Antiques & Decorative Arts
Our renowned monthly, market leading auctions include a wide range of periods and styles from antiquities and antiques through to mid-century design.European, English and NZ colonial furnishings accompany the broadest range of collectables, silver, ceramics and decorator’s items curated and catalogued by the leading team of experts in the country. Under this section we offer miscellanea, cameras, glass, Modern Movement, boxes, walking sticks, cameras, costume, ephemera, studio pottery and all manner of items.
A fine large 19thC Italian carved Carrara white marble sculpture of a young naked woman standing,
by Ferdinando Vichi (Italy 1875-1945). The figure depicted with one arm raised to her hair, the other lowered holding a bouquet of roses. On fitted octagonal stepped marble base, incised signature. H.1185mm. Vichi was a central figure in the production of Florentine sculpture at the end of the 19thC. He is associated with the sculptors Cesare Lapini, Pietro Bazzanti and Guglielmo Pugi, all of whom executed works at The Galleria Bazzanti. The gallery, originally Bazzanti's studio, was inaugurated in 1822 and is still open today. His compositions are varied in subject matter, ranging from busts after the Antique to Orientalist themes and Renaissance-inspired models. Like many other late 19thC sculptors, Vichi often took inspiration from classical antiquity. Historicising romantic subjects were very popular in Italian sculpture of the late 19thC.
Realised: $10,000
A quality c.1900 French Kingwood and ormolu bureau plat,
of good proportions, the serpentine rectangular top with tan pigskin leather, tooled and gilt border, crossbanded in striking Kingwood, the top edges entirely finished with shaped ormolu, decorative cast corners, the encircling frieze of panelled design with parquetry detail, three drawers to the front, the back conforming as false drawers, the curving legs with stylised caryatid (female figured) ormolu mounts. (Some marks to the leather top). W.1725 x D.840 x H.775mm. Note: pieces of this quality are rare on the N.Z. market.
Realised: $8,500
A pair of large and impressive early 19thC cast iron andirons,
in the form of Welsh dragons, aged patina, maker's name to reverse, Charles R. Phillips, Gloucester, purchased from Phillips, Tatton Park, U.K. 460 x 420 x 720mm.
Realised: $8,500
A large and impressive 19thC German upright 'Symphonion' musical disc player,
the two-section decorative mahogany cabinet. The top section with full turned columns flanking the glazed door, enclosing the side wind mechanical player with ten bells, double comb (damage to one tooth) and 54cm (21 inch) disc. Coin operated. The base cabinet with half turned mouldings mounted to the decorative columns flanking the fall front door enclosing nine further discs in fitted slots. H.1910mm. Apparently working. Provenance: From the collection of a prominent New Zealand musical identity.
Realised: $7,500
Pair of Norwegian teak & leather lounge chairs by Rastad & Relling,
#56/2 from the Bambi collection, designed by Rastad & Relling in 1955 and manufactured by Gustav Bahus & Eft, Norway. One strap split on back and some losses of stitching on seat. Stamped 'Made in Norway' to front bar.
Realised: $7,500
An Anton Seuffert elaborately inlaid parquetry card table top,
on a Victorian walnut tripod base, the top with central eight-point star-burst framed by expanding geometric patterns in various N.Z. native timbers. Dia.605. In good condition and polish, the tripod base with fine stringing and inlay to the three turned columns tripod platform and three scrolling legs. H.705. Note: it is recorded in the book 'The Seuffert Legacy' by Brian Peet published 2008 that 'many card tables have been discovered with bases of uncertain origin, suggesting the tops were sold separately...'. Provenance: Ex. the estate of Tui Flower.
Realised: $5,500
A Ralph Lauren Jamaica sectional sofa,
upholstered in a charcoal fabric with upholstery nail detail and seat cushions. (Retail $45,000) . Length of the three sections. 1700mm. 2360mm. 1100mm. Together with an unbranded faux leather ottoman. 1080x 740 x 300mm.
Realised: $5,500
Queen Victoria 'Highland Journal' personally inscribed to Charles Dickens from Queen Victoria,
an exceptionally rare and unique copy of 'Leaves From The Journal Of Our Life In The Highlands' from 1848 to 1861, edited by Arthur Helps, published by Smith Elder and Co; London, illustrated addition, 1868, personally inscribed on the front end paper; To Charles Dickens Esq. from Victoria Buckingham Palace, March 9. 1870, and also with Dickens book plate to the front pastedown. The front endpaper, fly leaf and editors preface pages are detached. Bound in decorative and pictorial red cloth gilt.
Realised: $5,000
An 18thC walnut chest on chest,
the drawers with well-matched veneers, cross banded, brass handles and keyhole escutcheons, raised on bracket feet. 1070 x 500 x 1820mm
Realised: $4,800
An impressive 18thC French walnut bookcase,
architectural style with three columns, on substantial panelled plinth base, the interior painted blue with four shelves to each side. Sourced from a pharmacist's shop in Alsace. 2000 x 500 x 2350mm.
Realised: $4,600