Bidding was strong across all areas in our recent two-night auction demonstrating demand for fine items locally, nationally, and internationally. On the first night, the art sold at approximately 88% ratio, with many Lots selling considerably above their higher-end estimates.
The stand-out was Haughton Forrest’s “Mount Ida across Lake Sinclair” (Lot 29), selling for an impressive $30,000 (Hammer Price). Other notable sales included Ray Crooke’s “Islanders” (Lot 12 – $13,000); William Rubery Bennet’s beautiful Australian Impressionistic works “Hawkesbury Flats” (Lot 2) and “A Change in the Weather, Nowra” (Lot 18) both achieved above-estimate results. Larry Mitchell’s two West Australian studies “Moses Rock” (Lot 19) and “Murchison River” (Lot 10) both sold for $12,000, confirming the growing appeal of this contemporary West Australian painter.
Lot 29 Haughton Forrest
Lot 2 William Rubery Bennett
Indigenous works also impressed, notably Rover (Julama) Thomas “Texas Downs” (Lot 111 – $9,000), Lily Karadada’s beautiful etching “Wandjina, Snake, Goanna, Turtle” (Lot 117), and an exquisite small Queenie McKenzie in ochres, “Purnalulu” (Lot 124) also sold well above estimate.
Lot 111 Rover (Julama) Thomas
Decorative Arts and Luxury held interest with results exceeding expectation including some rare English Majolica by George Jones (Lot 150); a spectacular c1900 signed Russian gilt bronze ‘Troika’ by Evgeni Lanceray (Lot 234 – $5,500), and a commanding c1900 porcelain urn decorated with scenes of ancient roman ruins in the classical style by Konigliche Porzellan Manufaktur (Lot 167). A diminutive 5cm Chinese Jade carving of a man and child (Lot 191) generated much interest pre-auction, selling on the night for many times the higher-end estimate.
Lot 234 Evgeni Lanceray
In the luxury section, the iconic Prada “Bibliotheque” Tote bag (Lot 175) in pristine condition with certificate of authenticity attracted some strong bidding, and in furniture two very fine and handsome 19th century French Ormolu items (Lot 315, a spectacular Louis XVl style sideboard with white marble top, and Lot 314, a richly decorated, leather topped desk with gilt bronze mounts) fetched $5,500 and $6,000 respectively.
Lot 175 Prada “Bibliotheque” Tote bag
Lot 315 Louis XVl style sideboard
The second night featured Jewellery, Watches and Silver, with some interesting pieces from Georg Jensen; Lot 484 – four rings, and Lot 483 an unusual silver bangle selling many times above auction-estimate. A shimmering 1.22ct square cut Diamond ring mounted in 18ct white gold (Lot 370) attracted much interest, and a strand of well-matched silver white South Sea cultured pearls achieved $6,000. There were some very collectable Gents watches, including the sought-after Rolex ‘Sea Dweller’ (Lot 492) $8,500, and a most fine and elegant IWC automatic watch complete with original box, booklet and IWC card (Lot 495) which sold for $5,500.
Lot 370 Shimmering Diamond Ring
Lot 495 IWC Gents Watch
We look forward to seeing you at the July Auction. Please subscribe to our Mailing List to be notified when the catalogue is online.
