Philips anticipates live auction after pandemic layoff

An air of anticipation pervades Philips Auctions rooms at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern as staff eagerly await the start of their first live decorative arts auction since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown swung into action mid-March and all sales suddenly ceased.

Up to 20 auction goers are allowed in the rooms at any one time with more able to join proceedings online or via absentee or telephone bidding from noon Sunday June 14.

One of the highlights is the catalogue front cover cloisonne Buddha (lot 88), a magnificent large scale bronzed copper probably Republic era piece.

From the same vendor are several mother-of-pearl inlaid with symbolic flora rosewood furnishings including a pair of chairs, side tables and coffee table (lots 91-93).

Antique dealers often engender a love of antiques in their children – particularly true of a collector who is offering interesting Chinese export ware porcelain including two tankards from the Qianlong era of 1736-1795 (lot 140). One is a variant of the Nanking pattern, the other famille rose.

For armorial porcelain lovers, a large tankard bearing the coat of arms of Baillie impaling Campbell (lot 145) might excite. Philips Auctions has identified a similar item in the British Museum (Museum no: Franks 82+)

This collection also contains a fine group of small George IV/William IV silver vinaigrettes and pin cushions, including several by renowned maker Nathaniel Mills (lots 154, 190, 192).

Amongst the furniture is a beautiful mahogany George III brass strapped cellarete with original lead lining and timber dividers (lot 403).

The auction also features a quality single vendor collection of Chinese jade with the oriental section.

Following hard on the heels of Philips Auctions first timed online jewellery auction that finished Tuesday June 9 and, according to the company’s resident gemmologist Tanya Philips was surprisingly successful, the auction house is holding a live jewellery sale from 6pm Monday June 15.

“The highlight – an antique diamond set en tremblant floral brooch (lot 67) – is featured on the catalogue’s front cover,” Tanya Philips says.

“There also is an antique Blackamoor set suite of jewellery (lot 117) which should attract plenty of interest.”

Other features include well priced diamond and sapphire rings such as lot 78 – a quality oval cut diamond cluster style creation – and lot 80, a fine quality sapphire with a catalogue estimate of $15,000-$25,000.