Smiles all round at miniature Mona Lisa's Australian auction

Any auction goer interested in owning their own version of the Mona Lisa should turn up to Melbourne-based Leski Auctions forthcoming two-day decorative arts & collectables sale from 10am Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17 at 727-729 High Street Armadale.

A 19^th century hand painted ivory miniature after Leonardo Da Vinci (lot 770) is a very affordable way of achieving their goal.

There are 1340 lots on offer over the two days containing items bound to interest all auction goers – with categories including silver, jewellery, watches, clocks, porcelain and ceramics, glass, lamps and lighting, furniture, paintings, Chinese and Asian art, tribal artefacts, books, posters, photographs, music, radios and gramophones, military and aviation memorabilia, medals and medallions, and models and toys.

One of the more intriguing paintings is a portrait of a boy by an unknown artist from the Newlyn School (lot 680), featured on the auction catalogue front cover.

Situated in the county of Penzance, Cornwall, between the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries the school was home to a new colony of artists who sought to paint outdoors in the ‘plein air’ style using natures natural light and everyday subjects.

Dublin-born artist Stanhope Forbes (1857-1947) moved to Newlyn in 1884 and was often referred to as ‘the father of the school’.

Among the silver on offer is a 20^th century vintage German 925 sterling silver tea service comprising a spirit kettle, teapot, hot water pot, milk jug, sugar bowl and serving tray (lot 79).

For jewellery lovers, an 18^th century Georgian diamond floral brooch (lot 132) might appeal, while a circa 1930 Rene Lalique French art deco blue glass pendant (lot 169) with its original blue silk chord and tassel is an unusual sight.

Intriguing is the 19^th/20^th century gold Waltham crown wind pocket watch and chain with an “Advance Australia” rose gold patriotic fob (lot 244) along with an antique French 18-carat gold and enamel pocket watch with Arabic numerals.

A spectacular 18-carat white gold case and bracelet lady’s evening watch (lot 282) might make the perfect romantic Christmas or birthday present.

Clocks are always a collecting favourite and an eye-catching circa 1840 Viennese mantle timepiece in an ebonised Empire architectural case with alabaster columns (lot 319) is an affordable adornment to any home.

Henry Moritz’s Floating Cube – a marquetry timber panel (lot 697) – is another striking attraction.

Born in 1931, Moritz was an experience commercial artist who migrated to Australia from Germany, aged 21.

After 11 years working other jobs, in 1963 he began teaching commercial art at the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School.

This was followed by a move to the Mount Helen Tertiary Division before he was appointed head of the Art School at the Ballarat College of advanced Education.

A 19^th century German electrotype bronze statue entitled “Gordon Setter” (lot 775) by Richard Rusche (1851-1935) is worth a second look. Rusche’s works have been offered at public auction 21 times.