Australian decorative arts auction a very affordable outing

A comprehensive turnout of mainly affordable items bound to interest both first-time and established collectors and those auction goers looking for that treasured bargain is the hallmark of Melbourne-based Leski Auctions forthcoming Decorative Arts & Collectables two-day sale, from 10am Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29 at 727-729 High Street, Armadale.

An impressive antique 19^th century Chinese carved ivory tusk from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), with a catalogue estimate of $10,000-$15,000 (lot 697) is among the highlights for collectors of Asian art, with a Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) carved mutton jade bi-disc (lot 692) also a worthy investment at a $7000-$10,000 estimate.

Established after the Sui Dynasty (518-618 CE), the Tang Dynasty is regarded as the golden age of Chinese civilisation and culture.

Another feature of Chinese art in the sale is the Song/Ming Dynasty (960-1644) carved jade vessel in the Archaic style with Taotie mask (lot 689).

The Leski auction contains sterling silver, clocks, watches, jewellery, porcelain, glass, religious icons, antiquities, lamps, furniture, rugs, art, tribal artefacts, military memorabilia, maps, books, posters, photographs, cameras and photographic equipment, models and toys.

For those auction goers looking for a well-known watch brand, the Rolex “Oysterdate” gents wristwatch with manual movement (lot 379) is worth closer examination at its $8000-$12,000 catalogue estimate, while the sale also features several affordable Omegas.

An 18-carat white gold and diamond cluster ring (lot 444) might be just the perfect jewellery gift for that special loved one or an 18-carat gold ring containing a one-carat brilliant cut diamond (lot 445) could be more to their liking.

Lalique glass features prominently including a “Dryades” French art deco vase with a blue stained finish (lot 577), along with a signed Gabriel Argy-Rousseau (1885-1953) pate de verre French art glass bowl (lot 570).

Born in Meslay-le-Vidame, Argy-Rousseau was an important French artist famous for his pate de verre objects, particularly vases, lamps and other objects, and his fascination with chemistry contributed to his creation of striking, unique, opaque and translucent glass.

Among the silver items on offer is a Georg Jensen “Acorn” pattern Danish sterling silver cutlery set for 12 (lot 131) containing 96 pieces that is bound to appeal to those auction goers looking for a more unusual setting.

A fine quality 19^th century French serpentine front pier cabinet (lot 901) is among the furniture for sale, while the wide-ranging clock collection includes a circa 1805 English spring table clock in an ebonised fruitwood case by London maker Arch ‘Jon’ Currie (lot 314).