A Melbourne auction to suit everyone
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 19th May, 2023
Just about anything auction goers desire can be found at Melbourne-based Gibson’s Auctions forthcoming two-day autumn auction series, live from 11am Sunday May 28 and continuing from 10am Monday May 29 as a timed online sale at 885-889 High Street, Armadale.
The auction contains a comprehensive selection of international decorative arts, silver, jewellery, clocks, Chinese and Asian works of art, furniture and fine arts.
A major highlight is the bronze and glass dragonfly lamp (lot 179) – the conical shade (number 1462) made by New York’s Tiffany Studios – and carrying a $10,000-$15,000 catalogue estimate.
For jewellery lovers, an emerald and diamond cluster ring (lot 359) featuring a 3.6-carat square cut emerald with a $15,000-$18,000 catalogue estimate is worth close examination, while an eye-catching sapphire and diamond dress ring (lot 339) is absolutely breathtaking.
An 18-carat rose gold De Grisogono wristwatch (lot 418), boxed and with accompanying papers, is another strong attraction.
Founded in 1993 in Geneva by Lebanese-Italian black diamond specialist Fawaz Gruosi, Dubai’s Damac Group purchased De Grisogono after it filed for bankruptcy in January last year.
Among the Chinese art works is a Qing dynasty (1644-1911) gilt bronze figure of the deity Tara (lot 54). Under this dynasty led by and absolute monarch and strong centralised government, China expanded its empire and the population grew from 150 million to 450 million.
From late in the same dynasty comes a cloisonné enamel censer complete with Kangxi mark and wooden cover (lot 62).
Austrian foundry owner Franz Bergman’s (1861-1936) pair of cold painted bronze cockatoos (lot 176) is a bonus for collectors.
Noted for his detailed and colourful work, Bergman’s Viennese works produced patinated and cold painted bronzes, along with oriental, erotic and animal figures often humanised, whimsical, or humorous in nature.
Sterling silver in the auction includes an 1808 George III meat platter (lot 247) with an engraved armorial made by famous London silversmith Paul Storr (1770-1844) for the Duke of Cambridge.
The motto on the platter reads “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (Evil to him who evil thinks) symbolising the Order of the Garter.
The most celebrated silversmith during the first half of the 19th century, Storr’s works historically and currently adorn royal palaces and stately homes throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
A circa 1910 carved, painted and lacquered gesso timber carousel jumping horse (lot 306) attributed to master carver Marcus Illions (1871-1949) is an unusual auction item.
Known for his Coney Island figure style, Illions emigrated from England to America where he established his own business, M.C Illions & Sons Carousell (sic) Works.
Buyers also should be intrigued by the 1960 Murano glass Sputnik chandelier (lot 321) designed by Paolo Venini for VeArt.
Furniture in the sale includes circa 1830 William IV flame mahogany drop side desk (lot 3).
