Three auctions on the one day to greet the Melbourne New Year
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 16th January, 2023
Three timed online auctions on the same day is Melbourne-based Christian McCann Auctions way of greeting the 2023 New Year – with the first, devoted to decorative arts and antiques, closing from 3pm at 7 Harper Street, Abbotsford – and the next two, important art and Asian furniture and porcelain, respectively from 4pm and 5pm.
The decorative arts and antiques sale has 159 lots to go under the hammer, most of which are readily affordable even to first time auction goers and would make an attractive adornment to any home.
Of particular note is the unusual 19th century French pair of Carrara marble and ormolu candelabra (lot 24) with a catalogue estimate of $2000-$3000.
Among the furniture is a fine quality 19th century French single door Boulle cabinet with ormolu mounts and fine brass inlay (lot 60) carrying a $5000-$7000 estimate.
Auction goers also will undoubtedly be intrigued at the 19th century English Regency style wall mirror (lot 67) complete with carved eagle decorations.
Amongst the art auction offerings are several quality paintings including Hugh Sawrey’s (1919-1999) Outback Gathering (lot 4) with a $20,000-$30,000 catalogue estimate and Grace Cossington Smith’s (1892-1984) Floral (lot 28) at $40,000-$60,000.
Other worthwhile artworks include Hans Heysen’s (1877-1968) Cattle Walking in the Valley 1934 (lot 59) and Jamie Boyd’s Shoalhaven (lot 2).
For buyers looking for Asian furniture and porcelain, this auction provides the perfect opportunity to pick up quality pieces at reasonable prices.
Of course, that does not include the museum quality Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) carved ivory falcon on a lacquer stand (lot 1) with an $18,000-$27,000 estimate.
However, other items are more affordable including a large Chinese scent bottle with coin and lotus root decorations (lot 16) at $2000-$3000, the Chinese glass vases hand painted with scenes of children in a landscape (lot 80) at $400-$600 and the four door, four drawer Chinese elm low cabinet (lot 140) at $500-$750.
