Submitted by aarAdmin on Thu, 03/12/2015 - 10:00
Timed as it was at the start of the 2015 Chinese New Year, Philips Auctions was pleasantly surprised at the excellent results achieved for its first sale of the year – given that normally the auction house would expect a strong turnout among Asian buyers whose numbers were reduced due to New Year celebrations.
Almost 340 bidders turned up for the decorative arts and jewellery auctions over two days in late February with respective sale rates by volume of 75 per cent and 70 per cent.
Early auction items attracted good prices, setting the tone for the rest of the sale. Typical was a mid-20th century Tibetan Thangka which sold for $900 on a $200-$300 estimate.
All the antique gilt clocks fetched good prices, while in the oriental section a 1690s magnificent Kangxu blue and white shipwreck beaker vase brought $3360.
A 20th century large circular Chinese lacquered wall plaque sold for $504 and an opposite pair of Chinese famille rose bowls for $1700. A large 19th century famille verte Chinese vase in the Kangxi manner fared even better, bringing $6240 on an $800-$1200 estimate.
In the silver section, a George II pair of sterling silver candlesticks sold for $3600, a George III sterling silver campaign spirit kettle and burner for $2400 and a fine Chinese Qing dynasty silver spirit kettle $4320.
Unusual items including the catalogue cover piece – a signed Lenci polychrome earthenware wall mask – sold for $360 and a late 19th century Victorian marble figure lamp for $1440.
In another good result, 75 per cent of the furniture on offer sold. Highlights included a 1960s 10-piece Rudowski dining setting that brought $4560 on a $2000 estimate.
The Monday night jewellery sale was equally impressive with a diamond, ruby and enamel set Faberge egg pendant selling for $2160 and a ruby and diamond set bangle for $1440.
Among the more expensive items was a large diamond line bracelet, which fetched $12,000 and a beautiful antique three stone diamond ring that changed hands for $11,400.
Other items to bring good prices included an emerald solitaire dress ring ($6600), an art deco inspired diamond plaque brooch ($3600) and a carved ruby dress ring ($2280).
