Unusual Chinese antiquities a Melbourne auction drawcard

Chinese antiquities such as a rare 19^th century late Qing dynasty cinnabar lacquer table screen (lot 23) are among the higher value items at Melbourne-based Gibson’s Auctions forthcoming Autumn Auction Series sale from 11am Sunday May 16 at 885-889 High Street, Armadale.

Estimated at $30,000-$35,000, the rectangular screen is intricately carved on one side with a panel of scholarly figures crossing a bridge towards a pavilion on a rocky shore and a similar work is illustrated in the National Palace Museum’s Masterpieces of Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware.

Carrying a similar estimate ($25,000-$35,000) is a pair of 20^th century porcelain-inlaid hardwood incense stands from Xiangji (lot 22) while several of the jade pieces on offer, including a Han dynasty mythical beast (lot 3) are expected to reach $7000-$9000.

A large finely painted famille rose gilt-ground vase (lot 50) should generate plenty of interest.

Probably from the Republic Period and decorated in Ye Zhenjia style, the tall cylindrical creation is painted on either side with legendary figures.

Lots 59 and 60 are ink and colour paper hanging scrolls – the first, Chicks in Bamboo, attributed to Guan Shan Yue and the second, Tiger in a Landscape, to Zhao Shao Ang.

An unusual Chinese cylindrical archaistic lacquered bronze covered censer with tiered friezes of dragon scrolls (lot 102) is another attraction among the oriental pieces.

Turning to European antiquities, there are plenty that offer instant appeal including a 19^th century Napoleon III ebonised tortoiseshell and brass inlaid centre table in the manner of Andre Charles Boulle (lot 147), 18^th century French oak buffet-a-deux corps (lot 134) and a Verre Eglomise floriate etched three drawer chest (lot 137).

Mirrors are always popular and the large 19^th century carved giltwood overmantel example featured at lot 361 is no exception.

There is plenty of fine jewellery from which to choose including lot 297, a handmade sapphire and diamond dress ring with a catalogue estimate of $4000-$6000, and an unusual  garnet and akoya pearl brooch (lot 301) with an affordable $150-$200 listing.