Indigenous art a drawcard in Melbourne fine arts auction

For fans of indigenous artist icon Emily Kame Kngwarreye (1909-1996), Melbourne-based Philips Auctions is offering three of her paintings (lots 230-232), all entitled My Country as part of its forthcoming timed online fine and decorative arts ending from 9.30am Monday May 13.

Although the paintings are nowhere near her normally very pricy works, they are still carrying individual catalogue estimates of $15,000-$20,000 and are a worthy addition to Aboriginal art collections.

The auction has several affordable art works, including a picturesque pen, ink and watercolour entitled Early Morning Walk 1992 by the late colourful Melbourne artist Mirka Mora (1928-2018).

Born in Paris, Mora moved with her husband George to Melbourne in her twenties and was part of a bohemian artist lifestyle and café culture that endeared her to many.

According to Philips Auctions director Tony Philips, the auction has quality sterling silver offerings, glass and porcelain and fine furniture pieces.

Typical of the silver is a part cutlery service of matched George III and later queen’s pattern (lot 140) and two William IV and Victorian soup ladles (lot 135). Another interesting item is the Edward VII sterling silver coffee pot (lot 121).

Among the glassware are two Australian art glass Sommerso vases by Julio Santos (lot 161) and an Australian art glass panier vase by Peter Crisp (lot 160).

Collectable timepieces feature a Napoleon III bronze mounted black marble mantel clock (lot 42).

Furniture items include a Victorian Scottish flame mahogany chest of drawers (lot 304) and a French walnut court cupboard (lot 308).

The jewellery auction features a pair of diamond studs with detachable black onyx enhancers (lot 17) with a catalogue estimate of $28,000-$38,000.

A stunning 18-carat white gold featuring an emerald cut aquamarine (lot 23) is a $5000-$7000 estimate, while a diamond set white gold disc bracelet (lot 80) is estimated at $10,000-$15,000.

Unusual is a vintage angel skin coral, gold and diamond set cocktail ring (lot 143).