Recent Fine Art & Antique Auction Highlights
We’ve had so many interesting Fine Art & Antique auctions this year, including single vendor collections from the Estates of Diana Fisher and Norman Hetherington, Asian arts, silverware, jewels and collectables. We take a look back at some of these – and some of the exceptional lots that were highly sought after.
An Impressive Single Collection of South East Asian & Chinese Pottery
In May, we auctioned a wonderful collection of South East Asian & Chinese Pottery from the Ming, Song & Yuan Dynasties – and it proved to be one of our most popular auctions this year.
Among the selection were several examples of Qingbai Ware, a style of Chinese porcelain produced during the Song & Yuan Dynasties, and distinguished by a pale blue-white glaze.
The unusual Qing Bai Celadon Quadruplet Fish Vase from Jingdzeng, pictured, reached $3,500 IBP. Of the 155 lots, many sold for hundreds over the estimate, and this was one of over 15 lots that sold for $1,000 or more above the anticipated sale figure.
Fine Art | Australian & International
We were delighted to recently present a Fine Art auction featuring an exciting mix of Australian, European & contemporary Chinese artists – including Liu Chun Hai (b.1966), Yin Jun (b.1974), Hou Qing (b.1969) and the Luo Brothers (b.1963, b.1964, b.1972).
The star artwork was a seascape by British artist, Edward Brian Seago, which sold for $32,500 IBP. The enduringly popular John Brack & Robert Dickerson, achieved good prices for a lithograph and a pastel, respectively.
While Shi Li Feng’s, In Control No. 55, went under the hammer for $5,000 IBP. Characterised by a bold red & black palette and references to the Mao era, Feng is widely viewed as a leading figure in the Chinese contemporary art scene, with regular exhibitions in Asia & Europe.
Asian contemporary art continues to make inroads into international art fairs and biennales, with a growing demand from collectors attracted both to the stylistic innovation and affordability.
Antique Silverware
Our most recent silverware auction featured a stunning collection including Victorian, Georgian and Art Deco tableware, cutlery and decorative objects.
Among the highlights was this Chinese Exportware Silver Tea Service with Dragon Motifs, produced by the Tuck Chang & Company Ltd, Shanghai, C. 1890-1915. It drew a large number of bidders, eventually selling for $8,750 IBP, exceeding the top estimate of $4,000.
Produced in China from c. 1780 to the 1940’s, Chinese Exportware was often created for Western buyers, and as such it features a distinctive blend of Chinese and Western influences. This beautiful set included a spirit kettle, teapot, creamer & sugar bowl, with engraved initials to each piece.
Oceanic & Tribal Art
Also in May, our Oceanic & Tribal Art auction featured carved and woven masks, figurines, ceremonial and fighting shields, ceramic vessels, drums, shell jewellery and other objects – from Arnhem Land and Northern Australia, Borneo, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, The Philippines, Vanuatu and Africa.
Highlights included a Food Bowl from Wuvulu Island, Papua New Guinea – popular at auction thanks to the simple, abstract form & gentle curves – which sold for $4,000 IBP.
Also on offer was Untitled, an Ochre On Eucalyptus Bark by Charlie Mardigan, pictured. An artist from Port Keats active in the 1970s and 1980s, Mardigan is known for his traditional styled bark paintings. This work far surpassed the estimate of $450-$650, selling for A$5,250.
Theodore Bruce is Australia’s oldest family run auction house – with regular auctions in all collecting areas, including Aboriginal Art, Asian Art, Books, Prints & Ephemera, Collectables, Decorative Arts, Fashion, Fine Art, Fine Wines & Spirits, Furniture, Jewels, Silver & Timepieces, Oceanic & Tribal Art and Single Vendor Collections – plus an expert and discrete valuation service for fine art, antiques and rare books.
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