LEONARD, issue 16, April 2013

Issue SIXTEEN / APRIL 2013

FREE

Please take a copy

Leonard is published 10 times a year by Leonard Joel. If you have any questions regarding Leonard please contact 03 9826 4333 leonardjoel.com.au

Cover Classic Furniture & Objects Auction Tuesday 21 May 2013

Subscriptions If you would like to receive Leonard you can subscribe online at leonardjoel.com.au for free digital delivery.

If you would like to receive a printed version you can collect a free copy at Leonard Joel.

If you’d prefer to be sent Leonard by mail you can subscribe to Leonard for $44 per year for postage and handling.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM A SIGNIFICANT SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTION OF SNUFF BOTTLES FROM A PRIVATE MELBOURNE COLLECTOR See article on page 17

Leonard Joel Specialists ValuationS AND DIGITAL MEDIA

Monique Le Grand Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5620 Email monique.legrand@leonardjoel.com.au Corporate & Private collections

John Albrecht, Managing Director Phone 0413 819 767 Email john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au

FIND US ON

Facebook.com/Leonardjoel

Susan Saunders, Head of Finance & Administration Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5603 Email susan.saunders@leonardjoel.com.au FOLLOW US ON

single owner COLLECTIONS

Guy Cairnduff, Head of The Specialist Collector Phone +61 (0) 3 8825 5611 Email guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au

Facebook.com/Leonardjoel1919

Art

John Albrecht, Head of Art Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5619 Email john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au

FOLLOW US ON

Nicole Salvo, Assistant Head of Art Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5624 Email nicole.salvo@leonardjoel.com.au

pinterest/leonardjoel

Jewellery

John D’Agata, Head of Jewellery Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5605 Email john.dagata@leonardjoel.com.au

LIVE BIDDING AT LEONARDJOEL.COM.AU

Classic furniture & Objects

Guy Cairnduff, Head of Classic Furniture & Objects Phone +61 (0) 3 8825 5611 Email guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au Collectables

Giles Moon, Head of Collectables Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5635 Email giles.moon@leonardjoel.com.au

Preferred logistics partner

Books and Manuscripts

Chiara Curcio, Cabinet Room Manager & Book Specialist Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5604 Email chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au Pre–Owned Luxury

John D’Agata, Head of Jewellery Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5605 Email john.dagata@leonardjoel.com.au

Event Partner

MODERN DESIGN

Giles Moon, Head of Modern Design Phone + 61(0) 3 8825 5635 Email giles.moon@leonardjoel.com.au JAPANESE WORKS OF ART

Trevor Fleming, Consultant Phone +61 (0) 3 8825 5611 Email guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au

M ARGARET RIVER

The Weekly Auction

Anna Grassham, Weekly Furniture & Interiors Manager Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5614 Email anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au

Leonard Joel Primary Salerooms 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Victoria 3141 Australia

Photography

Designer

Tel: +61 (0) 3 9826 4333

Rick Merrie

Maria Rossi

Fax: +61 (0) 3 9826 4544

FOReWord

THE LANGUAGE OF AUCTIONS John Albrecht, Managing Director Leonard Joel

Once upon a time, I must confess, I too our world more confusing rather than less. public auction – interestingly the expression used and abused phrase in auction lexicon. suffered from the cataloguing disease most So here I list the top ten expressions used by is flawed in this context because it actually 10. IT’S BEEN AROUND OR FLOGGED commonly known as long-winded descriptive auctioneers that I believe need clarification. means an exchange between two parties TO DEATH – used to describe the offering syndrome, otherwise known as LWDS. Other auctioneers will laugh at the end of absent an interm ediary

and re-offering of an item more than twice

The syndrome infected almost every major this article and exclaim “As if people don’t all 5. COMMISSION BID OR ABSENTEE that has consistently gone unsold or has been catalogue auction around the world where understand them”! My experience suggests BID OR BID ON THE SHEETS – this simply sold so many times within a very short period long descriptions became the auctioneer’s otherwise (extensive chats with thousands refers to a bid left with the auctioneer to So having nominated my top ten what are we best means to create the impression of a of clients) and my feeling is that the whole execute serious scholarly capacity that rose above collecting

experience

would

be

more 6.

going to do about it? Leonard Joel this year

A REFERRED BID – the highest bid but will undertake to simplify all its terminology

the “mere commerce of the auction”. I pleasurable and ultimately more viable if we still below the agreed reserve selling price and we hope that makes for a simpler recently laughed with delight when I read spoke and wrote with more simplicity. a grotesquely pompous and expansive 1. ENTRIES

INVITED

OR

that the auctioneer can refer to the seller for and ultimately more rewarding customer AN consideration

description of an item illustrated on the back INVITATION TO CONSIGN – in plain 7.

experience.

VENDOR OR SELLER OR OWNER

of a magazine. This syndrome is just one of English it is an auctioneer trying to tell you – the entity, business or individual that is the many problems with the use of language that they would love to sell your property

selling the item

and words in our industry. Add to this the 2. FINAL CALL FOR ENTRIES – the 8.

CONDITION REPORT – a report that

odd faux English accent that still infect many auctioneer is now getting impatient and can be requested by any interested party of our industry players (no disrespect to our wants potential sellers of property to make that will describe the overall condition and genuine English traders) and you have a up their mind! rather interesting mix of language designed 3.

originality of the item of interest

EXHIBITION OR VIEWING OR NOW 9.

IT’S WRONG OR PROBLEMATIC OR

to mystify and divert from notions of straight ON VIEW – this is the period that you have NOT QUITE RIGHT – these expressions are forward expression and explanation.

to view items before they are offered for commonly used (often by individuals with

I have to say that in 2013 I have grown public auction completely tired of the expressions that we 4.

no recognised or professional credentials)

PRIVATE TREATY – a fancy way, and to suggest that there is some problem with

auctioneers use that still so many people I must confess I liked using it, to describe the authenticity, authorship or condition of don’t understand and that serve only to make the sale of an item by private sale rather than an item. It is unquestionably that most over-

Leonard

1

APRIL

Contents

Get Leonard all the time APRIL Contents

With more specialist categories and auctions than any auction house of its kind in Australia, Leonard is the simplest way to remain abreast of all forthcoming auctions, important sales results, events and auction

Calendar 3

news. With expert contributors from all fields of col-

News 4

lecting Leonard will be an indispensable tool for both

AUSTRALIAN FINE ART RESULTS

6

Leonard is available both free at Leonard Joel and

INTERNATIONAL FINE ART RESULTS

7

inc GST (postage & handling). Visit us online at www.

FINE Jewellery RESULTS

8

PRE-OWNED LUXURY

9

the seasoned auction-goer and the new collector alike.

Subscribe

online or can be subscribed to for an annual fee of $44 leonardjoel.com.au or for subscription information contact keryn.gilchrist@leonardjoel.com.au.

The Mr Joel Barlow Collection 10 ART & Photography

12

MOdern Design

14

Classic Furniture & Objects

16

AborIginal Art

18

Bernard Hall

19

The Weekly

20

Fine Books & Collectables

21

Thinking of Selling?

From Single Items to Collections

Tailored Trust and Estate Services

If you have a single item or collection you Leonard Joel has a long and distinguished wish to sell, the Leonard Joel team of spe- history of assisting both trust companies and cialists can guide you through the entire val- executors with the dispersal of important uation and auction process. We can provide collections. We provide fiduciaries (lawyers, you with experts across all collecting fields, trust officers, accountants and executors) no less than thirteen categories of auction to with a complete suite of services to manage select from and the most expansive calendar accurately and successfully the dispersal

DO YOU HAVE A Unique Car TO SELL?

of catalogue auctions in Australia. Leon- of large and small estates. Our services are ard Joel specialists conduct insurance and specially designed to aid in the appraisal market valuations for the entire spectrum and dispersal of fine art, antiques, jewelof clients - private collectors, corporations, lery, objet d’art, collectables, books & manumuseums, fiduciaries and government enti- scripts and general household contents. ties are advised by our valuers and specialists on a daily basis.

Our specialists are now sourcing single items and collections for the following categories:

Australian and International Art Fine Jewellery and Wristwatches

A 1999 JAGUAR S TYPE SEDAN SOLD FOR $14,640 IBP AT THE BOUTIQUE SINGLE OWNER AUCTION

Pre-Owned Luxury Classic Objects and Furniture Modern Design

If you have a well maintained luxury vehicle with a good pedigree then Leonard Joel can assist you. We periodically offer

Single Owner Collections

select vehicles for public auction to the largest collecting client base

Collectable Toys and Sporting Memorabilia

in Australia.

Militaria

For enquiries contact Guy Cairnduff

Books and Manuscripts

03 8825 5611 / guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au

APRIL

2

Leonard

Calendar

WEEKLY FURNITURE & INTERIORS

Forthcoming Auctions The Weekly Auction Every Thursday Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery & Wristwatches – 10.30am Art – 11.30am Books – 12pm Objects & Collectables – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Fine Books & Collectables Auction Thursday 18th April 2013 – 10am 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Graham Geddes Warehouse Auction Sunday 21st April 2013 – 10am 899 High Street, Armadale, Melbourne, Victoria

Collectables including Movie Memorabilia Thursday 24th April 2013 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Angus O’Callaghan Auction Thursday 2nd May 2013 – 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Specialist Print Auction Thursday 9th May 2013 – 11.30am 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Classic Furniture & Objects Auction Tuesday 21st May 2013 – 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Fine Art & Photographic Auction Monday 17th June 2013 – 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Fine Jewellery & Pre-Owned Luxury Auction Tuesday 18th June 2013 – 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Modern Design Auction Tuesday 15th August 2013 – 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria A GOOD GEORGE IV MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE BOOKCASE Sold for $3,660 IBP in The Weekly Furniture & Interiors Auction

Auctions and viewing times are subject to change.

Leonard Joel is a proud supporter of Arts Project Australia

Leonard

3

APRIL

News

No W C oN SI G N I N G

IMPoRTANT hISToRICAL SWoRD, FoRMERLy ThE PRoPERTy oF SIR RoBERT MENZIES, To Go Look oUT To AUCTIoN IN MAy FoR NEXT

SPECIALIST PRINTS

MoNTh’S ISSUE oF LEoNARD FoR FULL DETAILS

The grandchildren of Sir Robert Menzies have consigned an

AUCTIoN ThURSDAy 9 MAy AT 11.30AM

important Georgian sword for auction at Leonard Joel in May 2013.

The sword was given to the Prime Minister in the 1950s.

This magnificent object had been presented to a British naval lieutenant Charles Menzies 150 years earlier, in 1806, in recognition of his bravery in the Napoleonic Wars.

Enquiries Giles Moon Head of Collectables (03) 8825 5635 giles.moon@leonardjoel.com.au

Enquiries Nicole Salvo Assistant Head of Art (03) 8825 5624 nicole.salvo@leonardjoel.com.au

(DETAIL) AN IMPORTANT NAPOLEONIC PERIOD LLOYD’S PATRIOTIC FUND PRESENTATION SWORD FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF SIR ROBERT MENZIES

ERIC THAKE (1904-1982) An Opera House in Every Home 1972 Sold for $2,684 IBP

TAMARA DIMATTINA TAkES oUT ThE CREATIVE ARTS CATEGoRy FoR hER PRoJECT ThE NEW JoNESES

FINE JEWELLERy NoW VIEWING IN SyDNEy John D’Agata, Head of Fine Jewellery & Luxury at Leonard Joel, explains the finer points of jewellery collecting and appreciation to an intimate gathering of Sydney clients who enjoyed French champagne and jazz on a beautiful Autumn

Leonard Joel would like to congratulate Tamara for receiving this award that

evening in Queen Street,

acknowledges her efforts at bringing sustainable living to the forefront of our

Woollahra.

thinking. Our very own Anna Grassham (Weekly Furniture, Manager) played a major role in styling the apartments by sourcing and selecting objects, furnishings and design from our weekly Antiques & Interiors auctions. This living installation heralded ‘new consumption’, gained international media coverage and spread the message of conscientious consumption to passers-by, mainstream media and school groups interested in how to do more with less.

APRIL

4

leonard

News

The Watercolours of Blamire Young

Street Art

§ LUKE BARKER, THE TUNNEL BETWEEN 2011 SOLD FOR $10,492 IBP

Not since our historic auction of Andy Mac’s street art collection in 2012 have we witnessed such interest in art with a “street art” theme. Two works, lots 495 and 496, by Luke Barker , an artist unknown to the secondary market auction landscape, realised more than five times their estimates to sell for $10,492 (IBP) and $9150 (IBP). Both large scale oil paintings were rendered in a hyper realistic manner and depicted public spaces full of colourful graffiti and tagging.

Collectables including movie memorabilia AUCTION Thursday 24 APRIL at 12Pm

IMPRESSIVE SCRATCH BUILT MODEL OF RENAULT TAXI BY RON TITCHENER, CIRCA 1980s $2,500 - $3,500

The definitive volume on the master of Australian watercolour painting. Blamire Young (1862-1935) is represented in the collections of every major public gallery in Australia. Measuring 30 x 23 cm this beautiful hardback, complete with slipcase, contains 650 pages depicting the artist’s body of work in watercolour.

Approximately two thousand known paintings are listed with 500 reproduced in large format colour and another 300 with smaller identification images.

This book is for the scholar, the collector and all art lovers.

Copies may be purchased on-line at

TOP PRICE for Rare cougar

http://meridianpublishing.bigcartel.com/ or by emailing the author: smarshall@meridianfreight.com.au

PURCHASE YOUR COPY NOW

Leonard

Enquiries Giles Moon Head of Collectables (03) 8825 5635 giles.moon@leonardjoel.com.au

5

VERY RARE MATCHBOX 1-75 SERIES 62C MERCURY COUGAR SOLD FOR $5,612 IBP

APRIL

Australian FINE Art RESULTS

SIDNEY NOLAN (1917-1992) Central Australian Landscape with Truck 1956 oil on paper on board SOLD FOR $7,930 IBP

JACQUELINE HICK (1919-2004) Desert Children oil on board SOLD FOR $10,370 IBP

ART

PETER BLIZZARD (1940-2010) Untitled welded steel with concrete base SOLD FOR $4,880 IBP

GEOFF DYER (BORN 1947) Rockface Kambalda oil on canvas SOLD FOR $8,540 IBP

NOW CONSIGNING for the june Fine Art AUCTION

APRIL

6

Leonard

International FINE Art RESULTS

SINGAPOREAN ART LEAVES THE COUNTRY Leonard Joel were honoured to have been entrusted with the sale of three important works by the artist Cheong Soo Pieng from a private Victorian collection. Held for more than three decades in one local collection the works attracted intense international interest from international phone and real-time internet bidders.

The three works comfortably exceeded combined estimates of $80,000 to sell for $97,600 (IBP) and all works are headed for international collections.

CHEONG SOO PIENG (SINGAPOREAN, 1917-1983) Two Women 1969, mixed media SOLD FOR $61,000 IBP

CHEONG SOO PIENG (SINGAPOREAN, 1917-1983) Blue Landscape 1971 mixed media on rice paper SOLD FOR $18,300 IBP

Leonard

CHEONG SOO PIENG (SINGAPOREAN, 1917-1983 Village 1965 mixed media on paper SOLD FOR $18,300

JOHN PIPER (BRITISH, 1903-1992) Maen Bras (in Snowdon) gouache and ink SOLD FOR $23,180 IBP

7

BIREN DE (INDIAN, BORN 1926) Two Figures 1953 oil on canvas SOLD FOR $13,420 IBP

APRIL

FINE JEWELLERY RESULTS

122 A DIAMOND RING

BY CATANACH’S SOLD FOR $17,080 IBP

FINE DIAMONDS

121 AN EDWARDIAN DIAMOND NECKLACE SOLD FOR $7,930 IBP

The interest in fine diamond jewellery proved strong again at the March Leonard Joel Fine Jewellery Auction. Our first evening auction enjoyed a steady flow of bidders and onlookers as collectors waited for their desired lots to come up. Most demand for the night was focused on a private collection of diamond jewellery where discerning

buyers paid premium prices for one off pieces of high end jewellery. Signed pieces were particularly popular; a sapphire and diamond cross pendant necklace by Grisogono, lot 256, sold for $12,200 (IBP) and our cover piece, a pair of diamond earrings by Cartier, lot 125, were highly contested and finally sold for $5,856 (IBP). A collection of Georg Jensen

125 A PAIR OF DIAMOND EARRINGS BY CARTIER SOLD FOR $5,856 IBP

jewellery concluded the auction with extended bidding and high prices for the pieces of earlier manufacturer – lot 303 typified these strong results; this Jensen bracelet with the look of a “suspension bridge”, delighted collectors and sold for four times its presale estimate for $2928 (IBP). We are now consigning for our next fine jewellery auction on Tuesday 18 June.

119 AN EDWARDIAN DIAMOND BRACELET SOLD FOR $18,300 IBP

Now Consigning for The JUNE FINE JEWELLERY Auction

APRIL

8

Leonard

PRE-OWNED LUXURY

PREOWNED Luxury

347 A VINTAGE KELLY HANDBAG

BY HERMES SOLD

Now Consigning for The JUNE PRE-Owned Luxury Auction

Leonard

9

APRIL

The Mr Joel Barlow Collection

LUXE FINDS ITs LEVEL THANK YOU ANTIQUE & FINEART AUCTIONS

As collecting habits change and tastes shift public drama associated with the seller an exquisitely crafted grand piano by Alex dramatically so to do the nature and content the reality was that very interesting and Steinbach and a luxury outdoor setting by of auctions.

worthy modern items throughout the B&B Italia that sold respectively for $19,520

The Mr Joel Barlow Collection in Brisbane collection attracted keen interest from (IBP) and $13,240 (IBP) and what we had that we recently managed for The Public buyers (or collectors depending on what was an auction where luxury transitioned Trustee, Brisbane was arguably the most you classify as collectable) that were clearly from a mere category of curiosity and dramatically modern, in terms of the willing to “pay up” for high quality items of glamour to one with tangible resale and collecting taste it displayed.

design and luxury. Quite possibly the most investment value. The auction more than

Many commented that the collection was expensive television ever sold at auction doubled its high estimate of $331,000 to both “hectic and extravagant in its scope” was transacted at this sale when a Bang & realise a staggering total of more than – life size horse lamps, ultra-expensive Olufsen (B&O) three dimensional television $700,000 and internet bidders, room leather ware, mind-bogglingly expensive realised $67,100 (IBP) – an extraordinary bidders and a record-breaking 8000 (yes electrical items and luxurious furnishings sum for a pre-owned item of design and 8000!) absentee bids generated what could seemed to sum up the auction and its media but which firmly put B&O on the only be described as a non-stop and exciting flavour.

map as one of the most favoured brands to auction reminiscent of some of the great

But beyond the commentary and the enjoy serious collector status. Add to this auction property dispersals in Australia.

APRIL

10

Leonard Joel would like to extend its sincere thanks to Stuart Vallance and his team at Antique & Fineart Auctions, Brisbane who partnered with Leonard Joel in this record-breaking auction in Brisbane in early March. Antique & Fineart Auctions provided the perfect Queensland venue, much needed auction expertise and firstclass infrastructure that was instrumental in providing a most successful viewing and auction program.

Leonard

The Mr Joel Barlow Collection

Highlights from the mr joel Barlow Collection

A BANG & OLUFSEN ‘BEOVISION 4 85” BLACK TELEVISIONSOLD FOR $67,100 IBP

A LOUIS VUITTON SURF BOARD SOLD FOR $7,930 IBP

A BOTTLE OF HENNESSY X O COGNAC LTD EDITION SOLD FOR $8,540 IBP

MATTHEW CHEYNE “RUMOUR 2009” OIL ON LINEN SOLD FOR $19,520 IBP

Leonard

A BLACK FULL SIZE STALLION LAMP, DESIGNED BY FRONT SWEDEN FOR MOOOI SOLD FOR $7,930 IBP

11

APRIL

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

ART & PHOT

CHRISSY GANT (BORN 20TH CENTURY) The Studio 2004 Sold for $3,660 IBP

ANGUS O’CALLAGHAN (BORN 1922) Royal Arcade Sold for $2,684 IBP

APRIL

WOLFGANG SIEVERS (1913-2007) Collins Street from no.9 looking towards Spring Street, Melbourne 1964 Sold for $915 IBP

12

ANGUS O’CALLAGHAN (BORN 1922) New Arrivals Sold for $1,220 IBP

Leonard

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

TOGRAPHY ENTRIES NOW INVITED

Leonard Joel is now seeking entries for its forthcoming Art & Photography Auction to be held Monday 17 June 2013.

Please contact us for a complimentary appraisal.

Enquiries Nicole Salvo Assistant Head of Art (03) 8825 5624 nicole.salvo@leonardjoel.com.au

WOLFGANG SIEVERS (1913-2007) Advertisement for Elbeo stockings, Contempora, Berlin 1938 Sold for $3,904 IBP

Leonard

MAX DUPAIN (1911-1992) Flinders Street Station 1946 Sold for $3,904 IBP

13

APRIL

MODERN DESIGN

TOBIA SCARPA (born 1935) AN OCCHI VASE manufactured by Venini glass, c. 1968 Sold for $ 1,342 IBP

MODERN DESIGN DE SEDE DESIGN TEAMA DS-70 SOFA Sold for $3,172 IBP

now consigning for the August MODERN Design auction

APRIL

14

Leonard

MODERN DESIGN

ENTRIES NOW INVITED

Leonard Joel’s first specialist Modern Design sale of 2013 on 7 March included 220 lots of post-war furniture, lighting, objects and art. ‘Local’ designers such as Featherstone, Krimper, Shapiro and Meadmore were all well represented and featured strongly in the top ten prices achieved. The top lot of the day, lot 207 a Grant Featherston B230H Contour Chair sold for $10,370 (IBP) against an estimate of 207, while lot 112, a pair of shelf

GRANT FEATHERSON (1922-1995) A B230H CONTOUR CHAIR, designed 1953 Sold for $10,370 IBP

bookcases by Schulim Krimper sold for $3,172 (IBP) against an estimate of $2,500-3,500.

There was also spirited bidding for work by renowned international designers, often pushing prices well past pre-sale expectations.

Lot 6A, a striking pair of Arne Jacobsen table lamps tripled their low estimate selling for $1,530 (IBP) and in the glass section lot 157, a dazzling yellow Occhi vase by Tobia Scarpa sold for $1,342 (IBP) against an estimate of $400-500.

We are now accepting entries for the 15 August Modern Design sale.

Enquiries Giles Moon Head of Modern Design & Collectables (03) 8825 5635 giles.moon@leonardjoel.com.au

SCHULIM KRIMPER (1893-1971) A PAIR OF ADJUSTABLE SHELF BOOKCASES, c.1955 SOLD $3,172 IBP

Leonard

A FRENCH FOUR BRANCH FLOOR LAMP, c.1950 Sold for $3,600 IBP

15

APRIL

CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS

Classic FURNITURE & OBJECTS after DEMETRE CHIPARUS (1886-1947) A MIRO FIGURE Bronze, ivory, marble, onyx 36.5cm high (bronze) $5,000 - 8,000

185 A CARVED AND PAINTED WHIMSICAL TWO HEADED HORSE 70cm high $250 - 350

The Graham Geddes WAREHOUSE AUCTION Sunday 21 April 2013 at 10am Viewing & Auction on site at 899 High Street, Armadale, Melbourne

FINAL CALL FOR ENTRIES the MAY CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS auction

Viewing Friday 19th April 10am to 5pm Saturday 20th April 10am to 5pm

Enquiries Guy Cairnduff Head of Classic Furniture & Objects (03) 8825 5611 guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au

Specialist enquiries contact Guy Cairnduff on 03 8825 5611

APRIL

16

Leonard

CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS

A CARVED AMETHYST SNUFF BOTTLE WITH CHALCEDONY STOPPER

A FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN SNUFF BOTTLE WITH GLASS STOPPER A RELIEF CARVED HORNBILL SNUFF BOTTLE 19TH CENTURY

A LARGE INSIDE PAINTED GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE WITH BRONZE FO DOG FINIAL

A JET HAND PAINTED SNUFF BOTTLE WITH GOLDSTONE STOPPER 19TH CENTURY

THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS One mans collection of

Chinese snuff and take a moment of discovery travelling to me by these bottles than can I easily instalments of the J&J Collection from James

bottles stand before me after being carefully through time. In our modern world where all digest. If print space permitted a proper and Julie Li. The couple began collecting in unpacked, their silence profound, their things are expanding and online platforms investigation to these queries would reveal it the early seventies and over the next three surfaces inviting. I begin to arrange them into such as ‘Pintrest’ digitally project visual all began with snuff, the Chinese attributing decades amassed some one thousand bottles, categories that I can fathom, hand painted information in static format these Elzevir to snuff medicinal properties. When sniffed which they named the J&J Collection. So porcelain, overlay glass, ivory, jade, agate like objects offer the collector a cool antidote into the nostrils, it causes a mild sensation important their auction catalogues alone and cinnabar. Within these groups more sub to the suffocation of consumerisms gigantic of exhilaration, clears congestion and eases are now referred to as bibles of the snuff categories emerge as moulded porcelain, two proportions. Susan Stewart’s highly original breathing it was said. Snuff being a finely bottle world and form part of the extensive and three colour overlay glass, tinted ivory book entitled On Longing; Narratives of the ground powder like tobacco, sometimes research on this topic available today. It has many with contrasting stoppers of coral or Miniature, the Gigantic, the Souvenir, the enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices been a humbling experience given the task of chalcedony. More bottles are examined to Collection states “The reduction in scale to increase its flavour. The fashion of taking caretaking such a collection when compared reveal hair crystal, lapis lazuli, amethyst and which the miniature presents skews the time snuff developed in both China and Europe with all that has gone before and I am forever hornbill. A number display impossible scenes and space relations of the everyday lifeworld, around the same time in about 1650. Fast grateful to be involved in such scholarly of warlords in battle or scholars at leisure and as an object consumed, the miniature forward to the late Ch’ing dynasty period pursuits. This collection, which although all executed as inside-painted on glass. It finds its use value transformed into the from which some of the bottles in this may not be as grand as the J&J Collection, is terrifying and intoxicating all at once infinite time of reverie”. Heady stuff but collection have been created and I discover offers opportunity no less significant to the realising the immensity of the project as I try Stewart’s rationale makes perfect sense to me these artisans examples are set within collector to partake in a unique narrative of to become familiar with these exotic objects as I find myself aligning with Alice tumbling boundaries of a rich historical tradition in miniature and desirable proportions. that are mostly foreign to me.

down the rabbit hole to discover a world of material, technique and imagery.

They command my attention and I cannot unimagined scale and delights.

Discerning snuff bottle collections have long

resist their tactile qualities, sensitive and But what of the craftsmen who made these been developed and later offered in the old seductive as I slowly handle each one again. objects and the cultural significance they auction houses of Europe. None perhaps Their miniaturisation begs me to stop represent? Too many questions are proposed more high profile than Christie’s multiple

Leonard

17

BY LIZA HALLAM

APRIL

ABORIGINAL ART

PAIR OF NEPABUNNA BOOMERANGS c1931 SOLD FOR $1,098 IBP

ABORIGINAL ART BOB BURRUWAL (BORN 1952) Echidna 2000 SOLD FOR $1,220 IBP

Entries are currently being accepted for the forthcoming annual Aboriginal Art and Artefact auction.

Last year’s auction bucked the soft market conditions for Aboriginal art achieving a a 75% sale rate with a well-priced, quality selection of artworks. Highlights included a classic Hermannsburg landscape by Albert Namatjira sold at its high estimate of $15,000 as well as a fine pair of early 1960’s Milingimbi smoking pipes and bullroarer that were acquired by an institution. A notable trend was the keen and animated vying for sculpture by both dedicated and new collectors including a handsome trio of Fish Traps and a Spirit Figure by Jimmy Ngalakurn which doubled its low estimate selling for $1900.

Fine quality Aboriginal sculptures, paintings and Aboriginal artefacts are sought for the 2013 auction.

Please contact Sophie Ullin Aboriginal Art Specialist 8825 5609 (Weds/Fri) Entries close Friday 9 August

JACKY MARAMBARRA (BORN 1941) Wayarra Spirit Figure 1993 SOLD FOR $793 IBP

CHARLIE DJURRITJINI (BORN 1952) Artists Country 1996 SOLD FOR $1,098 IBP

DARREN LONG AKEMARR (20TH CENTURY) Lake Nash vs Ampilatwatja 2001 SOLD FOR $1,098 IBP

now consigning for the OCTOBER ABORIGINAL ART auction

APRIL

18

Leonard

BerNARD HALL

Bernard Hall

The man the art world forgot

Bernard Hall’s place in Australian art colleagues and professional associates, history has long been predicated on a the correspondence files of the National daunting – and almost entirely apocryphal Gallery of Victoria, and many newspapers – blend of ‘received wisdom’, speculation and journals from the period. The book and assumption – one that owes more to is generously illustrated, with more than the agendas of his successors than to any sixty of Hall’s works reproduced in full realistic appraisal of his achievement.

colour together with numerous archival

Never as dour or conservative as the photographs that chart the artist’s life from mythology suggests, Hall came to Australia his boyhood to his departure for England in in 1892 to be with the woman he loved and 1934. remained, after her death in 1901, to serve Gwen Rankin is an art historian whose the community he had come to regard as his PhD thesis (2008) was ‘L. Bernard Hall own. As Director of the National Gallery of and the Feminine in Australian Painting’.

Victoria from 1892 to 1935, he was Australian Her research focus is the art and social art’s most influential administrator and life of late nineteenth and early twentieth teacher for the better part of half a century century and, in particular, L. Bernard Hall, – a record that remains unequalled today. the development of the National Gallery of A spirited participant in civic as well as Victoria and its Schools, and issues around cultural affairs, he had a wide circle of the representation of the feminine in a friends and a full and very productive life. rapidly changing society.

As such, his story sheds new light, not only The book will be released at the beginning on the development of Australian art and of May 2013. Enquiries about distributors the Gallery he tended so well, but also on should be directed to Matt Howard, aspects of Melbourne’s history perhaps too Publicist, New South Publishing, UNSW, often overlooked.

Sydney, phone: (02) 8936 0026, email:

With a few noteworthy exceptions, this matthoward@newsouthbooks.com.au biography draws entirely on primary source material, including Hall’s own papers, the archives of his friends, students,

Leonard

19

BY GWEN RANKIN

APRIL

The weekly

lIVe bIDDING Now aVaIlable

WEEkLy CABINETS & FINE BookS EARLY 20TH CENTURY FRENCH FLOCKED PAPIER MACHE BULLDOG Sold for $1,098 (IBP)

for weekly obJeCTs & ColleCTables auCTIoN sTarTING ThursDay 11Th aprIl

THE WEEklY A SPECIAL MARITIME ART AUCTIoN

WEEkLy FURNITURE AUCTIoN FEATURE

AUCTIoN ThURSDAy 11 APRIL AT 11.30AM

AUCTIoN ThURSDAy 11 APRIL AT 10AM

On Thursday the 11th April at 11:30am, the Art Department will be offering

A special collection of furniture and objects sourced from around the globe,

an exciting collection of Nautical artworks including an early Australian Naval

to be offered in Leonard Joel’s weekly furniture and interiors auction.

watercolour by A.V. Gregory.

Catalogue now on-line.

Preview Wednesday 10 April 2013 9am – 8pm Enquiries Anna Hombsch or Bronwyn Quill (03) 8825 5630 anna.hombsch@leonardjoel.com.au / bronwyn.quill@leonardjoel.com.au

Enquiries Anna Grassham Manager, Weekly Furniture and Interiors (03) 8825 5614 anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au

APRIL

20

leonard

Fine BOOKS & COLLECTABLES

[COOK] NEWTONS NEW AND IMPROVED TERRESTRIAL GLOBE Sold $1,464 (IBP)

FINE BOOKS & COLLECTABLES CITY OF MELBOURNE PLANS Sold $1,830 (IBP)

Fine Books & Collectables Auction Thursday 18 April 2013, 10am

Leonard

Preview Wednesday 17 April 2013 9am – 8pm

Enquiries Chiara Curcio Books & Collectables Manager 03 882 5604 chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au

21

APRIL

Look out for The MAY issue.

Subscribe at leonardjoel.com.au