilding (see images 5 and 4). Marked with an inscription on the reverse beneath the Mintons trademark, this plate was number ‘89’ of a limited edition of 1000. It comes complete with its original presentation box which unusually has the coat of arms of Oman (see image 10) stamped in gilt on the underside of the lid implying that it might have been a gift to the Omani royal family at the time.
Sack form plastic beaded bag, English, 1950s
Price: £65
Very much of its era, this is an unusual bag of sack form comprised of intricately strung small plastic beads in an openwork design with vertical beige repeating diamonds alternating with diagonal bands of beige, pink, purple and brown, the top with horizontal rows of beige beads, each side with a metal rod covered in white plastic cording and fitted with clear dark beige loop handles, the base in wood. The use of plastic components and the general form of the design suggests the 1950s or possibly early 1960s and manufacture in England. While there are other plastic formed bags from the same era (another can be seen elsewhere on this site) there does not seem to be any parallel for this example. But it is distinctively ‘retro’ and has survived in excellent condition making it very much a collector’s accessory.
Necklace with massive Agate Disc strung set with facetted ruby beads, India, c1940
Price: £325
This is a very substantial and heavy necklace that features a very large banded agate stone mounted in silver and set with facetted rubies. The necklace is strung with very large facetted ruby beads that are approximatelyl 12 mm wide. This really is a one off. It is from India and may have been a commissioned piece. It has been restrung recently on metal cord with a new clasp so is quite strong. The ruby beads are particularly interesting and hard to find in this size.
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!
A group of twenty assorted artists Stamps in H&R Johnson sample Box, C20th
Price: £75
This is a most interesting group of stamps, possibly intended for tiles, nearly all with naturalistic designs of trees or stylised floral emblems. Twelve are mounted on thick clear plastic or perspex blocks while the remainder are mounted on wood. Examples of the pressed designs can be seen in images 1 and 2 and their appeal is obvious. The stamps are contained in a wooden box with the name of the well known tile manufacturers H&R Johnson Ltd printed on the front with the words ‘ceramic glazed tiles’ below. H&R Johnson began trading in 1901 and are still producing tiles in imaginative and innovative designs today. The box was clearly for tile samples rather than stamps and was presumably adapted by the owner of these stamps to hold his small collection. Perhaps this is why the three central dividers are missing (the grooves for them can be clearly seen in image 3); their presence would not have allowed all the stamps to fit inside! This assembled collection with its impromptu container was clearly used by an enthusiastic amateur artist. Both the box and the stamps look to have been made in the 1950s or 1960s and were clearly well used. Printing block stamps can be much in demand today and there is a family firm, Stamped in Tradition, based in London and Devon who produce a truly vast selection of handmade pieces in bronze, some of which are similar in design to some of the stamps in this box (see images 9,10). The tradition truly lives on then, and this collection allows the opportunity for experimentation today in an age old craft.
Studio Pottery Vase with flambé glaze, C20th
Price: £75
A studio pottery vase, the body of broad ovoid form, ribbed and rising to a wide neck, covered in a multicoloured purple flambé gaze with splash glaze effects, the flat base unglazed and with a handwritten script mark. The look of this piece is Oriental with borrowings from both China and Japan but the shape does not resemble pieces from either and the paste suggests European and almost certainly English manufacture. Potters from the early twentieth century onwards studied the work of their Oriental counterparts intently, producing pieces ‘in the style of’ rather than direct copies. Bernard Leach (1887 to 1979) was the trailblazer here and had many successors at the Leach pottery which still produces pieces today. Bernard’s son, David (1911 to 2005), created many pieces similar to this vase but the foot is different and they are always signed. The maker of this piece must be anonymous, at least for now, but displays great skill in the potting and the handling of the complex glaze effects which look towards Chinese Jun ware and Japanese tenmoku glazes. The script signature, which is hard to decipher, seems to be contemporary to the manufacture and the handwriting style looks towards the early twentieth century, so possibly a dating here to the 1920s or 1930s, but this is very speculative. But the quality of workmanship is not in doubt and presents an interesting addition for the collector of studio pottery wares.
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.
Chinese Blue and White Snuff Bottle circa 1900
Price: £45
A Chinese Blue and White snuff bottle of flattened rectangular form with a short round neck slightly flaring at the top, decorated on each side with boys, one writing on a tablet with a brush and two playing together, the sides with lotus petals and the base glazed inside an unglazed foot. The style of decoration, which is not without a naif charm, suggests late nineteenth century work and the paste of the foot rim does not conflict with this, indeed it could be a bit earlier. Similar pieces are found, usually more coarsely potted and painted, and were probably made for the local market rather than export to the West. Doubtless originally fitted with a stopper, perhaps with an attached spoon, this piece is still an amusing and decorative item for the collector.
Egyptian table decoration depicting a Pharoah and Attendant, c1940
Price: £45
This is a Egyptian souvenir table decoration depicting aPharoah and attendant. The sun is radiating down to indicate his divine rule. It is made from bovine buffalo bone, a material commonly used for Egyptian decorative objects.
Renaissance Revival Brass Desk Set, English c 1900
Price: £55
A brass desk set, comprising an inkwell and a pair of candlesticks, all with square bases and short feet, the inkwell of pagoda like form with a hinged lid above a square surround, the candlesticks with urn like candle holders and loop handles again with a square surround, all with heavily cast decoration of floral scrolls and and mask heads. The solidity of the shapes here with an element of the architectural in the design and the style of the decoration which loosely recalls pieces from the classical period both reflect one of the design fashions of the late nineteenth century which looked back to and developed variants on renaissance art. The ‘renaissance revival’ style could be found in many areas of the arts including architecture and interior decoration. Accessories were also produced to match of which this desk set is an excellent example. The pieces are unmarked and the maker cannot be determined but the well known firm of William Tonks and Sons, whose 1890 catalogue still exists, produced many pieces in a similar style which allows the late nineteenth century dating here. This set is probably now rather more decorative than practical but would certainly add a touch of opulence to interior furnishings.
Fine quality pair of Brass Cobra Candlesticks, Indian first half C20th
Price: £95
A pair of brass candlesticks cast as two Cobra snakes with twisting tails acting as the feet with the bodies rising up erect from them, the stylised heads supporting the candle sconces and serrated edge drip pans. There are many examples of Indian made candlesticks cast in a similar form where the brass metal is combined with enamel decoration. This pair, lacking even incised detail to the metal surface as can occur, are much more unusual and striking in their simplicity. The brass itself is high quality and the pieces have a good weight. It is as if the Indian workmen have tried to adapt themselves to the angular simplicity of the Art Deco style. Unlike their more heavily decorated contemporaries, this pair of snakes would not have looked out of place in an Art Deco themed European interior. Dating is therefore quite reasonably to the 1920s or 1930s. Arresting in their time, these two Cobra snakes would deservedly attract attention today.
Mint Coronet Rapid camera with case 1950s
Price: £45
Coronet Rapide is a folding 120 film camera model of Coronet Co., Birmingham, England. It was also manufactured under license by Tiranty Company, Paris, France and produced in late 1940s and early 1950s. This one is particularly interesting because of its condition and the condition of the case. They appear to be unused or very well cared for. It has a Meniscu lenz. This camera has not been tested so we cannot guarantee it works although the condition would indicate that it does work.
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.
Edwardian Scottish bloodstone bar brooch c1910
Price: £30
This is a very striking brooch that comprises a silver bar with two square domed Scottish bloodstone. This would have been used as part of a Scottish woman's traditional clothing to hold their cloak in place. Still lovely today! Marked Sterling.
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.
Two jade carvings mounted as a necklace
Price: £125
This is a very striking necklace comprising two large jade carvings that have been joined together on a very thick herringbone chain. The carvings are 20th century but they have the look of a more archaic style. This is a very interesting piece that is totally unique. It is all silver.
Mounted aquatint engraving of a Courting Couple, signed, probably French C20th
Price: £45
The aquatint process is similar to that of engraving but it is powdered resin rather than a needle which is used to create the desired print effect and it is areas of colour which are produced here rather than an outline design. Often, though, the two techniques are combined, as in this print. Within an oval frame are depicted in pastel tones of blue, yellow and green a courting couple in eighteenth century dress. Boucher springs to mind but perhaps we are closer to Fragonard since the scene depicted is not wholly innocent. The lady’s right breast is clearly exposed and her right hand rather artfully placed. Perhaps this explains the slightly surprised expression on the young man’s face. The general style indicates much more modern work of course, perhaps to the mid C20th, but the artist, who signs his name as ‘Ceilli’, could well have been of the same nationality as his more famous predecessors. Certainly, he has produced a work of impish charm.
Commemorative Ware Silver Jubilee Plate, James Kent Ltd, England, 1935
Price: £35
A small circular serving dish the shallow concave centre surrounded by a shaped and modelled edge with gilt decoration, cream glazed with polychrome transfer decoration in honour of the Silver Jubilee of King George the Fifth in 1935. He is shown with his wife Queen Mary in an elaborate composition of shields and flags with the royal crown and the motto ‘honi soit qui mal y pense’. At the back is the mark ‘SILVER JUBILEE WARE’ ‘James Kent Ltd’ ‘England’. James Kent Ltd were long established earthenware and porcelain manufacturers based in Stoke on Trent, England. For the 1935 Jubilee they produced a range of wares including mugs and plates. This serving dish seems to be a slightly more unusual form and would be a useful addition to a collection of these commemorative wares.
Bone parquetry box decorated in the manner of Fornasetti, Venetian, mid C20th
Price: £85
A rectangular box with a hinged lid, the surface covered with small bone rectangular slabs laid in a parquetry technique and decorated on the sides with an architectural design in black, the interior showing the wood body of the piece. These boxes with their bone tessera like patterns combined with scenes of buildings were made in Venice probably from the 1950s to the 1970s. Some examples have a more stylised representation, as here, and some a more realistic depiction of Venetian palaces. The stylised architectural designs recall closely the work of the Italian artist Piero Fornasetti whose atelier produced ceramic vases with very similar decoration (see image 8 for an example) although it is not suggested that these boxes were the work of Fornasetti himself. The combination of building designs on a ground of what could be held to be building blocks is ingenious and the result stylish and attractive.
Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Bead Necklace, mid C20th
Price: £55
Cloisonne enamelling, a technique in which glass derived enamels are set on a metal ground and separated with fine wire divisions (the ‘cloisons’), is normally associated with solid forms such as vases and dishes but is employed here to create a series of thirty six similarly sized multicoloured beads in which irregularly shaped green, pink and red panels are separated by fine gold wire and laid on a gilt metal ground. These are linked with knotted cord and joined at the end by a gilt metal clasp and hook with embossed decoration of birds on a branch. The skill of the craftsmanship is obvious and produces a piece of decorative opulence. The work is Chinese and similar pieces are dated to the 1960s which seems reasonable here.
Very fine Berber North African necklace c1950
Price: £45
This a very elegant necklace comprising a central pendant with a typical Berber design with turquoise and coral mosaic inlay. This pendand is connected with nine strands of coral and turquoise micro beads. This design is repeated all the way around with a further 4 connecting stations. It has a very faint mark on the large pendant or it might not be a mark but rather a flaw in the silver.