Entries Invited Quality Decorative Arts | 2024 Auctions

English & European Porcelain

High quality porcelain from leading English & European makers remains in demand at auction. As Amelia Scott, Theodore Bruce Head of Asian & Decorative Arts explains, buyers are commonly after the rare and the beautiful, ideally in full or part sets.

“We may have an occasional buyer looking to replace a particular item, but most often we are looking to offer complete or part-complete dinner or tea services. We do find there is strong demand for certain ranges, such as Shelley Art Deco teaware, Imari patterned porcelain and Worcester or Wedgwood Majolica.”

Dating from the 1870’s to 1965, Shelley produced distinctive fine china, teaware and figurines under a variety of names including Wileman & Foley, with design ranges including ‘Dainty’, ‘Bute’ and ‘Ovide’. Last year, we auctioned a Shelley Part Tea Service with Green & Gold Art Deco Motifs – with an estimate of $100-200 – for $750 including buyer’s premium (IBP). While the 19th century Derby Imari Pattern Oval Tureen, pictured, fetched $625 IBP.

Inspired by traditional Japanese and Chinese designs imported to Europe in the early 1700’s, the Imari pattern was a favourite of porcelain manufacturers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Royal Crown Derby was perhaps the best known producer, teaming beautiful gilt-edged patterns with bone china of exceptional quality.

First produced in 1851 by Milton, Majolica is a Spanish-influenced style recognised for its vibrant coloured glazes. While some examples feature animals, flowers and illustrative detail, the cabbage leaf and shell designs in wonderful rich greens from Worcester and Wedgewood are very popular.

In March last year, we auctioned the set of Wedgewood Majolica Shell Dinner Plates pictured for $812 IBP, while in November, a buyer paid $1,062 IBP for a 19th Century Jasperware Pot Pourri with Koi Detail.

Other 2023 porcelain sale highlights include a collection Of Derby Imari Pattern Dinner Plates, Bowls & Side Plates, c.1806-1825 ($1,625 IBP), and a pair of Vienna Porcelain Cups & Saucers with Classical Scenes & Gilt dating to the early to mid 19th century ($2,750 IBP).

Invited for consignment: Belleek, Shelley, Royal Crown Derby, Royal Doulton, Royal Winton, Wedgwood, Worcester

Vintage & Victorian Glassware

Since the early 1900’s, the name Lalique has brought to mind high quality, hand-crafted and innovative glassware, with collectors drawn to the vases, bowls, perfume bottles, sculptures, clocks and ornaments that typically feature images of women, flora or fauna.

We regularly auction Lalique glass in our decorative arts and single vendor auctions, with rarer items – such as a Rene Lalique Perruches Bowl, c.1931 ($6,875 IBP) – drawing strong bidding.

“Glassware including Lalique and Murano is much more likely to sell at auction than unmarked examples, as buyers associate those names with high quality manufacture and innovative design,” says Amelia. “The one exception is Victorian glass, which continues to draw interest, particularly the coloured glass and matching sets.”

Our recent sales of Victorian glassware include a Victorian Cranberry Cut Glass Sterling Silver Claret Jug, from 1882, possibly Charles Boyton, London ($750 IBP), and an unusual Victorian Glass Vase with Modelled & Hand Painted Detail, pictured, which leaped over its modest estimate to reach $638 IBP.

Invited for consignment: Lalique, Murano, Stuart Crystal, Waterford, Victorian Glass

Studio Pottery

We regularly offer mid-century studio pottery at auction, which finds buyers looking for one-of-a-kind vintage or retro homewares. In addition to the mid-century pieces, collectors tend to look for name items such as Moorcroft or Martin Brothers.

Martin Brothers pottery is the creme de la creme of studio potters, with the eclectic pieces as coveted today as they were in the 19th century. With the four Martin Brothers firing the kiln only annually, the rarity also adds to collector appeal.

More commonly found, Clarice Cliff ceramics are distinguished by eye-catching designs and vibrant hues. While copied the world over, the original pieces produced by the ceramicist from the 1930’s through to the 1960’s, bear original stamps which our specialists can verify.

Trained at the Royal College of Art in London, William Moorcroft launched his namesake designs in 1897 and Moorcroft Pottery remains highly prized. The most sought-after designs including Moorcroft’s Liberty & Co pieces and the poppy vases from the Florian range.

Our studio pottery sales last year included a Martin Brothers Vase with Dragon Motifs, 1898 ($4,000 IBP), a pair of Moorcroft Wisteria Tall Vases, c.1907 ($4,500 IBP), and a stunning Moorcroft For Liberty & Co Hazleden Vase c. 1903-13, pictured, which reached $4,000 IBP at auction in November.

Invited for consignment: Clarice Cliff, Mid Century Studio Pottery, Milton Brothers, Moorcroft

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Theodore Bruce offers regular decorative arts auctions. For valuations or further information on consignment, please contact Amelia Scott.