Buddhist temple cabinet a jewel among spectacular auction items
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 19th October, 2016
An extremely rare and important 19th century Japanese But Sudan-ki gold leaf Buddhist temple cabinet should really set the collector market buzzing when auctioneer Phil Caldwell climbs the podium from 11am Sunday October 23 to auction the contents of the beachfront home at 204 Esplanade, Brighton.
This is the first Caldwell auction for three months and features not only this deceased estate (belonging to a Russian immigrant engineer who migrated in the 1950s to Australia) but also three others.
The cabinet, with its original gilt silk embroidered curtains, joins other important Japanese Satsuma and Cloisonné and Chinese antiquities in the auction.
These include an exceptional pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-906AD) beautifully sculptured pottery rabbits with accompanying thermo-luminescence test certificates from the university of Wollongong.
A massive highlight is the George Owen Royal Worcester lidded vase – complete with its original silk and leather box, an almost unheard of event.
Another major drawcard is the exhibition Pro Hart painting of the 1975 Melbourne Cup – won for the second year in succession by Think Big ridden by Harry White.
Further works of significance include Sidney Nolan’s Central Australia ripolin on paper and a gallery size Darcy Doyle oil on board depicting a cricket match in a country town.
Other Australian artists whose works feature in the auction include Rupert Bunny, David Boyd, Hans Heysen and Norman Lindsay.
An early floral Boulle bracket clock on its original bracket will undoubtedly intrigue clock collectors. The 1820s timepiece by Lesage of Paris contains detailed mounts depicting the foliate floral and dragon motif and has been inlaid (including internally) with rare floral Boulle brass and tortoiseshell.
An exhibition quality 1820s French Regence three-piece chateau clock set should also attract plenty of attention.
The central clock is mounted with silver and bronze horses and a barking dog on an ormolu landscape.
A museum quality sculptured bronze and granite figure group depicting the god Neptune on its original rotating exhibition pedestal, and signed by the renowned sculptor Ferrand, is another offering.
Car buffs have not been forgotten in this auction with a classic 1965 Jaguar Mk 2 up for grabs.
The car has been upgraded with power steering, better brakes, SU carburettors, electronic ignition, electric windows, air conditioning and a central locking system to cater for modern motoring.
The auction also features a large antique burr walnut cased music box, quality jewellery from the three estates, Persian rugs and a wine collection.
