Submitted by aarAdmin on Thu, 03/04/2021 - 00:00
While an oil painting on woven cotton entitled Two Nudes by Teng from the Thai School (lot 920) was not the highest priced item at Leski Auctions Melbourne Decorative Arts & Collectables sale on February 27 and 28, at $4302 (including buyer’s premium) it was a staggering more than 21 times its upper catalogue estimate of $200.
Obviously, no one at the auction house could have predicted such an unexpected result (otherwise no doubt the catalogue estimate would have been much higher) – any more than they could have foreseen the $4063 twin result for lots 407 – a Chinese porcelain snuff bottle with enamel decoration – and 594, a pair of late 19th century English carved walnut “Sunflower” parlour chairs, with respective estimates of $400-$600 and $300-$500.
The top selling item in the 1300-lot auction with an impressive 90 per cent clearance rate was a circa 1927 engraved R. Lalique, France “Malesherbes” French art deco vase (lot 243), which sold for a much more predictable $10,755, followed by a circa 1600 Chinese Wucai traditional vase decorated with peonies and exotic birds (lot 381) for $8365.
Solid prices were achieved for a Longines “Master Collection” gents chromograph wristwatch (lot 823 - $7767) and a late 19th century Belle Epoch brooch (lot 760 - $6572).
A circa 1956 Picasso pottery plaque entitled Joueur de Flûte et Chèvre (lot 178) was another winner at $5975, while a circa 1750s Georgian mahogany English bracket clock (lot 684) brought a healthy $5497.
An antique Etruscan revival heavy 18-carat gold necklace (lot 727) brought $5019 and a Republic period Chinese baluster shaped blue and white vase (lot 395) $4541.
Lot 62, an incomplete early 20th century German silver cutlery set in a six drawer canteen chest, was another impressive result at $4302.
