Chinese Reverse Painted Glass Globe depicting tigers, Modern
Price: £45
A Chinese Glass globe with thick walls, hollow inside and with a round opening at the base, reverse painted in great detail with three tigers in a landscape setting with bamboo, the base with an inscription 'Dick and Sadie'. Reverse painting is a technique often used by the Chinese for the decoration of snuff bottles where the brush is inserted through the opening at the top and the decoration applied. Here the decorative technique has been used on a rather larger object but with no diminution in the skill of the craftsman indeed the much larger 'canvas' must have proved quite demanding. By repute the decorators require at least one day to create a single example. Heavy and of extremely high quality glass, these pieces, of which various examples are known (there is another one as the following lot to this) may have been intended as paperweights or more likely simply as decorative objects. Some are found with modern wood stands. This piece is sold with a contemporary illuminated stand which, when lit, serves to enhance the decorative effect (see image 8).
A green glass paperweight, Tweedsmuir Glass, Chris Dodds, late C20th
Price: £25
A green glass paperweight, stoutly blown with a clear glass bubble above a green rock like formation with small bubbles perhaps intended to represent some form of marine surface, of round shallow form, a paper label to the base reading 'Tweedsmuir Glass' 'Handmade in Scotland' with a printed signature 'Chris Dodds'. Tweedsmuir is a village in the Scottish borders and Chris Doddds set up a factory there in 1993. Before that time he worked for Selkirk Glass and afterwards at Heron Glass in Cumbria. By 2008 he was reported to be in poor health and not working any more. He seems to have concentrated on pieces with a naturalistic style, as here. This paperweight is heavy and therefore practical; it also handles well.
It is sold with a matching contemporary illuminated stand which enhance the decorative effect considerably and provides a modest light display installation for the home (see image 6).
A set of three Millefiori Glass Paperweights, possibly Italian Murano, late C20th
Price: £75
A set of three glass paperweights of rounded dome form decorated with a multitude of closely packed flower heads in yellow and red on a dark green ground in the 'millefiori' or 'thousand flower' pattern, the all over design extending right to the base which is slightly concave with traces of the blowing technique. While similar to pieces made by the Murano Glass factory in Italy a clear provenance for these examples cannot be securely given. Dating is probably towards the end of the twentieth century but this does not diminish the decorative appeal. The decoration on each is very similar but not absolutely identical which reflects the hand blowing techniques.
This set is sold with matching contemporary illuminated stands which enhance the decorative effect considerably and provide a modest light display installation for the home (see illustrations 5 and 6).
Earthenware Jug, Falstaff or Old King Cole, Furnival and Clark, mid C19th
Price: £75
An earthenware jug glazed in white with a minute craquelure effect and some staining in places, boldly mould modelled as a seated man with a pot belly, a mug in his right hand and his left resting on a branch which forms the lower part of the handle, details of his head picked out in red and a broad hat, forming the spout, seated on his flowing locks, the reverse modelled as his chair and the base with a band of key pattern design.
The design for this jug, usually termed ‘Falstaff’ but sometimes ‘Old King Cole’ is known to have been registered (Rd.No. 32601)by the firm Furnival and Clark on December 30th 1845. This was a very short lived partnership between Thomas Furnival and Richard Clark, based at the Stafford Street Pottery Works, Hanley, Staffordshire and which traded from 1844 to 1846 apparently producing just this one model, albeit in a variety of colours. Thomas Furnival had been involved in other firms before this brief venture and was to be involved in others afterwards. The dating of these mugs is usually attributed to the short period when Furnival and Clark traded but it is quite possible that more pieces were produced afterwards by Furnival himself. The paste and finish of this piece, though, which is not marked, certainly suggest a mid nineteenth century dating. In general, the model is quite rare. Some examples were fitted with a Britannia metal or pewter lid but this was never integral to the piece. This striking composition, then, is a rare and desirable item collectors with an interest in British Staffordshire wares.
Silver Monogram Celtic Style Brooch Hallmarked 1878/1879
Price: £45
A Silver Celtic Style Brooch, the design with interlacing strands in a variety of surface textures, three of which seem to represent the letters 'S' 'S' 'E', hallmarked to the reverse with the stamps (from right to left) lion (fitness mark), anchor, (Birmingham Assay Office mark), 'd' (Date letter for Birmingham 1878 to 1879), 'EU' (Sponsors mark - the firm which submitted the item to the assay office - for Edwin Umfreville who traded at 119 Jermyn Street, St James's, London and offered items with bespoke monograms).
An advert for Edwin Umfreville appeared in 'The Bazaar, The Exchange and Mart - 19th April 1879' where one of his pieces is described. "Like all the “ E. U." jewellery that we have seen, the workmanship is first-class, and the design most tasteful."
Pair of Royal Doulton slender Ku form Vases, 1920s
Price: £75
A pair of pottery vases of cylindrical form with a bulbous central section and a slender convex neck, the bases flaring slightly towards the foot, ridged at the bottom, glazed in mottled shades of grey, green and brown, the foot unglazed and with an impressed mark ‘Royal Doulton England’, a model number ‘8878’ and a script artist’s mark. The form and decoration here are rather unusual for Doulton ware and have a distinctly Chinese feel, although there are no direct parallels. The bulbous central section above and below a flaring neck and base loosely recalls the well known ‘Ku’ form, and the mottled glaze effects look towards the celebrated ‘Jun Ware’ glazes. The mark for Doulton is one of the standard impressed 'Royal Doulton England' marks where the lettering forms part of a circle combined with three thick lines and the centre is filled with four interlocking 'D's. The addition of a lion but not with the usual accompanying crown allows a fairly precise dating to between 1923 and 1927. The numbers indicate the pattern number, but no other examples have been found, and the script mark seems to stand for Ella H Adams. There is a timeless simplicity here and this pair of vases could accompany the most contemporary of interiors.
Art Deco Czech statement necklace set with real beetles c1920
Price: £150
This is an unbelievably rare example of early Czech costume jewellery. It is set with real beetles and faux lapis glass cabochons and beads. There is even a beetle on the central drop. Between the beetles are enamel flies all set on a leaf design.
Chinese cord bracelet with jade stones carved as fish
Price: £15
This is a modern bracelet comprising six carved fish beads interspersed with round beads. it is on a typical adjustable cord.
Art Deco Czech glass necklace with enamel and glass stones, 1930s
Price: £45
This is a stunning statement necklace that is typical of Czech glass jewellery. It is inset with stones to emulate aquamarine. It also has unusual enamel work set on an architectural design that is quintessentially Art Deco. It is brass that would have been more gold in colour in its time.
Constructed necklace with jade, egg yolk amber and cherry amber
Price: £250
This necklace is a wonderful design comprising cherry and egg yolk amber beads together with jade beads that end in a very large carved jade plaque. This is a vert fine example of Chinese carving with an allegorical motif of a dragons mouth around a smaller dragon. The jade is a golden spinach jade that is an unusual colour.
Outstanding brown swirl Bakelite Necklace with faux cameo, French 1920s
Price: £45
This is a very rare necklace comprising matched brown swirl squared tubular Bakelite stations alternating with stations of facetted French jet glass beads all linked by white metal rings with a central oval shield shape studded openwork pendant mounted with a celluloid cameo of a neoclassical style helmeted warrior, possibly Paris, and with a diamond shape drop. This piece combines the angular simplicity of the Art Deco style, in particular the squared tubular bars, with classicising elements, most obviously the faux cameo portrait head. The juxtaposition is most unusual producing a striking decorative accessory.
Chinese Yellow Ground Famille Rose Charger, 1950s/early 1960s
Price: £55
A Chinese circular charger, stoutly potted and with a faintly everted rim, richly enamelled in the ‘famille rose’ palette with lotus, bats, shou symbols and a central chrysanthemum head surrounded by small peony blooms, all on a yellow ground with white enamel stylised scrolling foliage, the reverse glazed white with a glazed footrim surrounding an unglazed circular band, the centre with a seven character stamped mark in iron red ‘Jiangxi’ ‘Jingdezhen’ ‘Ming 5 Ci’, ‘made at Jingdezhen [in the] Jiangxi [province], place rank 5’.
This is a fine example of the porcelains made at Jingdezhen, for centuries the chief centre of ceramic production in China, in the early years of the People’s Republic of China (1949-). Soon after the communists took control, the kilns at Jingdezhen were organised into co-operatives, each with a number. Many of their pieces were marked and the form of the mark determines the date of production. The circular marks, as here, were the earliest allowing a dating of this charger to the 1950s or possibly the early 1960s. Some of these conglomerates, for the quality can vary, retained the skills of their predecessors and produced works of high quality. This is clearly seen here in the careful and precise enamelling and the general artistry of the design employing ‘imperial’ yellow with the symbolism of happiness (bats), longevity (shou symbols), friendship and a life of ease (chrysanthemum) and fruitfulness and offspring (lotus), all combining to produce a piece well worthy of its many predecessors.
Please note that the wood stand is for display purposes only and is not incuded with this lot.
Celtic Style Pewter Brooch in the form of a Panthers Head, C20th
Price: £10
A pewter brooch in the form of a Panther's head, the mouth holding a horseshoe like ring inset with diamante stones, the design in a Celtic style and perhaps intended to represent a door knocker. There are no markings to this piece and its origin and dating are difficult to determine. Perhaps it can be seen to relate to Arts and Crafts pieces of the early C20th and manufacture in the South West of England (compare the Celtic Style brooch, Lot 13 in this sale) is perhaps a possibility.
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Small suede handbag, England 1940s
Price: £25
This is a lovely small handbag in soft suede with a polished leather closure.
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Victorian style Czech glass statement necklace c1930
Price: £65
This is a beautifully designed necklace that features a central lariat pendant set with red glass stones. Necklace has corresponding red bead.
Victorian silver bracelet set with garnets 1900
Price: £35
This is a lovely and delicate bracelet comprising intricate silver mesh set with garnet stones and silver spheres. The clasp is a buckle that is very typical of this period.
Large Scottish agate specimen brooch 1910
Price: £55
This is a unique large oval brooch set with a slice of agate with that has beautiful markings that really highlight the stone.
Victorian Chinese turquoise beads 1900
Price: £400
This is a Chinese graduated turquoise bead necklace. The stones are untreated and natural colours and markings really make this a stunning example. It is very finely graduated so they imperceptibly decrease in size which adds to the elegance and quality.
Tibetan turquoise and silver necklace 1930s
Price: £45
This is a a very unusual necklace comprising numerous small discs of turquoise that graduate down to a minute size. They are interspersed with silver and onyx discs. The metal is silver however probably a lower grade or 800 silver. It is quite small for all you swans, but could easily work with an extender.
Fun group of two porcelain brooches with paid of small earrings 1960s
Price: £15
This is a group of two brooches with matching earrings. All have inset porcelain plaques with a floral motif. The brooch with the purple flowers seems to have a monogram signature.
Indian Silver and Enamel pill or trinket Box, early C20th
Price: £55
A small Indian silver and enamel box and cover of near spherical form with three ball like tripod feet and a round finial, the silver body with cloisonne enamel decoration of a central panel of elephants in procession and geometric floral designs to the lid and base with blue enamel compartmented borders, the interior finished in translucent green enamel. Style of decoration indicates an early C20th dating for this highly appealing item which might even have a practical use for its new owner.
Art Deco necklace with blue paste stones 1930s
Price: £75
This is a very elegant and simple necklace where the central stone is the star. It has blue glass bead stations ending in a large round pendant and briolette drop. It has a barrel clasp. The mount is gilt brass.
An Arts and Crafts small Brass Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £40
A small Brass circular tray with a wide flat rim edged with repeating bead work and a round concave centre decorated in repousse work with a procession of parrots on a boldly chased punch work ground. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, often with a punch, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction as here, although the effect is slightly bolder than in the previous lot (35). Metalware items with 'hammered' decoration were a common feature of 'Arts and Crafts' work with their reminiscences of earlier metal working techniques and the effect of the slightly rustic. As in the previous lot, the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
An Arts and Crafts small Brass serving Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £40
A Brass circular tray with a shaped raised pie crust edge decorated in repousse work with overlapping geese on a chased punch work ground. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, often with a punch, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction as here. Metalware items with 'hammered' decoration were a common feature of 'Arts and Crafts' work with their reminiscences of earlier metal working techniques and the effect of the slightly rustic. The design here is unusual and attractive and the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
A Ceramic Moneybox in the form of a Pig, Helensgate Ceramics, mid twentieth century
Price: £25
A ceramic moneybox, pink glazed and amusingly modelled in the form of a rotund pig with wide eyes and ribbon bow, the back with a slot to insert the coins and the base with a circular aperture to retrieve them, sealed with a plastic plug, probably original. A paper label affixed reading 'Helensgate Ceramics'. Little seems to be known about this firm but they clearly specialised in amusing animal figures and in particular moneyboxes. The piece has a mid twentieth century look to it and a circa date of 1960 seems reasonable. While less in use now, there are still some for whom 'cash is king'. If so, this would be a desirable acquisition!
A Pair of Japanese Lacquered Porcelain Ginger Jars and Covers, late C19th
Price: £240
A pair of Japanese porcelain ginger jars of typical form with globular bodies, a short neck and a domed cover, the ceramic bodies decorated with brown lacquer in imitation of bronze and painted with complementary landscape scenes in gold, iron red and light brown depicting lakeside scenes with pavilions, boats, rocks and trees, the covers plain and with a band of stylised repeating flower heads at the bottom. The interiors of the jars and covers with a glossy black lacquer glaze. There are various forms of lacquer decorated porcelains produced by the Japanese in the late nineteenth century. Large pairs of vases where polychrome lacquer was applied to an underglaze blue and white body were a familiar occupant of the English Country House. These pieces are more domestic in scale but highly decorative nonetheless and rather less often found than their larger counterparts. Dating here would be within the Meiji period (1868-1912) probably around 1880.
Russian Enamel Brooch, probably Rostov Finift, mid C20th
Price: £20
This delicate brooch with its elaborate filigree work has a circular painted enamel plaque painted in greens, pinks, light brown and yellow with scrolling lotus flowers and surrounded by fine silver decoration, with scrolling rope twist strands and slender milled ribbons inset with beads. The style and composition, combining enamel and silver work, is typical of the Russian maker ‘Rostov Finift’ (‘finift’ comes from the Greek ‘fingitis’ which means ‘gleaming’) many of whose pieces can be found on the market today. The art of painting on enamel was first developed in Rostov Veliky (125 miles northwest of Moscow) in the 18th century and continued thereafter with pieces of jewellery, made by Rostov Finift and in which enamels are surrounded by elaborate filigree work, appearing in quantity after the second World War. The pieces are not signed and attribution is mainly speculative but this brooch has much in common with other pieces believed to have been made by the same factory.
Chinese Scroll Painting of a Merchant and his Client, C20th
Price: £45
A scroll painting depicting what appears to be a scene in a Chinese merchant’s shop where there can be seen scales and a box containing coins on a table in the background. The elderly trader is seated next to a younger gentleman, presumably his client. One attendant stands watching and another bears an object on a tray which may well be the subject of a bargain to be made. The painting is colourful and expressive, with the faces carefully delineated. The style looks to be early twentieth century work and resembles that of reverse glass paintings from the period. The scroll is offered with a complementary scroll box, European with chinoiserie scenes in gilt, which considerably enhances the decorative effect.
Edwardian Transitional necklace c1920
Price: £75
This is a stunning necklace comprising blue glass bead stations in a lariate style ending with a large blue glass pendant with three drops. It is transitional as it is a bit later than Edwardian so has both Edwardian elements and Art Deco elements in its design. It is set into gilt metal with a screw barrel clasp.
A Pair of Art Deco Pressed Glass Trophy Form Vases, Davidson, 1930s
Price: £45
A Pair of pressed glass vases of hexagonal form, the rounded body with a lobed rim and standing on a shaped foot, two handles to the sides in the shape of a trophy. These pieces resemble similar designs in clear pressed glass made by the Davidson factory in the 1930s. George Davidson founded the Teams Flint Glass Works in 1867, which later became known as George Davidson & Co. In the 1880s the company began producing pressed glass tableware in a variety of shapes and by the 1920s their designs began to reflect the new Art Deco trends. The firm continued production until the 1980s, closing in 1987. These vases come from their 'Chippendale' range and were probably made in the 1930s. It has been suggested that this and other similar forms were intended to hold celery. Normally sold singly, it is less common to find a matching pair with their obvious decorative potential.
Japanese Fukagawa Imari Bowl, signed, circa 1880
Price: £380
A Japanese Imari Bowl of shallow lobed form, richly decorated in the Imari palette of underglaze blue, iron red and gold, the interior with a central circular panel with a vase containing peony and chrysanthemum within a blue ground border with gilt diaper work and small stylised floral panels and the sides with alternating shaped edge circular and oval panels filled with flowers and ho ho birds on a stylised floral red enamel and gilt ground, the exterior with circular floral panels in two sizes on a ground of stylised foliage, the base with a four character mark reading 'koransha' 'fuka' 'gawa' 'sei' ('Made by the koransha Fukagawa [factory]'.
The Fukagawa kilns produced the best quality Imari items made in Japan in the late nineteenth century for export to the West. Their history starts with Ezaiemon Fukagawa who in 1856 became head of his family's porcelain business and in 1875 founded Koransha (The Company of the Scented Orchid) in Arita, Japan, to produce tableware for export. In 1894 the modern Fukagawa company was founded by Chuji Fukagawa, with the Fukagawa trade mark of Mount Fuji and a stream, as its trade mark. Dating here is within the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) probably around 1880. This conforms with the script mark used as opposed to the later symbol design.
Lovely large brooch by Thomas L Mott c1940
Price: £20
This is a large brooch with a very detailed enameled plaque depicting a Louis XV style scene of lovers in a landscape. Signed on reverse TLM (b 1881)
Georgian neck brooch c1820
Price: £85
This is a very unusual brooch meant to be warn at the neck. It comprises white metal and brass elements. It has a hanging garland that moves and then there are three chains attached. It has a typical Regency design. It has been restored so the pin and clasp are not original. Nor are the chains original although they compliment the brooch so well this most likely is an authentic restoration back to its original state.
Mexican Silver Bolo Tie with Aztec mask Head, Taxco, c1950
Price: £125
The word ‘bolo’ derives from ‘boleadora’, an Argentine or Uruguayan lariat or lasso and is used to describe this semi formal type of neckwear in which a cord is held together by a medallion of some sort so that it can be draped around the neck. Mexican silversmiths working at Taxco, the artistic centre of Mexican silver production, produced versions of the bolo in which the medallion is in the form of a hardstone mask head set in silver. In common with many, this piece has an aventurine hardstone face in the form of an Aztec mask framed by an elaborate silver headdress. Through this runs a black cord with silver tips at each end. The mask is stamped at the back ‘925’ ‘TAXCO’ ‘Cheo’ ‘MEXICO’ with an eagle mark 185 at the top left. Dating is most likely to the 1950s. The bolo was regarded as semi formal wear for a man but can equally, or even better, serve a decorative piece of neckwear for a lady with a distinct hint of South American style.
Art Pottery Vase with Geometric Motifs, C20th
Price: £55
An Art pottery Vase of slender ovoid form, narrowing slightly towards the base and with a short everted rim, the body splash glazed in brown with raised geometric motifs
and bead work in green, the base with a blue green glaze and a repeating geometric design again in green incorporating rectangular motifs and bead work, the foot also
glazed in a blue green glaze.
The style of decoration suggests Art Nouveau designs but there are no obvious parallels. Continental manufacture seems likely, perhaps France or Germany.
Collection Parfums Lalique miniature set in display box 1990s
Price: £55
This is a lovely set of miniauture perfume bottles by Lalique. Each bottle is 4.5 ml and the scents included are Nilang, Lalique, Le Baiser, Lalique Homme and Claire.
Suite of Scottish agate necklace and bracelet c1970
Price: £85
This is a very unusual suite of two pieces that both have the same curved link design with similar agate stones. Both have full marks with a makers mark A Mc N. An extender chain has been added so it is very wearable.
Incredible quality Silver and paste brooch c1950
Price: £45
This is an amazing brooch that comprises silver and paste stone in a very detailed and flowing ribbon design. The numerous stones are prong set. There is a central faux pearl. It is marked 925 and it has a very secure barrel clasp that pulls out so the pin is held fast.
Sweet Taxco heart bracelet c1980
Price: £75
This a very lovely bracelet comprising a heavy sliver bangle style bracelet that has a heart at the centre. It is very sturdy and elegant at the same time. It is marked 925 TC-02 Mexico.. The TC number indicates the silversmith and the TC indicates Taxco.
Liberty Dollar 1922 mounted as a pendant on necklace
Price: £35
This is a very interesting piece of ephemera that can be worn. It is a Liberty silver dollar encased in a filigree design. It has been "married" to a torque necklace so it really stands out at the neckline. You definitively won't see many of these around town! :)
Incredible Taxco collar necklace c1960
Price: £350
This is a very rare example of Taxco silver. it boasts 150 grams of silver that has been formed as a ribbon like collar ending in two modernist plaques with pebble formations. It is marked Sterling 925 Mexico
Indian wooden toy model of a Horse with metal fitments, early C20th
Price: £25
This is an amusing wood model of a horse, its right leg raised and the head looking expectantly forwards, the finely grained wood with metal fitments in brass and copper representing the ears, muzzle, saddle, saddle bags and tail, all with fine detailing and small nail fastenings. Many examples exist of these wood and metal horse figures which are usually held to have been made in India at Jodphur, Rajastan, in the early C20th. Presumably more intended for the local colonial audience these pieces have an obvious and wider appeal. The smaller sizes were probably intended as toys and perhaps the original owner of this piece played with it a little too vigorously which might explain the damage to the right front leg!
Japanese Kutani Vase of Water Dropper form, circa 1880
Price: £45
A small Japanese Kutani vase of globular form with a narrow straight neck, decorated in the typical colourings of iron red, grisaille, salmon pink and gold with a continuous scene of
flowering peony below stylised clouds, the neck in iron red with gilt highlighting also depicting stylised clouds. The base with three simple bands in iron red and the base
with a two character mark reading 'Ku' 'Tani'.
Kutani (the word means 'nine valleys') porcelain was made at various factories in the former Kaga province of Japan. The earliest pieces were in a completely different style employing a palette of colours emphasising green, the so called 'Ko Kutani'. Production of this ceased around 1730, and manufacturing was not revived until the early nineteenth century when the more familiar colourings of iron red and gold were introduced. This small vase is typical of pieces exported to the West in fairly large quantities at the end of the nineteenth century. The form suggests a water dropper and is found in Imari colourings as well. Many of the Kutani pieces were marked, sometimes simply 'Ku' 'Tani' as here. The glaze was sometimes unstable with a tendency to craze as can be seen here, but this is original to the manufacture and does not detract from the piece's decorative appeal.
Jean Paul Gaultier Mini Fragrance Set, Le Duo Miniatures Saint Valentin 1990s
Price: £55
This is a wonderful set comprising two miniature fragrance with two Gaultier playing cards and a heart decoration. All in the original display box.
Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Runner Panel, garden scenes, C20th
Price: £15
The repeating design we see here (the figure on the left reappears on the right) indicates that this textile is a section from a longer piece which perhaps acted a ceiling border for a wall. Depicted in a fairly muted palette of silk threads with an emphasis on light green and turquoise is a stylised garden scene with labourers (hoe, wheatsheaves, fruit basket) and one figure seated at leisure, all within a border comprising a mixed assemblage of the common motifs of Chinese decoration including stylised flowers, dragons, elephants, shou medallions and the endless knot (one of the eight Buddhist emblems). The stitching is not particularly detailed suggesting mid C20th work but the design is pleasing nonetheless.
Statement fob brooch with large faux citrine drop c1950
Price: £15
This is a very unusual brooch featuring very detailed gilt metal elements that have a hanging fob that has a large faux citrine. It is a three dimensional cushion shaped drop with a wreath and basket weave design on the back.
English Silver pin cushion in the form of a boot, London 1991
Price: £75
This is a charming small pin cushion in the form of a worn out boot. It has a typical blue velvet interior and is very lifelike with a hole in the sole. It has full English hallmarks for London 1991 and a makers' mark 'DB'.
LOT 27
English Silver pin cushion in the form of a boot, London 1991
Estimate: £30 – 50
5d 10h 27m
£0.00
Souvenir White House Enamel Box and Cover
Price: £15
A box and cover of ovoid form, the blue enamel ground with raised cloisonne enamel style decoration depicting the White House with the US flag atop, trees to the left and right and a profusion of stars which are repeated on the base with a single star on the interior. Doubtless to be found in the White House gift shops but available here without the need for a trip to Washington!
Indian wooden toy model of a Horse with metal fitments, early C20th
Price: £25
This is an amusing wood model of a horse, its right leg raised and the head looking expectantly forwards, the finely grained wood with metal fitments in brass and copper representing the ears, muzzle, saddle, saddle bags and tail, all with fine detailing and small nail fastenings. Many examples exist of these wood and metal horse figures which are usually held to have been made in India at Jodphur, Rajastan, in the early C20th. Presumably more intended for the local colonial audience these pieces have an obvious and wider appeal. The smaller sizes were probably intended as toys and perhaps the original owner of this piece played with it a little too vigorously which might explain the damage to the right front leg!
Pair of French Blue Ground Square Vases Choisy Le Roi, late C19th
Price: £45
A Pair of Vases of squared baluster form with flaring necks and short spreading feet, the mazarine blue glaze decorated in thickly applied enamels with a central design of birds nesting on flowering branches with insects hovering, surrounded by three panels of flowering branches, the central design also highlighted in gold. One of the vases with a stamped triangular mark,
slightly indistinct but doubtless reading 'HB' 'Choisy' for the French ceramics factory Choisy Le Roi.
Faience pottery was first produced in Choisy-le-Roi, France, in 1804. By 1836, the factory came under the management of Louis Boulenger who was succeeded in 1863 by his son Hippolyte
Boulenger. By that time, the factory had some three hundred employees. Much of the production was of majolica pieces whose quality matched that of the major British manufacturers.
When marked, the pieces bear a stamped ‘Choisy le Roi’ or ‘Choisy’ impression and and may include the letters 'HB' which presumably stands for Hippolyte Boulenger. Blue glazed pieces
with gilt and enamel decoration are found and this is what we have here, the narrrow elegant form suggesting pieces suitable for the mantel piece. Dating is probably to the end of the nineteenth century.
A vintage Avon Spring Bouquet oriental style red rubber coated vase, 1980-1981
Price: £10
This vase was part of a series which Avon, the well known producers of cosmetics, manufactured in the early 1980s. The white glass body, in a baluster form, was coated in red rubber or plastic with an impressed design of scrolling chrysanthemum, very much in the Chinese taste. The coating incorporated a perfume, traces of which in this example can still be detected today by those with a keen sense of smell. The base originally had a paper label and traces of the glue adhesive can still be seen. Where the labels still exist, they read ‘Spring Bouquet Fragranced Vase Oriental Red’ with Avon’s name and details and a ‘rights reserved’ tag. Examples can be found today in a range of colours but the red pieces are the most appealing and the most decorative.
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Green Chalcedony silver mounted brooch with marcasite stones, 1940s
Price: £45
This is a silver mounted brooch, the central oval green chalcedony or chrysoprase stone bordered with an elaborate rounded hexagonal frame, the stylised flowers with scrolling foliage and a milled border, all set with marcasite stones, a bar clasp to the reverse and an engraved mark ‘925’ for silver. Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony distinguished by its shades of green and has been used for jewellery since antiquity. Maracsite, a brittle, metallic, semi-precious stone is also often used in jewellery and sometimes known as ‘white iron pyrite’ or more colloquially ‘fool's gold’. Its use here, combined with the elaborate design of the mount, suggests a dating to the 1940s
A Pair of African Carved Wood Figure Head Plaques, C20th
Price: £45
A pair of carved wood plaques depicting the heads of a man and a woman and carved in a semi abstract style with black coloured detailing to the hair and facial features and marked ‘O’ ‘B’ to the reverse. The style of these and other similar pieces suggests African work but the provenance is uncertain. Both Senegal and Ghana are sometimes mentioned. These are certainly striking examples and probably date to the late C20th.
Scheurich West German Vase in Brutalist Style, late C20th
Price: £55
A ceramic vase or ewer, the body of upright cylindrical form, the neck very slightly narrowing above the pronounced shoulder towards the galleried rim, a simple loop handle to the reverse, the interior glazed dark brown and the exterior with a mottled brown glaze with geometric relief decoration in a style often termed ‘brutalist’, the base also glazed and with relief marks ‘407-35’ (pattern number plus size in centimetres) and ‘W.Germany’.
Although not marked with their name (few pieces were until the later years of production) this vase has all the hallmarks of the Scheurich factory founded in 1954 by Alois Scheurich who had been a partner before then in the firm ‘Scheurich and Greulich’ (S&G) since 1927. While founded later than many of its competitors, Scheurich grew to become the principal exporter of West German ceramics through until the 1980s and beyond, making vases in a wide variety of shapes and designs. This piece is rather more austere than many of their productions and the clean lines of the form combined with the rather stark decoration perhaps make it particularly suitable for a contemporary interior.
Two Burmese Textiles, mid C20th
Price: £55
A pair of Burmese wall hangings, heavily embroidered with circular panels, one depicting the ‘Burmese Lion’ and the other two fish, both elements in the Burmese Signs of the Zodiac, which follow the Western Zodiac closely, suggesting that these two hangings may derive from an original set of twelve, the decoration sewn onto a brown fabric backing which forms the border.
The distinctive style of embroidery and applied work here is typical of Burmese work known as ‘Kalaga’ which means ‘curtain’ in Burmese and is used to refer to heavily embroidered appliqué tapestry sewn with a technique called ‘shwe gyi do’. First produced around 150 years ago, Kalagas are generally linen, silk, cotton or velvet background fabrics embellished with sequins, embroidery, beads, coloured stones, tiny pearls, coral, braids and metal threads, the choice of materials depending in part on the client’s budget. Cotton padding was used to produce the ‘3D’ effect seen here and on many other examples of the work. The elaborate decoration meant that some of the larger pieces could take many months to produce. These two panels are an excellent example of the genre with the lavish use of gold thread. They have survived in excellent condition and can decorate an interior today in the same way that they graced the interiors of the makers’ contemporaries. Dating is difficult and a mid C20th attribution is probably sensible but an earlier period of manufacture is quite possible.
Caithness Glass Perfume Bottle and Stopper, late C20th
Price: £30
A perfume bottle and stopper, the broad pear shape body with a flaring neck and fitted with a ball shape stopper, the glass blown with swirling flecking effects in apricot and white and the stopper plain. The pattern and design of this perfume bottle is typical of pieces made by the Caithness glass factory in Scotland and similar pieces can be found with their label attached. The Caithness glass factory was established in 1961 at Wick, Caithness by Robin Sinclair, 2nd Viscount Thurso and soon taken over by George Mackie, Baron Mackie of Benshie in 1966 who remained its Chairman for twenty years. Set up to provide additional employment in the area, the company also was intended to exploit the availablity of sand for glassmaking in Caithness, although this did not prove suitable for the manufacture of clear glass. Paperweights became a speciality and the firm received a Royal Warrant from the Queen Mother in 1968. Twice driven into receivership in the early years of this century, it was eventually bought by Dartington Crystal in 2006 and continues the manufacture of paperweights today.
Butler and Wilson Skull Necklace, boxed, modern
Price: £125
There is certainly a hint of the macabre in this ‘halloween’ necklace made by the well known British firm, Butler and Wilson. Founded by Nicky Butler and Simon Wilson in 1969 and initially trading from the once famous Antiquarius antiques market in Chelsea, the company is best-known for its crystal costume jewellery and their pieces have been worn by celebrities and even members of the Royal Family. The firm still trades today and their current range does include a number of skull design pieces but this necklace is around 15 years old. Silver metal and crystals are used to create five skull heads, the largest acting as a pendant with five skull drops. These are linked by a chain which terminates in a spring closure which has a circular medallion embossed with the firm’s name. The necklace comes with its original box which remains in excellent condition. Not perhaps to everyone’s taste but certainly a statement accessory!
Chinese Doll of a man dressed in traditional costume, early C20th.
Price: £95
Chinese Doll of a man, standing with his arms hanging down and dressed in elaborately embroidered Chinese costume with booted feet, the head detachable. This type of doll is believed to have been made in Shanghai by professional doll makers and then equipped with its dress in Christian missionary orphanages, in order to teach the girls there embroidery and raise money for the orphanage in general. Other examples are known and dating is generally made to the 1920s. The quality of the needlework here is exceptional and the young ladies were clearly extremely well taught! In this example the detachable head is signed which may indicate the doll maker's workshop.
A Japanese Hichozan Shinpo Brush washer circa 1880
Price: £10
A Japanese brushwasher of squat cylindrical form with a short neck and a flat unglazed base, decorated in brightly coloured enamels with Samurai and banners. The style of painting and palette of colours resembles pieces made by the Tashiro factory in Japan, founded by Tashiro Monzaeman (1816-1900) in the late Edo period during the mid-1850s, and which were marked ‘Hichozan Shinpo’. This piece carries very feint traces of a red mark underneath which may have originally indicated the artist’s name, but even without this, the resemblance is very close and an attribution almost certain. The form suggests a brush washer, part of the scholar’s desk set.
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Egyptian Revival statement necklace c1920
Price: £85
This is a quite an early example of Egyptian Revival that was available to the general public. It is a short necklace in a breast plate design with two hanging pendants. This would have been quite a modest item in its time for those who wanted a taste of the glamour of the period. It has many of the standard Egyptian symbols and icons cast in brass with enamel painting.
Large Shelley Harmony Ware Vase glazed in blue and grey, 1930s
Price: £75
A ceramic vase of plain ovoid form, the body slightly ribbed and painted with various shades of ‘spun’ decoration in blue and grey, the base glazed and with a transfer mark ‘Shelley (in a border frame and underlined) England’, the impressed numbers ‘988’ presumably denoting the model number and the letter ‘d’ in black, probably hand inscribed.
Shelley Potteries, situated in Staffordshire, was originally known as Wileman & Co. which had also traded under the name ‘The Foley Potteries’. The first Shelley to join the company was Joseph Ball Shelley in 1862, and it remained a Shelley family business until 1966, when it was taken over by Allied English Potteries. Joseph’s son Percy employed first the designer Frederick Rhead then Walter Slater who had worked with Doulton. It was Walter Slater’s son, Eric, who initiated the ‘Harmony’ range in 1932, at first with a series of banded designs as here and then with drip ware patterns which became enormously popular. Harmony ware was produced in a wide variety of colours and shapes, the plain ovoid form being typical and reflecting the Art Deco styles of the period, but this example is exceptionally large with a more unusual range of colourings.
Amber statement necklace with round drops c1960
Price: £65
This is a really fun necklace comprising stations of large flat amber round beads that are honey coloured. They are strung as stations on brass fittings.
Charming small amber pendant brooch set as an owl c2000
Price: £15
This is a very sweet small pendant brooch that is shaped like an owl with an amber belly. With full hallmarks and bail for pendant.
Vintage Needlepoint Picture of a lady dressed in a crinoline, framed, probably 1930s
Price: £25
Like the previous lot this embroidery picture employs the so called ‘needlepoint’ technique in which over half a dozen stitching techniques are used as opposed to ‘cross stitch’ which uses only one. The varieties of technique employed here can be clearly seen in the detail images (2), (3) and (4). We have another garden composition, this time a lady dressed in a crinoline gathering flowers and standing on a paved terrace (note the weeds between the paving stones!) with roses and hollyhocks. There are other similar examples of this scene which are thought to be from the prewar era and the slight foxing of the canvas and the form of the frame itself are consistent with this.
Two Corgi Silver Jubilee Toys Boxed, (41) State Landau, (417) London Bus, 1977
Price: £45
The silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 stimulated the production of a near avalanche of commemorative items. Mettoy, the manufacturers of the well known brand of Corgi toys, played their part in this producing a model of the 1902 state landau used in the royal processions and an accompanying model of a silver jubilee London bus with its special silver livery colour. The state landau is an example of their rather more ambitious pieces with the carriage rendered in great detail and the figures of the Queen and Prince Philip realistically modelled. The designer also allowed himself to include a corgi dog, appropriate for two quite distinct reasons. The bus is a typical example of the ‘Corgi Toys’ collected by so many during the years of their production and indeed thereafter. The typical ‘Corgi Toy’ was finely cast with detailed modelling and colouring accurately reflecting the features of its original. The two together, then, complete with their original boxes and in in good condition are a souvenir in themselves of a whole area of collecting.
Dark chestnut crocodile handbag 1940s
Price: £75
Here we have a soft crocodile handbag with soft leather lining. It has brass fittings and is in excellent condition. The handle has been restored to it's original beauty and is ready for daily use. This bag is not marked but is almost definitely made in England. It is a great size that is large enough for the essentials.
Art Deco statement necklace with real pearls and paste stones c1920
Price: £100
This is a very rare necklace that is in a lariat design. The central pendant has a lace design set with real seed pearls and paste stones. There is also a large teardrop shaped natural fresh water pearl.
Chinese Verre Églomisé Snuff Bottle with landscape scenes, fitted box, C20th
Price: £35
A Chinese glass snuff bottle of typical flattened oval rounded form with a replacement domed stopper, the interior decorated with intricate landscape scenes depicting a riverbank and a lakeside market and employing the ‘reverse glass’ or ‘verre églomisé’ technique. Dating of these pieces seems to be in the second half of the twentieth century but the skill of the maker is self evident and has produced a true landscape in miniature.
Terracotta Glazed Bottle Vase with floral enamel decoration, Watcombe Pottery, circa 1900
Price: £45
A terracotta earthenware vase of bottle form with a bulbous compressed hemispherical body rising to a tall slender neck above a flaring spreading base, recessed to the interior and glazed with the foot rim unglazed revealing the fine terracotta clay, the body decorated in thick ‘famille rose’ enamels in the Chinese style depicting flowering peony.
Pieces combining glazed terracotta with polychrome enameling were one of the designs produced by the well known Watcombe pottery based in Devon. Production commenced in the mid 1860s when a fine red Devon clay was discovered in the grounds of Watcombe House near Torquay, prompting its then owner G. P. Allen to establish the Watcombe Terracotta Clay Company off Teignmouth Road, St. Marychurch in 1869. Classical styles of the period like terracotta busts, figures, urns and jugs were produced first, followed by terracotta glazed pieces some in the style of the famous designer Christopher Dresser. Not all of the pieces were marked and the appearance of ‘Watcombe Porcelain’ on some of their wares seems to post date the first years of production. Various mergers followed and the range of designs developed, adapting to changing tastes, but finally the business was forced to close its doors in 1962.
While the decoration is typical of Watcombe, the shape is typical of Dresser and also loosely follows a Chinese shape as did so many of his pieces. Allowing for the fact that the Devon potters introduced their own individual ‘twist’, one example of the Dresser prototype for this piece is included in the collection held by the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Watcombe, in common with other potteries at the time, aimed to produce pieces which, while they followed the ‘best’ designs were more accessible to a general audience. This vase is in no way inferior to the ‘real thing’ and maintains a charm of its own.
Chinese Soapstone Brushwasher with flowering lotus, early C20th
Price: £95
A Chinese soapstone brush washer unusually modelled as a rounded triangular shallow basin in the form of a lotus leaf, footed and with a sprig of flowering lotus growing upwards from it with a vase behind in the form of lotus leaves. The skill of the carver is self evident and the design has been very carefully conceived, artistically employing the varied detail of the natural stone from which the piece was made. Soapstone was first used by the Chinese over three thousand years ago but began its popularity in the Ming dynasty (1368 -1644) with the height of production during the ensuing Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911) when a stone mined in the Shoushan village in northern Fujian was most commonly used. Shoushan soapstone is noted for its smooth texture, bright colours and fine grain and a wide variety of objects were carved from it. This piece is an excellent example of the genre and has survived in pristine condition to become a scholar’s object from the past which can be enjoyed and appreciated today. Production of soapstone carvings continued into the twentieth century and this is probably what we have here but almost certainly from the early years of the period.
Japanese Ceramic Figural Group of two Geisha, late C19th
Price: £25
A Japanese ceramic figural group of two Geisha, one standing with her right arm upraised and the other seated with a fan in her left hand, both dressed in the traditional Japanese kimono wrapped round at the front and tied with a tassel at the back, and positioned on a blue ground rocky outcrop which is pierced at the top and bottom, possibly as a result of the manufacturing process. Various ceramic figures of geisha, sometimes pairs and sometimes individual figures, were produced in Japan in the late nineteenth century, doubtless for export. All share fairly bold modelling and a bright palette of colours but a group such as this seems a bit more unusual. It is an effective composition and a modest reflection of the taste for ‘Japonisme’ in the West at that time.
Vintage Needlepoint Picture of a Garden Scene, framed, second half C20th
Price: £25
This is a charming embroidery on canvas employing the so called ‘needlepoint’ technique in which over half a dozen stitching techniques are used as opposed to ‘cross stitch’ which uses only one. The varieties of technique employed here can be clearly seen in the detail images (3), (4) and (5). The picture depicts a garden scene with a bird bath and path in the foreground leading to a gate with a pergola like floral arch over it and, in the distance, a thatched cottage. The attraction of the design speaks for itself. Dating is difficult but most likely post war and the frame suggests the mid to late twentieth century.
A pair of Art Deco style Onyx Bookends, C20th
Price: £35
A pair of Art Deco style bookends made from onyx and formed in two sections with a stylised figure of a horse's head set on a rectangular base with a rounded end. Onyx is named from the Greek 'ónux', meaning “nail,” or “claw,” and is a variety of the mineral chalcedony, a kind of quartz. Onyx with flesh-colored and white bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail and a similar effect is seen here. Its use is known since ancient Egyptian times and it has also been commonly employed during the twentieth century. The origin and dating of these bookends is uncertain. Similar examples with a stylised horse's head are ascribed to Mexico in the 1940s but there can be no sure proof that this is the case here. The design is striking with clear reflections of the Art Deco period and the veining of the stone here enhances the decorative effect.
Faux pearl necklace c1910
Price: £15
This is a lovely necklace that features very lustrous faux pearls in natural shapes. The central pendant is a massive 25 mm faux pearl.
Three Indian Brass hanging plates, Thanjavur, C20th
Price: £55
Three circular brass wall plates, similarly decorated, with central designs of deities surrounded by panels of birds and scrolling foliage, all worked in high relief, the backs with rings for hanging and one with an engraved mark ‘INDIA’.
The style of decoration here is typical of the art brass hanging plaques produced by the metalworkers of Thanjavur, formerly known as Tanjore, from the late eighteenth century onwards. A Tanjore Art Plate consists of three components: the base plate (brass), a circular central relief panel of a deity worked in silver surrounded by relief panels in copper and silver often depicting flowers. Various deities are depicted here including the well known many armed Shiva. All the reliefs have milled borders but the wells are finished differently, some with engraved designs and one with circular bosses. Dating is probably to the mid C20th but the style of these pieces was continuous and relatively unchanging so an earlier period of manufacture is quite possible.
NB Stands for display purposes only and not included
Burmese silver plated Scent Bottle on a chain c1880
Price: £45
This is a very wearable piece of fashion history. It comprises a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting Burmese lions, fitted to a very long necklace chain. The stopper is attached by chain and comes out to reveal the scent wand. Not without a practical use this piece certainly fulfils a decorative function!
Burmese silver plated Scent Bottle on a chain c1880
Price: £45
This is a very wearable piece of fashion history. It comprises a large repousse decorated scent bottle cast from silver plated white metal and depicting Burmese lions, fitted to a very long necklace chain. The stopper is attached by chain and comes out to reveal the scent wand. Not without a practical use this piece certainly fulfils a decorative function!
Chinese aventurine lariat necklace
Price: £20
This is a lovely necklace that features aventurine beads and central pendant. It is threaded on cotton cord with a Chinese knot closure.
Lustreware Vanity Box, Lady in Crinoline, probably continental early/mid C20th
Price: £35
A ceramic figure of a lady dressed in a crinoline formed in two parts, the upper section comprising the body and head of the figure of a lady dressed in a full multicoloured crinoline, which she draws to one side with her right hand while her left holds a fan, the lower section with a flat base on top of which is a deep vessel, presumably for storage, the underneath glazed and with a small impressed mark. While other examples are generally described as English Staffordshire ware, this piece has more of a continental look to it, very possibly German which would be consistent with the paste of the foot rim. Dating is probably to the 1920s or 1930s but if the provenance is slightly uncertain the function is clear and we have here an amusing storage item, perhaps intended for the dressing table. Truly a boudoir item!
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
West German Jasba Ceramic Vase with loop handles, 1960s
Price: £10
A West German ceramic vase of compressed almost inverted gourd like form, the body with two wide and graduated ceramic circles above a spreading foot and with a wide flaring neck set with two loop handles, glazed in orange and brown with craquelure and mottling effects. An impressed mark to the base ‘Jasba’ in an oval and ’11 70 20’, being the pattern number.
The West German ceramics produced after the second world war are characterised by their distinctive and colourful designs. The Jasba factory was founded in 1926 by Jakob Schwaderlapp in Ransbach-Baumbach. The name is derived from his name and the town his factory was located. Production of decorative ceramics ceased in 1975 and the firm concentrated on industrial items and tiles which they still make today. This vase probably dates to the 1960s and the form and glaze effects are quite striking.
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Regency style statement necklace c1950
Price: £125
This a very usual necklace comprising brass and glass elements that have a "rather" regency style in the design. Maybe more of a nod to the design is more accurate. The central pendant has a central stone surrounded by glass leaves and flowers. It is a lariat style with green and blue glass beads that perfectly match the central pendant.
Vintage Petit Point Tapestry Bag, Austria, 1920s
Price: £15
This is a fine example of the minutely stitched embroidered bags made in Austria during the 1950s. Of sack form, the black ground tapestry canvas is decorated on each side with a profusion of multicoloured flowers including peony and lotus worked in the ‘petit point’ style with tiny stitching within a gold rococo border, the sides and base decorated in the same style. The top and snap clasp are in gilt metal and suspended from a gilt metal chain. The inside is finished in cream coloured silk with two green stitching bordered pockets and a label which reads ‘MADE IN AUSTRIA’. The maker is anonymous but their work rivals that of the well known firm ‘Jolles Original’, founded in Vienna in 1923, whose creations won a Grand Prix award in the 1958 World Exhibition held in Belgium and were sold by premier American Department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue making this bag a desirable addition to a collection of embroidered bags or vintage bags in general.
Japanese Blue and White Porcelain Bowl decorated with hydrangea, early C20th
Price: £25
A Japanese Bowl of shallow flattened conical form, decorated in underglaze blue and white with a central panel of flowering hydrangea to the interior surrounded by six hydrangea blooms, the exterior with bands of variegated blue wash above a band of white, the base also with a white glaze.
Hydrangeas flourish in Japan and also carry a hidden meaning of apology and gratitude based on a mythical story of an Emperor, who angered a woman he loved by neglecting her, and gave her in recompense a bunch of blue hydrangeas as a symbol of his deep emotion and gratitude. Used here as a decorative motif, the painting of the flowers is skilful and elegantly combined with the plainer exterior. The paste of the foot rim suggests an early C20th dating, perhaps to the late Taisho era (1912-1926).
Vintage Japanese Doll of a Hat Seller, C20th
Price: £25
A vintage Japanese Doll of a lady, standing with her head turned to the right and wearing an elaborate floral robe tied with a sash at the back. Her hair is covered by a simple circular cap form hat which acts almost as a sample of the wares she is holding in each hand, three sets of similar hats linked with cord. Like the young ladies in the previous lot, this is another excellent example of the rather charming dolls made in Japan after the 1950s and probably dates to the same period in the late C20th.
Chinese Small Blue and White Potiche and Cover with wood stand, late C20th
Price: £45
A small Chinese porcelain potiche and cover, the straight sides curving out slightly to the top and the overhanging lid slightly domed with a wide knob finial, decorated in underglaze blue and white with a continuous scene of birds and flowers and rocks, the flowers repeated on the lid as floral sprays. The design here is unusual for Chinese ceramics and rather ‘modern’ in appearance which fits with a probable dating to the late twentieth century. While the porcelain is of good quality the paste of the foot suggests fairly recent manufacture (see image 9) and the painting appears to depend partly on stencilled outlines (see especially the bird in the first image). But the wood stand suggests at least some age and the ensemble can be enjoyed its own right as a modest decorative item with the potential for practical use.
Burgundy Leather Jewellery Box with Bramah Lock, early C20th
Price: £95
This is a fine quality jewellery box covered in red burgundy leather. The rectangular base is fitted with a shallow flush lid bevelled at the front and back and attached by brass lever hinges. The front of the base has a lock marked ‘Bramah’ with the original key and the lid an inset brass handle, the surface of which would have been suitable for the engraving of the owner’s initials. Inside are two removable trays, the top one with compartments for jewellery and a circular holder for a watch. The linings of the box and trays are in burgundy leather and velvet. There are many features here of a ‘deluxe’ item, in particular the ‘Bramah’ lock, known for its high security, and the lever hinges. The box most likely dates to the early 1900s and would clearly have been sold by a purveyor of ‘luxury’ items for a wealthy clientele. It retains, of course, its functionality today.
Large graduated necklace of nut carving beads, 1930s
Price: £20
This is a very unusual necklace comprising 51 nut carvings with a floral motif.
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Chinese Blue and white ceramic beads, C20th
Price: £15
This is a great strand of Chinese ceramic beads all hand painted i blue and white with symbolic motifs. They are strung on a red cord with an adjustable Chinese knot.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Chinoiserie necklace with peking glass plaques c1960
Price: £45
This a lovely necklace by an American company called "Exquisite". It has faux jade or Peking glass plaques and oriental motif gold tone stations. It is signed or marked Exquisite.
Silver rose ring, 20th century
Price: £35
This is a very elegant ring that comprises very detailed depictions of a rose with foliage. There also seems to be two little daggers on the edges. Not sure what those are for, maybe they are a type of flower that looks dagger like.. :) Marked 925
Red paste floral earrings and necklace suite c1960
Price: £45
This an exceptional quality suite of necklace and earrings. Both are set with very bright past stones in dark pink/red and clear. The floral motif cormprises numerious stations of flowers ending in a central pendant with drop. Each stone is prong set which is why it is such great quality and all the stones are intact. It is unmarked. Probably French. The flowers go all the way around the neck. The earring are pierced long drops that go perfectly with the necklace.
Silver Snake bangle, 20th century
Price: £25
This is a very elegant bracelet that comprises a typical Egyptian snake motif .
Edwardian rolled gold and white agate brooch, c1910
Price: £45
An attractive brooch combining an oval piece of cloudy white agate with red inclusions mounted in a rolled gold rope twist frame with stylised floral petals decorated in an abstract design. The reverse has a bar clasp and is fitted with a guard chain implying that the wearer was intended to take some care of this elegant accessory. The combination of the milky white stone with its coloured detail and the gold coloured surround is particularly appealing and the design of the mount suggests a dating to the early 1900s.