A festive auction ideal for all and sundry
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 9th December, 2012
Melbourne-based Philips Auctions Christmas timed online decorative arts auction, which ends from 9am Monday December 12 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern has some interesting knick-knacks that could make ideal festive season gifts.
One is a particularly eye-catching mid-19th century tilt-top circular table with inlaid multi wood veneers (lot 511) that has a catalogue estimate of $1500-$2500.
Another is a fine Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) okimono of a basket weaver (lot 107), while a colourful 20th century labradorite carving of a duck might make the perfect desk ornament.
Historically fascinating is the 1582 Elizabeth I sterling silver communion cup (lot 194) in stunning condition – the most expensive of an otherwise very affordable silver section.
With an estimate of $30,000-$40,000, John Coburn’s (1925-2006) Snake in the Grass (lot 378) leads the paintings on offer and will no doubt appeal to genuine collectors.
Famous for his abstracts, Coburn’s works are exhibited in major Australian galleries and can be found in private and corporate collections.
He also was a tapestry designer and printmaker and seven of his tapestries hang in the John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, while two were in the Sydney Opera House.
A strong jewellery line up also is available at this auction – with many pieces ideal for romantic Christmas presents.
Emeralds always appeal to women and a vibrant Columbian emerald and diamond bracelet (lot 151) should be no exception – nor the antique styled diamond and emerald detailed cluster ring (lot 208) or the pair of emerald cut diamond studs with detachable diamond emerald drops (lot 66).
For those buyers who like to lash out, a solitaire oval cut 2.51-carat diamond ring (lot 112), with a catalogue estimate of $18,000-$28,000, might be more to their liking or the brilliant cut 2.79-carat diamond solitaire ring (lot 134), estimate $20,000-$25,000.
More affordable is the sapphire and diamond set line bracelet (lot 42) or the light Ceylonese sapphire and diamond bracelet (lot 87).
Other jewellery attractions include a beautiful 18-carat vintage diamond detailed ribbon brooch (lot 78), a large pair of tanzanite and diamond cluster studs (lot 30), a sapphire and diamond cushion shaped cluster ring (lot 218) and a large asscher cut kunzite diamond cluster ring (lot 173).
