Vintage Carved wood figure of a Lady, Bali, Indonesia, second half C20th
Price: £45
A finely carved wood figure with a rich patina and veining of a young woman crouching, her head, which is elaborately coiffured, slightly inclining as she looks at the devotional stupa like object which she is holding. The style of this piece indicates that it was the work of a Balinese craftsman and the signature underneath confirms this. The island of Bali in Indonesia has a rich tradition of wood carving dating back hundreds of years. Known in the Balinese language as 'Batuan', wood carving has its roots in Bali's Hindu-Buddhist culture. Typically, the pieces are made from hardwoods with a coarse grain including teak, chempaka wood and sandalwood. The decorative grain effects here, though, suggest mahogany and the highly polished finish is quite striking and far less commonly found today. Dating is probably to the 1960s and the artist (with the Balinese surname ‘Mudita’; his first name cannot be made out) has revealed the place of manufacture which is Sanur, a famous beach resort. These figures were often bought by tourists which explains why they are found today in Europe. Like the portrait head of a lady also included in this sale there is an aura of calm contemplation here almost reminiscent of Chinese work.
Burmese wood figure of a reclining Buddha with worshipper, C20th
Price: £25
This is a charming composition of a carved wood Buddha figure reclining on the ground, one arm outstretched and his head resting on a pillow. He is dressed in flowing robes which are skilfully depicted and at his feet kneels the figure of a monk, his hands clasped together in a pose of worship. The relative scale of the two emphasises the divinity of the god and the whole composition radiates serenity, calm and devotion. The work seems to be Chinese but the depiction of the monk reveals the work of a Burmese carver. Many other similar figures can be traced to Burmese work and so this is most likely what we have here. Dating is probably to the early twentieth century and, while not Chinese, the piece corresponds closely to the carved wood figures exported to the West from China at that time. The composition of Buddha being offered devotion by a religious attendant is most unusual and particularly appealing for Buddhists and non Buddhists alike.
Wood Mask, Borneo late C20th
Price: £25
This is a striking wood mask, probably ebony, carved in a bold, semi abstract style, the facial details flanked on each side by two volute decorated ‘ears’, the back hollowed out and pierced at the top for hanging. These gargoyle like creations were made in Borneo, the island north of Java whose sovereignty is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. They are held to be the work of the Dayak tribe and were sometimes used for harvest festival or fertility rites, soul catching and death ceremonies and spiritual dances, but were also, no doubt produced as tourist souvenirs which is most likely what we have here. The decorative appeal is obvious and the potential spiritual functions an added bonus.
Silver Butterfly form Pendant set with Abalone, Bali, C20th
Price: £95
A Balinese Art Nouveau style silver plaque Pendant in the form of a butterfly, the wings with beaded and ‘micro dot' decoration and set with four abalone panels. The plaque dates to the late C20th, probably 1970s/1980s and has been fitted with a complementary modern English silver belcher chain.
Silver Butterfly form Pendant set with Abalone, Bali, C20th
Price: £95
A Balinese Art Nouveau style silver plaque Pendant in the form of a butterfly, the wings with beaded and ‘micro dot' decoration and set with four abalone panels. The plaque dates to the late C20th, probably 1970s/1980s and has been fitted with a complementary modern English silver belcher chain.
Pair of Indian brass candlesticks c1900
Price: £175
These are a lovely pair of candlesticks in a cobra design. They are brass with engraving and enamel work. These cobra candlesticks are commonly found in the UK as they were brought back from India during the Raj and many families had them. This pair is a very good example of the type, in excellent condition. Their inclusion in an auction of Egyptian pieces might seem strange but few will need to be reminded of the fate of Egypt's most famous Queen!
LOT 10
Past Times Art Nouveau Style Vase, Veronese Collection, 2004
Estimate: £30 – 40
2d 9h 26m
£20.00
Art Deco black leather bag c1930
Price: £95
This is a very striking classic Art Deco handbag with silver tone hardware and leather handle. It is lined in taffeta.
Double sided minaudiere wrist bag 1920
Price: £20
This is a very elegant minaudiere compact formed as a small handbag, fitted for make up, coin purse, cigarettes etc. opens on both sides with mesh handle, silver plated. It has a charming clasp at the top which indicates either cigarettes or makeup to indicate what is on each side. It has a mesh handle.
LOT 20
Mdina Glass Vase, signed and with maker’s label, late C20th
Estimate: £80 – 120
13d 9h 46m
£0.00
Chinese provincial double spout Teapot, early C20th
Price: £55
This is a rather unusual teapot, the near spherical body with two spouts, a large angular loop handle and a rounded conical cover with a flattened ball knob, the interior with a central dividing wall and the lid with two cut outs to accommodate this, the glaze slightly off white with a fine craquelure and sketchily painted with typical lakeside scenes including pavilions, trees and rocks. Blue and white teapots with two spouts and a central interior division were made for export during the Kangxi period (1662-1722) but this example is much later, probably dating to the early twentieth century, and, to judge from the coarse decoration, made for the domestic market, but, even if utilitarian ware, there do not seem to be many parallel examples. By tradition, teapots designed with two halves were intended to promote a harmonious relationship between a husband and wife as each could enjoy their favourite type or strength of tea, although it has equally been suggested that they were rather intended for use in tea shops so that differing tastes could be catered for at the same time. A new owner might like to carry out some experiments!