Mixed vendor auction offering one of the largest for Joels

One of the largest mixed vendor offerings in Leonard Joel history is the hallmark of the company’s latest Asian Art, Classic Furniture & Objects auction from 11am Sunday October 25 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.

One of the leading catalogue items is a large and rare Chinese parcel-gilt silver box and cover (lot 8) from the Tang Dynasty (618-906AD) – a highlight of the Asian art section.

Another significant Asian art piece is the circa 1680 Japanese Arita blue and white porcelain V.O.C. plate (lot 72).

With the collapse of China’s Ming Dynasty in 1644, Holland’s source of Wanli blue and white ‘kraak’ porcelain ended – so the Dutch turned their attention to Japan.

The dishes were only ordered in limited numbers for the exclusive use of officers serving in VOC administered areas or territories  - hence the large catalogue estimate of $20,000-$30,000.

Highly regarded Chinese artist Qi Bashi (1864-1957) is represented through his work Adoring Silence – Flower, Grass and Meticulous Insects.

From the Frank Freedman collection of mechanical music and automata comes a particularly fascinating item – Gustav Vichy’s Pierrot serenading the moon (lot 263).

A single owner collection of scientific instruments is another major auction feature and includes such fascinating items as a mid to late 18^th century Culpeper microscope (lot 246).

Among the Australian decorative arts section is a John Castle Harris (1893-1967) earthenware vase and a Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) cockatoo panel with a $20,000-$30,000 estimate.