The ivory/shibayama card case measuring just 11cm by 8cm had been brought into a valuation day at Richard Winterton’s Lichfield Auction Centre one Tuesday. Experts at the Auctioneers identified it as Japanese dating from the late nineteenth century.
Made from ivory, both sides are delicately inlaid with various semi-precious materials such as mother of pearl and coral to form a landscape with cockerel and exotic birds amongst blossom. Although lacking a signature, there are remnants of an old paper label on the base and is in excellent condition. The pull-off lid reveals a slender compartment to store calling cards.
The market for small luxury oriental works of art, particularly ivory/shibayama from the Meiji period is very strong. Four telephone bidders battled for it with the gavel eventually landing at £2,400.
Elsewhere in The Fine Art Sale held on 17th November, Lot 253, an oil portrait of Mrs Whitin of Whitinsville, USA by John Lavery (1856-1941) sold above estimate to a UK buyer for £6,000. Lot 284, a late nineteenth century bronze occasional table with cloisonné top discovered locally sold for £4,600.
Early Moorcroft is in keen demand with higher prices reserved for the rarer patterns and sizable fine condition pieces. Lot 103, a large vase in the desirable ‘Spanish’ pattern dated 1914 with Moorcroft signature sold for £2,900.
High prices for solid silver wares continue with all Lots selling above the pre-sale estimates. Lot 74, an Edward Barnard four piece tea set hallmarked for London 1896 which had been discovered at the Sutton Coldfield Valuation office sold in the room for £1,950.
Entries are currently being invited for the next International Fine Art & Collectors Sale in March. The sale already includes an exceptional collection of English eighteenth century drinking glasses and porcelain. Contact Richard Winterton Auctioneers for further details on 01543 251081.
www.richardwinterton.co.uk
