Incredible jade pieces hit Australian auction scene

Some of the best jade pieces seen in Australia are among an immense collection of Oriental treasures to be auctioned from 12pm Sunday September 5 by Christian McCann Auctions at 7 Harper Street, Abbotsford.

This is a change in auction date necessitated by the latest Victorian COVID-19 lockdown scheduled to end midnight Thursday September 2.

Collected over a lifetime, these works of art include major highlights such as an exceptional 18^th century jade brush washer in the form of a seated frog (lot 70) and an exceptional antique jade two section bowl with carved dragon and floral decorations (lot 72).

Another outstanding item is a rare 19^th century Chinese spinach green jade table screen housed in a carved Cherrywood frame – with the hand carved jade showing a bridge over a lake (lot 24).

The oriental works of art are complemented by quality European antique furniture, clocks, porcelain and traditional art in a sale that features more than 600 lots.

One of the more interesting time pieces is a highly important 18^th century French boulle bracket clock on an elaborate carved pedestal (lot 74) with a catalogue estimate of $50,000-$75,000. The dial has enamel numerals and is signed “Masson Paris”.

A superbly carved marble and alabaster reclining maiden on a chaise lounge by Italian 19^th century Impressionist sculptor Adolfo Cipriani (lot 125) is another drawcard, while other attractions include a pair of 19^th century French vases by Roussel (lot 58).

Auction goers will be impressed by the fine 19^th century French kingwood three drawer bureau plat (lot 60) and the pair of rare Chinese Cherrywood corner cabinets (lot 346).

Unusual is a large 19^th century cameo shell depicting villagers in a horse-drawn carriage (lot 250), one of several in the auction – along with a 19^th century English bronze figure group showing young boys smoking and titled “As Tu Du” by H. Fugers (lot 239).