Fine antiques and art in Melbourne timed online auction

The opening lot of Melbourne-based Christian McCann Auctions timed online sale – due to end from 6pm Sunday January 23 – gives a marvellous indication of the finest antiques and art on offer over the next 140 items.

It is a rare 19^th century Chinese pewter tea caddy with engraved floral decorations and a fitted interior and from there the auction only gets better.

The next lot is a 19^th century French gilt bronze miniature long case clock featuring hand painted porcelain decorations which is beautifully matched by a 19^th century French boulle lidded casket (lot 4).

Bronze sculptures are highlighted by a tall French figure group depicting Bacchus and a child on a black marble base (lot 5) while an eye catching pair of 19^th century French bronze and gilt candlesticks with cut glass lustre drops (lot 6) is difficult to ignore.

Porcelain is another strong attraction and auction goers will find it hard to go past the outstanding 19^th century French Sevres vase with hand painted mother and child decorations (lot 8) or – on the furniture front – a particularly fine George II burr walnut bureau bookcase (lot 14).

There are plenty of paintings from which to choose including German-born Australian artist Hans Heysen’s (1877-1968) watercolour entitled Country Vista (lot 22).

Heysen became a household name for his watercolour depictions of monumental Australian gum trees and is one of Australia’s best known landscape painters.

Lot 32 is an a wonderful example of quality 19^th century French three piece ormolu and Carrara marble clock garnitures – while lot 73 is a magnificent rendition of an art deco lead light octagonal chandelier.

Not to be missed is the superb pair of early 19^th century French giltwood console tables with finely detailed carvings (lot 75).