Philips Auctions

Erotic Japanese netsuke figurines, part of a contentious indecency court case in the 1980s, will be auctioned from noon Sunday May 17 by Philips Auctions at 47 Glenferrie Road, Toorak.

The figures belonged to the late Bonnie Knight, who died recently aged 84, and are being sold by the family as part of her collection.

Bonnie, who had been collecting artefacts and jewellery since she was a teenager, viewed netsukes (be they wood, stone or ivory) as her favourite items.

The quaint Clarice Cliff mask, which features in Philips Auctions latest decorative arts sale, first came to public prominence in the Melbourne Herald of November 28, 1935.

The mask was mentioned in an article about Dr and Mrs Cecil Raphael’s new home high on the hill in Glenferrie Road, Glenferrie – and referred to because it was reflected in an immense circular mirror that hung on the wall above the living room fireplace. It had been sitting for about 30 years under a family member's bed before recently once again seeing the light of day.

Jewellery buffs will be able to select from a wide range of rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants and bracelets when Philips Auctions holds its forthcoming jewellery auction from 6pm Monday March 30 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

Estimates for the jewellery on offer range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands depending on the items involved.

A strong collection of sterling silver – the highlight of which is a Hester Bateman cruet set – should bring auction goers running for Philips Auctions first decorative arts sale for 2015.

The auction, from noon Sunday February 22 at 47 Glenferrie Road Malvern, will feature several “funky” contemporary art works by artists such as Herman Pekel, Anthony Morrison and Michael Whitehead.

Another strong attraction will be the Chinese export silver by Wing Fat from Hong Kong and Luen Wo from Shanghai – including a spirit kettle on a stand.

A range of quality and exciting jewellery that would make ideal Christmas presents will be on offer to buyers at Philips Auctions forthcoming jewellery sale from 6pm Monday December 8 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

While many of the items carry estimates of several thousands of dollars, still more are estimated at only hundreds of dollars.

Typical of the jewellery on offer is a stunning art deco diamond double brooch/jabot pin handcrafted and signed by Draysons of London.

Wine lovers will be thrilled at the comprehensive collection of Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 being offered at Philips Auctions forthcoming sale from noon Sunday December 7 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

Of various vintages from 2004 to 2010, the wine is part of single collection and is the third in as many months to be sold by Philips Auctions.

Unusual for the auction house is the 1996 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide convertible motorcycle in the rooms ready for inspection.

With centenary commemorations honouring the start of World War I a regular occurrence this year, Philips Auctions has signified its modest acknowledgement of events with two paintings by noted ship portrait artist Arthur Victor (AV) Gregory of vessels that served with Australian forces during the Great War in its latest auction.

Gregory lived from 1867 to 1957 and the two paintings, completed in 1918, are of the AIF hospital ship Karoola and the SS Riverina crossing the Tasman Sea.

Auction goers will have the unique opportunity to obtain a gold travelling clock that once belonged to legendary Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba when they attend Philips Auctions next jewellery sale from 6pm Monday October 27 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The clock, made by Vacheron Constantin and with “Vacheron Paris” marked on the flap, has the signature “Nellie Melba” engraved on the case.

The diva gave the clock to her friend Thomas Hazelton-Cochrane who then bequeathed it to his niece Margaret Ormond Cochrane.

An Ethiopian tobacco mogul from the early 1900s gave his goddaughter a pair of 1840s Georgian matching diamond earrings, pendant and ring as a wedding present in 1915 (lots 65, 174, 175).

The bride (the current vendor’s grandmother) kept the set all her life and now it has ended up as a major highlight in Philips Auctions latest jewellery sale from 6pm Monday September 15 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

At the time, the tobacco mogul possessed the sole rights to export his product internationally and was enormously wealthy.

Twenty-five bottle of Penfolds Grange Bin 95 dating back to 1994 is a wine lovers highlight of Philips Auctions latest sale from noon Sunday September 14 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

The collector concerned specially selected two bottles of each vintage from 1996 to 2008 to cellar – except for the year 2000.