Exotic artefacts from the orient formed the key highlights in the recent International Fine Art & Collectors’ sale held in Lichfield last week, (2nd June).
The auction organised and held by Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre at Fradley comprised over 500 prize Lots sourced from local clients and deceased estates. Months of planning went into the sale including extensive research, cataloguing and photography of each Lot. A glossy catalogue was produced to showcase the desirable goods on offer and this in turn published on the internet and posted to subscribers worldwide.
All of this paid off in the end resulting in a record sale for the Auctioneers reinforcing the continued strength and signs of growth in the high end market for luxury works of art.
Precious metals such as silver and gold continue to fetch strong results with Lot 76 a cased set of four Stuart Devlin silver champagne flutes (discovered in Lichfield) at £1k and Lot 66, a canteen of over 120 pieces of solid silver flatware selling to the Chinese market at £4.5k
A vast selection of medals and militaria from the Sutton Coldfield area raised over £25k. Lot 112, a rare George VI Distinguished Flying Medal to F/Sgt G.W. Hooper sold above the estimate to bring £1.8k.
It was however Asian works of art that dominated the proceedings, with a continued craze for Chinese blue and white porcelain, ivory, jade, lacquer and bronze.
Many buyers had flown in especially to attend the sale and snap up the best oriental works on offer. Those who did not make the trek were able to purchase via the internet live bidding facility or bid by phone. Highlights included a number of items of fine Chinese ceramics discovered in a Four Oaks mansion. Of these, Lot 330, a pair of ‘famille verte’ baluster vases decorative with domestic figure scenes sold for £1.6k and Lot 365, a pair of ‘Wucai’ jars at £3.6k. Works of art in ivory and jade are very much in vogue, Lot 406 a gilt jade rhyton at £1k and Lot 375, a large ivory Meiji period okimono carving at £2.5k.
The next Fine Art & Collectors’ Sale is due to be held 1st September and entries are now being invited. Contact Richard Winterton Auctioneers for further information on 01543 251081 or email [email protected]
www.richardwinterton.co.uk