Issue THIRTYEIGHT / APRIL 2015
MELBOURNE / SYDNEY
MODERN DESIGN
featuring Mr. Bigglesworthy
&
Science Industry
Hat Trick
for Leonard Joel Sydney
JEWELS SHINE Sculpture
THE NEW COLLECTOR EDITION
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 The Modern design Auction Thursday 23 April at 6.30pm ITALIAN PENDANT CEILING LIGHT Designed by Tobia Scarpa for Flos c.1960s. Red lacquered metal, Nictea $3,600 - 4,600
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
MAY WE INTRODUCE OURSELVES Whether you have a single item, a focused collection or a complete house contents Leonard Joel has a team of specialists that can help you identify, value and market your property with a genuine focus on very tailored and personalised selling solutions. Robert Williams of our Sydney office, a specialist valuer in his own right, can also arrange meetings with our specialists either at our rooms in Woollahra or your home or office.
Leonard Joel Specialists
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jewellery & Pre–Owned Luxury
Art
Classic furniture & Objects
NATIONAL HEAD OF collections
John D’Agata, National Head of Jewellery
Sophie Ullin, Head of Art
single owner COLLECTIONS
John Albrecht, Managing Director
& Sydney Office
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5609
Guy Cairnduff, Head of Classic Furniture & Objects
& Head of Collections
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5605
Email sophie.ullin@leonardjoel.com.au
& Head of The Specialist Collector
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5619
Email john.dagata@leonardjoel.com.au
Phone +61 (0) 3 8825 5611 Email guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au
Email john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au
Specialist Jewels & Objets D’Art
MODERN DESIGN
BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS
JEWELLERY
& Single Owner Collections
Anna Grassham, Specialist, Modern Design
Chiara Curcio, Specialist, Classic Furniture
Robert Haigh, Manager, Senior Jewellery Specialist
Robert Williams, Sydney Representative
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5637
& Objects, Books and Manuscripts
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5618
Phone + 61 (0) 2 9362 9045
Email anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5635
Email robert.haigh@leonardjoel.com.au
Email chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au
Email robert.williams@leonardjoel.com.au
CollectIbles
ACCOUNTS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Photography
Designer
Tae Schmeisser
Susan Saunders, Head of Finance & Administration
Monique Le Grand
Rick Merrie
Maria Rossi
Specialist Vintage Toys/Monthly Toys
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5603
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5620
Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5625
Email susan.saunders@leonardjoel.com.au
Email monique.legrand@leonardjoel.com.au
MELBOURNE
SYDNEY
CONNECT WITH US
Primary Salerooms
By Appointment
333 Malvern Road,
39 Queen Street,
South Yarra, Victoria 3141
Woollahra, New South Wales 2025
Australia
Australia
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ConTenTs
WHERE CaN I fIND LEONaRD?
APriL contEnts aSIaN HIGHLIGHTS fROM THE GRaHaM GEDDES aUCTION fOREWORD NEWS CaLENDaR MODERN DESIGN aUCTION CLaSSIC fURNITURE & OBJECTS SINGLE OWNER COLLECTION THE MaRK LISSaUER COLLECTION GRaHaM GEDDES RESULTS JEWELS & OBJETS D’aRT RESULTS fINE JEWELLERY RESULTS DISCERNING WOMEN COLLECTORS fINE aRT RESULTS SCULPTURE vINTaGE INTERIORS MUSICaL INSTRUMENTS DREWEaTTS & BLOOMSBURY LUXURY aUCTION
If you have enjoyed Leonard and would like to stay up to date with our auctions and events you can collect a copy from our South Yarra and Woollahra offices at
2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
the start of every month. But don’t delay as copies run out quickly!
THIS MONTH LEONARD WILL BE MAILED TO BALMAIN IN NSW & FITZROY IN VIC THINKING Of SELLING? fROM vaLUaBLE SINGLE ITEMS TO ENTIRE COLLECTIONS If you have a single item or collection you wish to sell, the Leonard Joel team of specialists can guide you through the entire valuation and auction process. We can provide you with experts across all collecting fields, no less than thirteen categories of auction to select from and the most expansive calendar of catalogue auctions in Australia. Leonard Joel specialists conduct insurance and market valuations for the entire spectrum of clients - private collectors, corporations, museums, fiduciaries and government entities are advised by our valuers and specialists on a daily basis.
Modern Design Auction Thursday 23 April at 6.30pm
valuation Enquiries | Melbourne 03 9826 4333 Sydney 02 9362 9045 | info@leonardjoel.com.au
ITALIAN ARFLEX CHAISE Circa 1980s $1,000 - 2,000
leoNarD
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ASIAN HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GRAHAM GEDDES AUCTION
ASIAN HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GRAHAM GEDDES AUCTION
A LARGE CHINESE POTTERY COCOON JAR, HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-220 AD) SOLD $1,830 IBP
A CHINESE SICHUAN POTTERY HORSE, HAN DYNASTY (206 BC -220 AD) SOLD $10,980 IBP
A LARGE CHINESE FAMILLE-ROSE NINEPEACH BOTTLE VASE, YONGZHENG MARK SOLD $2,074 IBP
A RARE CHINESE PEACH BLOOM-GLAZED PEAR-SHAPED VASE YUHU CHUNPING, QING DYNASTY (1644-1911), QIANLONG UNDERGLAZE BLUE SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)
A CHINESE WUCAI-ENAMELLED GINGER JAR, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644), JIAJING PERIOD (1522-1566) SOLD $4,880 IBP
A CHINESE FAMILLE-ROSE ‘PEACH’ VASE, YONGZHENG MARK (1723-1735) SOLD $6,100 IBP
A CHINESE PAIR OF IRON-RED DECORATED ‘RUYI’ DISHES AND ANOTHER SIMILAR SAUCER DISH, QING DYNASTY (1644-1911), DAOGUANG MARK AND OF THE PERIOD (1821-1850) SOLD $21,960 IBP
SOLD $73,200 IBP
A CHINESE DOUCAI-ENAMELLED ‘DUCK AND LOTUS’ BOWL, QING DYNASTY (1644-1911), UNDERGLAZE BLUE JIAQING SEALMARK AND OF THE PERIOD (1796-1820) SOLD $43,920 IBP
A CHINESE TERRACOTTA HEAD OF A BODHISATTVA, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) OR LATER SOLD $2,440 IBP
A TALL CHINESE CARVED WOODEN FIGURE OF GUANYIN ON A BUDDHIST LION, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) SOLD $30,500 IBP
A CHINESE POTTERY FIGURE OF A HORSE AND RIDER, TANG DYNASTY (618-906) SOLD $9,150 IBP
A CHINESE PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A PRANCING HORSE, TANG DYNASTY (618-906) SOLD $6,100 IBP
APRIL
AN INDIAN PINK SANDSTONE BUDDHIST STELE, C.3-5TH CENTURY AD SOLD $5,612 IBP
A BRONZE HAN COMB SOLD $1,586 IBP
2
A NEAR PAIR OF CHINESE RITUAL WINE STORAGE JARS AND COVERS SOLD $3,660 IBP
LEONARD
FOReWord
THE NEW COLLECTOR
In an earlier edition of LEONARD I coined thing) has given way to new categories and that if it’s handmade, patiently, in high jewellery are just a few on my mind. For some the phrase Collectorator to describe the new vibrancy in ones that have always played quality materials and with an eye for design, reason the aluminium violin that graces this “morph” that I believe has occurred between second fiddle. Take for instance sculpture, then it will be collected and reinterpreted as edition for me encapsulates new collecting; the traditional, old-fashioned collector and by no means a new category, but more often a new collecting category. Equally, modern unashamedly
modern,
challenging
and
the more liberated young decorator with an than not overlooked by collectors that were design, not the newest category on the bright! In this New Collector edition my eye for quality workmanship and aesthetics used to the thinking that sculpture was block but certainly one that is stretching team of specialists have covered some of but with an aversion to stuffy thinking! more reserved for public space, statement well in to the early 21st century in terms these new categories and given their own Many months later I’m convinced that the and ownership. No more! Sculpture is being of what is being considered resalable and interpretations of what they think is going new collector has arrived but this is not incorporated in contemporary domestic therefore collectible. So what next for the on. Enjoy the read. recent; it has been happening gradually over settings like never before. But the emergence new collector? I think it’s not just about new the last decade. The decline in interest for of fresher categories is what excites me. categories but a growth in or reassessment of most brown furniture and an accumulative Luxury, and for this example let’s use Hermes current ones; editions, musical instruments, style to collecting (collecting lots of the same luxury as the reference point, has proven watches and last quarter twentieth century
John Albrecht MANAGING DIRECTOR & NATIONAL HEAD OF COLLECTIONS
SIDE 2
ANtiquities from the private collection of graham geddes A CAMPANIAN RED-FIGURE NECK AMPHORA, ATTRIBUTED TO NEAR THE CHEQUER AND DIRCE PAINTERS, CIRCA 380 B.C SOLD $41,480 IBP
SIDE 1
LEONARD
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APRIL
NEWS
Leonard Joel are delighted to announce the addition of Asian art specialists, Sally Robin and Trevor Fleming to our Melbourne valuations panel:
I ntroducing O U R Asi a n Art S P E C I A L I S T S Sally and Trevor look forward to meeting with Leonard Joel CLIENTS and discussing all areas of interest within Asian art with anyone who is looking to BEGIN or enhance their collection.
Sally A. Robin BA (Hons), MA, DipML, DipAPLE CHINESE ART SPECIALIST
TREVOR FLEMING BA (Asian Studies), M.Mgmt (Arts) Japanese art specialist
Sally Robin is delighted to be joining the Leonard Joel team and working alongside her
Trevor joins the Leonard Joel team as a specialist in Japanese works from 1600 to the
old school friend and work colleague Trevor Fleming, in the role of Chinese Specialist.
current period. He spent ten years with Lesley Kehoe, Australia’s foremost dealer
Sally is a Melbourne-based Asian Art Specialist, with expertise in Chinese art. She
in Japanese works, where he gained extensive experience in a range of antique
has a great passion for traditional, modern and contemporary Chinese paintings and
and contemporary works and has examined both private and museum collections in
scholars’ objects.
Japan, the USA, UK and Australia. Trevor has since worked in a private capacity and
Sally graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts
has also developed an impressive collection of Japanese sake cups and vessels – an
Degree with Honours, majoring in Art History and Asian Studies. As part of her
assortment of both beauty and function – in typical Japanese style! He has attained
degree, Sally undertook further studies at Beijing Normal University in 1996-1997,
a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies), a Master’s Degree in Arts Management and can
and Columbia University in New York in 1998. She completed her Masters by Research
speak and read Japanese.
in Chinese, for which she received the prestigious Melbourne Research Scholarship. Sally has recently returned from two years abroad, where she completed the Diploma of Art Profession Law and Ethics in London, directed by Professor Norman Palmer QC, CBE, FSA, a world authority in his field. Over the past decade, Sally has consulted to Australian and multi-national auctioneers based in Melbourne and Sydney, as a Mandarin-speaking Chinese Specialist in Asian
NOW CONSIGNING ASIAN WORKS OF ART FOR AUCTION
art. Sally continues to work extensively with local, national and international private art collectors, galleries, museums, artists and dealers, and has designed a unique website portal for private art collectors and museums. Sally has presented at conferences, been involved with academic panels and has contributed a chapter to the Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women among other publications. She has curated international exhibitions during Asia week in New York and has also been extensively involved with charity art events in Melbourne.
Enquiries Do you have Asian works of art to sell? We have an extensive network of international and local collectors constantly looking to acquire new works. To arrange a complimentary market appraisal of your Asian art collection or important individual item, please contact Chiara Curcio at chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au or (03) 8825 5635 to arrange an appointment.
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LEONARD
Calendar
MONTHLY TOYS
Forthcoming Auctions
Thursday 16 APRIL at 12Pm
The Vintage Interiors Auction Every Thursday Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery & Wristwatches – 10.30am Art – 11.30am Books – 12pm Objects & Collectibles – 12pm
BID LIVE ONLINE
333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
Monthly Toy Auction Thursday 16th April 2015 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
Modern Design Auction Thursday 23rd April 2015 – 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria ILLUMINATED PATISSERIE DIORAMA INCLUDING 2 X FIGURES, LIGHT IS FUNCTIONAL (E-M) $260 - 340
Beatles Auction Thursday 7th May 2015 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
Enquiries Tae Schmeisser Collectibles Consultant 03 8825 5625 tae.schmeisser@leonardjoel.com.au
Specialist Prints Auction Thursday 14th May 2015 – 11.30am 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
Pre Owned Luxury Auction
UNIQUE BEATLES PHOTOGRAPHIC AUCTION
Thursday 14th May 2015 – 1pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
Jewels & Objets D’Art Auction Sunday 24th May 2015 – 1pm InterContinental 33 Cross St, Double Bay, Sydney NSW
Thursday 7 MAY at 12Pm
SYDNEY AUCTION
Classic Furniture & Objects Auction Saturday 30th May 2015 – 11am 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
The Mark Lissauer Collection Sunday 31st May 2015 – 11am 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
SINGLE OWNER AUCTION
Monthly Toy Auction Thursday 4th June 2015 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
Fine Jewellery Auction Monday 22nd June 2015 – 6pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BEATLES COLLECTION
Fine Art Auction Tuesday 23rd June 2015 – 6.30pm
Enquiries Tae Schmeisser Collectibles Consultant 03 8825 5625 tae.schmeisser@leonardjoel.com.au
333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria
Auctions and viewing times are subject to change.
LEONARD
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APRIL
MODERN DESIGN
MODERN DESIGN This amazing three piece setting designed by famous Brazilian furniture designer Percival Lafer is the epitome of an evolving Brazil during the 1970s.
ITALIAN DEZZA 24 RANGE ARMCHAIRS Designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau c.1965. Olive green leather on wooden legs. $3,000 - 5,000 pair
ITALIAN MARALUNGA THREE SEAT SOFA Designed by Vici Magistretti for Cassina c.1973. Original black leather upholstery. $5,000 - 7,000
PERCIVAL LAFER Three piece sofa suite. Pair of armchairs & matchng four seat sofa. Mustard leather, fibreglass, rosewood base. $6,000 - 9,000
Modern Design Auction Thursday 23 April 2015, 6.30pm
APRIL
Preview Saturday 18 April 2015 10am - 4pm Sunday 19 April 2015 10am - 4pm Monday 20 April 2015 10am - 4pm Tuesday 21 April 2015 10am - 4pm Wednesday 22 April 2015 9am - 8pm
Enquiries Anna Grassham Modern Design Specialist (03) 8825 5637 / 0478 114 611 anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au
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LEONARD
MODERN DESIGN
CHARLES AND RAY EAMES Set of four wire frame swivel chairs $2,000 - 3,000
MR. BIGGLESWORTHY HIGHLIGHTS
Leonard Joel is kicking off a new partnership with New Zealand design store
The best of mid century Scandinavian design figures highly from Mr. Bigglesworthy
Mr. Bigglesworthy. Store owners Dan and Emma Eagle have curated an extensive
as well, with lounge and storage furniture from influential designers. A deluxe, highly
collection of modern design, to be auctioned on April 23.
Notably, an impressive
organic sofa and pair of armchairs by Grete Jalk. Graphic lines for the lounge from Illum
selection of rare mid century American and Scandinavian furniture. This is tied in with a
Wikkelso. A unique two seater sofa from Arne Vodder. Also a bold sideboard from Ib
broad offering from all over the globe and iconic entries from Australian and European
Kofod Larsen with a piece that was produced by UK maker G-Plan. It’s an interior vision
designers.
that offers absolute cool in an understated fashion.
Represented in the collection are beautiful, expertly restored examples from well known
Particular focus is given to premium materials, clean lines and thoughtful, crafted details.
names. An impeccably presented, early edition rosewood 670 Lounger and 671 Ottoman
This is most evident in the understated 1970’s glamour of the delectable rosewood
from Charles and Ray Eames, and a timeless Florence Knoll credenza in teak with crisp
desk from boutique French Canadian maker Ste Marie & Laurent. Luxurious leather is
chrome detailing. Other designers have become firm favourites with collectors, including
combined with rosewood drawers and a wrapped ribbon of chrome to form the base.
Adrian Pearsall, who features with an elongated sofa, completed at each end by a walnut
Furniture like this will stand out in any contemporary setting and only improve with time.
cabinet and a marble platform.
ANNA GRASSHAM MODERN DESIGN SPECIALIST
AMERICAN SOFA Designed by Adrian Pearsall Model 615-D2T Craft Associates $5,000 - 7,000
THE NEW COLLECTOR Modern Design
LEONARD
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CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS
CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS Two Important Faunal Panels by Robert Prenzel The carved furniture and ornaments of
the panels were recalled from memory or
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) have long been
specimens gathered from Prenzel’s garden.
recognised as a symbol of prosperity in
The faunal panels presented here formed
‘Marvelous Melbourne’ around the time
part of the collection of the late Theodore
of Federation and into the first quarter
Fink (1855-1942) and have remained in the
of the 20th century: early evidence of his
ownership of his family and descendants
work in collaboration with fellow German
since they were acquired directly from Robert
émigré, Otto Waschatz, can be found
Prenzel. A prominent solicitor, politician
in the solid plaster cast adornments of
and long-standing shareholder and chairman
stately mansions including ‘Labassa’ in the
of the Herald newspaper, Fink’s commercial
Melbourne suburb, Caulfield North, while
interests were counterbalanced by a strong
his commissioned suites of furniture and
association with the arts – he was a long-
interior embellishments graced the homes of
standing member of the Victorian Artist’s
some of Victoria’s most prominent Western
Society and a familiar of some of the leading
District graziers.
lights of the Melbourne arts community in
Initially working in the German Renaissance
the early 20th century. The largest of the
Revival style favoured in his homeland, from
panels, an animated tableaux dated 1926,
1901 the characteristics of Prenzel’s work
depicts four Kookaburras perched on a leafy
evolved into what was colloquially known as
Eucalyptus branch and captures Prenzel’s
‘Gum Nut Art Nouveau,’ distinguished by the
ability to imbue his faunal subjects with
combination of Australian floral and faunal
personality. The panel was featured in the
motifs with the whiplash lines and stylized
retrospective of Prenzel’s work staged by
naturalism of Art Nouveau, which was
the National Gallery of Victoria in 1994 and
gathering pace as the prevailing fashion in
is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue,
art and interior design. Prenzel’s interest in
although incorrectly listed as dating from
the naturalist motifs of his adopted country
1921. The second panel, dated 1925, features
found further expression in a series of wall
a solitary Koala clinging to a Eucalyptus
panels depicting Australian native wildlife,
branch, carved in high relief, simultaneously
which were to become a commercial success
displaying
and a focal point of his workshop on Toorak
and his personal interpretation of one of
Road, South Yarra. Created from around
Australia’s faunal icons.
1912 up until the mid-1920s, the panels were
The Robert Prenzel faunal panels from the
inspired by depictions of Australian fauna
estate of the late Theodore Fink will be
in photographs, images in naturalist texts
offered in the Classic Furniture & Objects
and works by Australian artists. From these
auction on Saturday 30th May. Australian
sources, Prenzel interpreted his subjects in
and European artworks from Fink collection
three dimensions, in naturalistic settings,
will be offered in the June Fine Art auction.
presenting them within a rough-hewn frame.
Reference: Terence Lane, Robert Prenzel
The use of a template allowed for different
1866-1941: His Life and Work, National
compositions and individual alterations
Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne 1994
Prenzel’s
technical
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A rare relief carved panel depicting four Kookaburras perched on a leafy eucalyptus branch signed R.PRENZEL / 1926 $30,000 – 40,000
mastery
to a subject, while the flora depicted in
Now consigning AustraliaN Decorative Arts for auction in May. Enquiries: Chiara Curcio Classic Furniture & Objects Specialist / Books & Manuscripts (03) 8825 5635 chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au
Robert Prenzel (1866-1941) A rare relief carved panel depicting a Koala perched on a leafy eucalyptus branch signed R. PRENZEL / SOUTH YARRA VIC / 1925 $20,000 – 30,000
Guy Cairnduff Head of Classic Furniture & Objects 03 8825 5611 / 0407 828 137 guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au
Now consigning for Classic furniture & Objects AUCTION 30 MAY
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LEONARD
SINGLE OWNER COLLECTION
Science and Industry– highlights from a single owner collection of scientific instruments and industrial models
A Scale Model of a Plunger Pump From The Lord Nelson Gold Mine, St Arnaud, Victoria $2,000 – 4,000
A Cased Set of Oertling Beam Balance Scales $1,000 – 2,000
A Scratch Built 3 1/2 Inch Gauge 0-4-2 Live Steam Locomotive ‘Horatio’ $2,400 – 3,400
An Impressive Working Scale Model Of A Beam Engine, English, Circa 1940s $6,000 – 8,000
A Brass Reflecting Galvanometer, H. Tinsley & Co., London, No. 18218, Circa 1920s $200 – 300
A Live Steam Stationary Engine And Boiler Built By Alfred Ernest Smith, Former Chief Mechanical Engineer Of Victorian Railways, 1919-1926 $1,000 – 1,500
THE NEW COLLECTOR Classic Furniture & Objects LEONARD
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THE MARK LISSAUER COLLECTION
A YAO TRIBE FOLK ART EMBROIDERY “Animals of the Forest” $400 - $600
THE MARK LISSAU An Important Private Collection of Oceanic Artefacts & Asian Works of Art Arts of the Noble Savage While simplicity and function may appear to be the primary characteristics of folk and tribal art, the real attraction of these art forms often lies not in the way in which they are created, but in the story they tell us about the people and places to which they are indigenous. There is an inherent beauty to an item uncorrupted by modern civilisation, empowered instead by cultural meaning and created to symbolise a spiritual connection: “There is something intriguing about an item which doesn’t follow trends but where, instead, cultural beliefs influence the form and shape of the object,” says long time collector and Oceanic art specialist Malcolm Davidson. The art of inherited crafts has been lost in our modern digital metropolis, where we steer away from unfamiliar ideas and embellish our homes with decorative items which serve no function. Fine examples of Oceanic tribal art and Asian folk art will be on display on the 31st May when Leonard Joel disperses The Mark Lissauer Collection. The collection encompasses a plethora of Oceanic and Asian objects, field collected over a period of 40 years from tribes and villages in countries including India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Burma, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Hawaii, New Zealand, Indonesia and Fiji. Enquiries Chiara Curcio Classic Furniture & Objects Specialist / Books & Manuscripts (03) 8825 5635 chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au
A collection of hand stitched folk art textiles.
THE MARK LISSAUER COLLECTION AUCTION SUNDAY 31 MAY AT 11AM 2015
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LEONARD
THE MARK LISSAUER COLLECTION
ER COLLECTION
A MAORI TIKI, NEW ZEALAND carved green stone with Paua shell rings around central pupils, circa 1960 $500 - 700
A SANTA CRUZ ISLAND COMB, With mother-of-pearl inlay $300 - 500
A MEO TRIBE DRAGON NECKBAND, 6 DRAGONS, each pearl in mouth, tiny claws at sides, engraved scales along bodies, tails ending in coils, $500 - 700
C hina - J apan - I ndonesia - I ndia - T ibet - M elanesia - P olynesia
LEONARD
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THE GRAHAM GEDDES ANTIQUES RELOCATION AUCTION RESULTS
THE HISTORIC TWO DAY DISPERSAL OF THE GRAHAM GEDDES COLLECTION This historic two day dispersal of Graham Geddes’ famous High Street collection saw almost 2000 items offered for public auction. A packed auction room on site in High Street enjoyed catering throughout both days while clients bid enthusiastically for both monumental and peculiar items alike. A collection this vast and varied and coveted was always guaranteed to generate some exciting results and here are just three from day one. Impressive, high quality Asian objects enjoyed spirited bidding and lot 8, a large and impressive pair of Chinese blue and white floor vases typified this interest when they sold for $13,420. The appetite for large scale objects continued with the sale of lot 22, a pair of baroque style bronze torch bearers that reached over 2 metres in height. They finally sold for $9,760 while lot 91, a 17th century white robed Guanyin, reaffirmed our recent stellar results for Asian items and finally sold for $11,590. The Saturday evening session reserved for antiquities delighted when three important Greek lots enjoyed both online and in room bidding while day two will be remembered for the sale of an extremely rare peach-glazed vase that realised a staggering $73,200 (IBP). For further asian highlights from this auction see page 2 of this edition of LEONARD. Enquiries Guy Cairnduff Head of the Specialist Collector 03 8825 5611 / guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au
A PAIR OF BAROQUE STYLE BRONZE FIGURES OF TORCH BEARERS ON STANDS SOLD $9,760 IBP
A LARGE AND IMPRESSIVE PAIR OF CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN FLOOR VASES SOLD $13,420 IBP
A CHINESE BRONZE SEATED FIGURE OF THE WHITE-ROBED GUANYIN, 17TH CENTURY SOLD $11,590 IBP
GRAHAM GEDDES AUCTION
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LEONARD
Jewels & Objets D’Art SYDNEY RESULTS
Hat-trick for Leonard J el Sydney Bvlgari multi-coloured sapphire ring SOLD $9,760 IBP
Leonard Joel Sydney strengthened its place on the global auction stage with its first 2015 quarterly auction. Featuring the Doctor George Wilcox Collection, the auction highlighted fine quality examples from traditional categories. Three online selling platforms and Leonard Joel’s new alliance with Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions contributed to the sale’s success. Our lead lot and the cover piece, Lot 51, a fine Regency automata clock by James Smith, circa 1790, with an estimate of $20,000-$30,000, was highly prized, finally selling to an overseas buyer after bids from Australia, London, and China ending at $41,480 IBP. This category’s success continued with Lot 53, a George III Chinoiserie longcase clock by Spencer & Perkins, circa 1780, estimated at $4,000-$6,000, this was purchased by an Australian collector who paid
$12,993 IBP after a run of enthusiastic and spirited bidding. Lot 11, a Regency mahogany revolving top drum table, first quarter of the 19th century, lead the furniture category. Estimated at $2,500$3,500, the table was highly sought after, finally selling for $10,200 IBP to another Australian collector. One of our most exciting finds from the collection, Lot 88, an important Barr Flight & Barr Worcester porcelain set of four dishes, made for the Gordon family, by John Barker in 1812, performed strongly. Estimated at $6,000-$8,000 it sold for a staggering $15,860 IBP, to an agent in the room for a local collector who fought off telephone and internet bids from overseas. The silver selection led with Lot 134, a George III silver claret jug by Henry Cowper, London 1789, which sold for $6,000 IBP. The auction concluded with a selection
of Fine Jewellery privately consigned from a variety of vendors. Lot 260, an impressive emerald and diamond bracelet was secured for 21,960 IBP. A 2.14ct solitaire diamond ring, lot 228, sold for $17,080, and a very collectible Bvlgari multi-coloured sapphire ring, lot 242, was highly contested and eventually purchased for $9,760. Our next Sydney offering is on the 24th of May. We are now consigning Fine Jewels and Objets D’Art with a focus on Asian antiquities. Enquiries Robert Williams Specialist Jewels & Objets D’Art & Single Owner Collections 02 9362 9045 robert.williams@leonardjoel.com.au
a fine Regency automata clock by James Smith, circa 1790 SOLD $41,480 IBP
a George III silver claret jug by Henry Cowper, London 1789 SOLD $6,000 IBP
a George III Chinoiserie longcase clock by Spencer & Perkins, circa 1780 SOLD $ 12,993 IBP
NOW CONSIGNING FOR THE JEWELS OBJETS D’ART AUCTION SUNDAY 24 MAY 2015
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FINE JEWELLERY RESULTS
March Auction Highlights A DIAMOND SNOWFLAKE PENDANT SOLD $15,250 IBP
A ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL SUBMARINER WRISTWATCH SOLD $18,300 IBP
A DIAMOND CLUSTER RING SOLD $8,540 IBP
Jewels shine A CHINESE GOLD BELT SOLD $20,740 IBP
Our first Fine Jewellery offering for the season was well received with multiple bidders on all of the highlighted lots in the auction. Our cover piece, a pierced and embossed high carat gold belt of Asian origin sold for a staggering $20,740 IBP. Diamonds unsurprisingly were in demand with many doubling their estimates and the feature diamond lot 150, a 5.97ct modified emerald cut, stole the show and sold for $46,360 IBP. Signed Australian antique jewellery, always in demand with collectors pushed lot 24, a gold and mother of pearl brooch by Wendt, to ten times its estimate and sold for $10,980 IBP. With gentlemen always in the picture at our auctions, a rare ‘James Bond’ Rolex Submariner sold for the healthy sum of $18,300 IBP. Ladies diamond cocktail watches also sold well and lot 106, a rare and beautiful diamond Art Deco cocktail example, sold for $4,880 IBP. The night concluded with an array of designer jewellery including lot 349, a much sort after Georg Jensen wristwatch by Viviana Torun. It’s truly strange design generated much spirited bidding in the room, on the phone and online and was secured for $5,856 IBP. We are now consigning for our next Fine Jewellery offering in June.
AN IMPRESSIVE SOLITAIRE DIAMOND RING SOLD $46,360 IBP
Enquiries Robert Haigh, Manager, Senior Jewellery Specialist (03) 8825 5618 | robert.haigh@leonardjoel.com.au
Now consigning FOR JEWELS AUCTION 22 JUNE 2015
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LEONARD
DISCERNING WOMEN COLLECTORS
THE NEW COLLECTOR Fine Jewellery & Luxury
AN IMPRESSIVE YELLOW DIAMOND RING SOLD $91,500 IBP
Discerning Women Collectors The times are changing. The world is now full of female Jewellery collectors who are standing up and purchasing exactly what they want. No longer being dictated to by a husband or partner, today’s independent woman is asserting her authority and particular taste and actually wearing jewellery items that she wants and represents her own individual style. Recently a 6.21ct natural fancy yellow diamond ring
was featured in our Melbourne Fine jewellery catalogue. Having viewed the ring at our Sydney viewing, our client, a discerning business woman, flew to Melbourne on the night of the auction made her purchase, as well as picking up another little trinket along the way, then raced to the airport to fly back home. In January of this year we were asked to sell Sam Frost’s ring of ‘Ex-Bachelor’s’
fame. The breathtaking 3.01ct cushion cut ring was featured on the television show amongst much publicity and was made by one of Australia’s most prestigious jewellers Bunda. The purchaser, who was in the market for an engagement ring, bought it sight unseen and the purchase was made by herself on a phone bid. Naturally her fiancée was told afterwards that it was bad luck if he didn’t pay for the ring.
The new millennium woman, independent and free is not waiting to be adorned but adorns herself. With four Fine Jewellery auctions in Melbourne and a further four in Sydney every year, as well as our Jewellery and Luxury auction every Thursday, Leonard Joel is the ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of jewellery.
JOHN D’AgATA National HEAD OF JEWELLERY & SYDNEY OFFICE
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FINE ART RESULTS
ALAN SUMNER (1911-1994) Puffing Billy oil on board, 41.5 x 54.5cm SOLD $14,640 IBP
MCLEAN EDWARDS (born 1972) All in the Family oil on canvas, 180 x 180cm SOLD $10,740 IBP
W. C. PIGUENIT (1836-1914) Lane Cove River from Cliffs near Bridge, New South Wales c.1890-1901 oil on canvas, 89.5 x 65cm SOLD $97,600 IBP
Colonial, Contemporary and very Cosmopolitan While the word eclectic is now somewhat overused in art and decorating vernacular, it remains the best description for what a Leonard Joel Fine Art catalogue often looks like. One of the joys of working for Australia’s only full-service auction house is that we do not “over-filter or sanitise” our auctions with generic offerings. Our criteria is simple and different; if we believe a work of art is special it will more often than not find its way to our quarterly catalogue – in this sense we are unashamedly aesthetes not art snobs.
This approach always seems to generate colourful results and our March auction was no exception. The high point of the auction was the sale of W.C. Piguenit’s Lane Cover River from Cliffs near Bridge, New South Wales (lot 52) for $97,600 (IBP) which also confirmed that very fine colonial works, despite their traditional character, will always find a broadminded collector. The perfect counterpoint to this result was the sale of the contemporary artist Mclean Edwards’ monumental work All in the
Family (lot 95) that sold for $20,740 (IBP). The same purchaser also secured the front cover work by the Impressionist Rupert Bunny; an example of the sort of diverse and wide ranging collecting that it is becoming more and more fashionable and I think ultimately more rewarding than perhaps the more narrow collecting habits of many contemporary collectors. Finally and while Australia never enjoyed its own equivalent of an Edward Hopper-like artist, we did enjoy some wonderful mid-century artists that
began to perfectly capture the emerging cosmopolitanism of Australian cities. Lot 70, Puffing Billy by Alan Sumner, was just such a painting and it sold for $14,640 (IBP). Whether you are buying or selling I invite you to consider our fine art department for you next transaction.
Enquiries Sophie Ullin, Head of Art (03) 8825 5609 sophie.ullin@leonardjoel.com.au
Now consigning FOR FINE ART AUCTION 23 JUNE 2015
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LEONARD
SCULPTURE
THE NEW COLLECTOR Fine Art
SCULPTURE In recent years, the somewhat overlooked medium of sculpture has reappeared on collectors’ radars. For many years the acquisition of sculpture was the domain of but a few – mainly those passionate and dedicated to the three dimensional form and perhaps others who sought to experience sculpture in an outdoor context. Sculpture has of late enjoyed a raised profile further enhanced by a number of factors so what are the reasons for the reawakening? Firstly, sculpture has begun to migrate from the comfortable environs of the art gallery space into other realms where the public more readily encounter it; nowadays sculptures by contemporary artists are more likely to be commissioned over monuments dedicated to public figures. The twelve engaging contemporary sculptures that flank the Eastern Freeway by artists including Callum Morton [Hotel] and Emily Floyd [Public Art Strategy aka as Bird and Worm] are just a couple of examples that come to mind. And who could ignore the proliferation of sculpture in the Docklands precinct launched by Bruce Armstrong’s Bunjil [ Eagle], imbued with such a commanding presence? Very “open” public events have also been instrumental in this sculpture resurgence. Large, appreciative crowds are drawn to the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in both Sydney and Perth and the Lorne Sculpture Biennale in Victoria . Each event has grown exponentially and has become embedded as a much loved cultural event which in turn has translated into appreciable demand in the primary (or private) market for sculpture. Furthermore, firm and steady institutional support is provided with the presence in Victoria of Heide Museum of Modern Art and it’s 30 plus strong collection of outdoor sculpture which began in 1981. McClelland Sculpture Park & Gallery possesses an even larger permanent collection of 100 sculptures and highlights the medium with its bi-annual Survey and Awards. In addition to the cultural and public embrace of sculpture, is the developing awareness that the discipline provides great scope with bronze, glass, stone and also aluminium works adaptable to both indoor and outdoor environments. In fact, sculpture offers a wide spectrum of material in which its form can be expressed; from plastic to wood to fibre and so on. In the move away from homes decorated with brown furniture to those filled with modern design, people are realising how well sculpture harmonises and compliments this new domestic style and have become more open to the concept. Additionally the sophisticated collector also recognises how affordable sculpture is in the secondary market, though, beware, it will not remain this way forever!
SOPHIE ULLIN
Detail CLEMENT MEADMORE (1929-2005)
HEAD OF ART
Outspread 1991 Sold for $18,300 IBP
LEONARD
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VINTAGE INTERIORS
VINTAGE INTERIORS WANTED FOR AUCTION
1929 Melbourne Plan of General Development $500 - 700
Four seasons in one day! The Melbourne Auction Melbourne symbolises many different things for its four million plus inhabitants. The first things that pop into my mind when I think of Melbourne is the vibrant music scene, the diverse arts establishment and the plethora of food choices. For lots of people it’s all about the sports, whether that be AFL, cricket, tennis or soccer. For others it’s the architecture, history and culture. Whatever the reason you love Melbourne, whether it be one or all of the above, the one thing we all have in common is that we are all Melbournians and we’re very proud of it. This
August our beautiful city will be celebrating its 180th birthday and in honour of this auspicious occasion Leonard Joel, Melbourne’s oldest auction house will be holding a special thematic auction in Melbourne’s honour. One of the items already consigned is this rare 1929 Melbourne Plan of General Development with an estimate $500-700. Entries are now invited.
Enquiries Sasa Mitic, Manager, Objects & Books (03) 8825 5604 | sasa.mitic@leonardjoel.com.au
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LEONARD
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
MUS CAL
INSTRUMENTS Last year I was given the opportunity to trial a new category in the Leonard Joel calendar and to be honest I was surprised nobody had attempted it before - not just at Leonard Joel but at any other Australian auction house for that matter. While every auction house has sold instruments before for some reason no one had bothered to focus solely on Musical Instruments as a category. In the U.K and America there are auction houses that specialise in just this category, so why doesn’t Australia and Melbourne specifically (one of the music capitols of the world) have an equivalent? Well, if the results of our first dedicated auction in this category are anything to go by, I think we might have the makings of a serious new category for years to come. Highlights of our inaugural auction included a 1930’s Dobro resonator slide guitar ($1,220 IBP), a W. E. Hill and Son silver mounted bow ($3,050 IBP) and a 19th Century African Blackwood flute by Rudall and Rose that enjoyed heated bidding from multiple continents and finally realised $1,680 IBP. After the auction I was approached by some serious collectors who said ‘we’re not sure why nobody has bothered focusing on this category but we’re glad you did and you have our support’ – a lovely compliment for our first foray in to music!
Our next Musical Instruments auction will be held in conjunction with our biannual Classic Furniture & Objects auction in May 2015. We are now calling for all instruments; violins, guitars, horns, percussion, pianos and any other exotic instruments that both generate an interesting sound and are collectible. Are you a possible seller of musical instruments? If you have been holding onto an instrument and are not sure what to do with it or you have a collection that is ready for dispersal to the next generation of collectors or you simply can’t be bothered dealing with the overwhelming nature of EBAY, then contact Leonard Joel. One of the feature lots of our next auction will be a 1930’s Alcoa Aluminum violin. One of only 435 ever made, it is number 287 in the edition and carries an estimate of $3,000-5,000. For all enquiries regarding this upcoming auction contact Sasa Mitic, Manager, Objects & Books (03) 8825 5604 | sasa.mitic@leonardjoel.com.au
GUITAR - 1930’S ACOUSTIC STEEL STRING RESONATOR GUITAR BY DOBRO. COMES WITH ORIGINAL CASE. SOLD $1,220 IBP
1930s ALCOA ALUMINIUM VIOLIN NUMBERED 259 $3,000 - 5,000
Now consigning MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR AUCTION 30 MAY LEONARD
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DREWEATTS & BLOOMSBURY
Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Presenting
THE COLLECTION OF THE LATE IAN ASKEW AT DREWEATTS, DONNINGTON PRIORY, TUESDAY 14th APRIL 2015
Donnington Priory -Dreweatts are pleased
they founded O.F. Wilson Antiques Ltd on
reputedly given to Emperor Franz Joseph’s
“His appreciation of the good things in life
to announce the sale of furniture, pictures
the Fulham Road, a highly successful and
vet [est. £400-600, Lot 300].
lead not only to delicious food but also a
and works of art from The Collection of
pioneering antiques business that served
A keen countryman, Ian Askew was joint
handsome display of silver, porcelain and
the late Ian Askew. The auction on Tuesday
the rich and famous of Chelsea and attracted
master of the Southdown and Eridge Hunt
glass on his dining table”
14th April at Dreweatts, Donnington Priory
high profile interior designers from across
from the mid-1950s and was made president
From Ian Askew’s dining room are a set of
saleroom captures Ian Askew’s exceptional
the globe.
of the hunt in 1968 until his death. Hunting
six George III painted hall chairs, circa 1780
artistic eye and his greatest passions in life,
Ian Askew’s partnership with O.F. Wilson
has its own devoted section of 23 lots in the
that bear the Askew crest [est. £5,000-8,000,
hunting, antiques and art, dining and his
Antiques Ltd and his natural eye, saw him
catalogue, stirrup cups modelled on foxes sit
Lot 57]. Also offered in the dining room
Pugs.
transform his London and Sussex homes
beside ceramics, paintings and drawings all
section of the catalogue and featuring the
at
into a diverse treasure trove of antiques
centred on country pursuits. Four Hunting
Askew crest is a Chinese porcelain armorial
Dreweatts said; “Ian Askew was a well-
covering all styles, tastes and subject matter.
Scenes, by Edward Robert Smythe [est.
tea caddy from the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong
loved character across his home county of
The Dreweatts catalogue is formed around
£1,200-1,800, Lot 31] and a Worcester black-
(1736-95) [est. £500-600, Lot 74].
Sussex, with a great generosity of character
the rooms of Ian Askew’s home, interspersed
printed punch bowl, circa 1770, decorated
Askew was an active member of both local
and legendary sense of humour. We are
with themed sections, including his lifetime
with hunting scenes [est. £500-800, Lot 22]
and county life. Through his positions as
delighted to present his collection and
companions, Pug dogs.
will be of particular interest to those who
High Sherriff of Sussex, Deputy Lieutenant
hope buyers will take the same delight
Leading the section devoted to his favourite
share Ian Askew’s passion for country life.
and President of the South of England Show
when selecting pieces from his treasured
dog breed, is an 18th century Italian School
Following a distinguished career in the war,
Ian Askew supported many areas of Sussex
collection.”
oil on canvas titled; An apotheosis of a
where Ian Askew was awarded the Military
life.
Ian Askew (1921-2014) was born in to
favourite Pug, [est. £1,500-2,500, Lot 298].
Cross for disregard of personal danger, he
The Collection of the late Ian Askew, will be
the Rank family, founders of Rank Hovis
“Oh the Pugs. They were omnipresent -
had a brief desire to open a restaurant in
offered at Dreweatts Donnington Priory on
Mcdougall and manufacturers of a vast
snuffling around - The only silent ones were
London, serving an apprenticeship in the
Tuesday 14th April 2015.
empire of goods from Hovis bread to
either those painted or those in ceramics or
kitchens at the Dorchester Hotel. He instead
The catalogue is available to view online at
Sharwood’s
www.dreweatts.com.
Will
Richards,
Deputy
spicy
sauces.
Chairman
Initially
he
bronze.”
pursued his interests in the world of antiques
pursued a career in the military, serving in
The section also features models of Pugs in
but his love of food and entertaining never
North Africa and Italy, before his enduring
ceramic and bronze by Meissen, Derby and
left him and he channelled this passion into
love of antiques drew him into partnership
an Austrian cold-painted bronze group of a
entertaining at his homes in London and
with lifelong friend, John Wilson. Together
bulldog and Chihuahua, circa 1900 that was
Sussex.
Lot 298 part
Lot 300
Lot 22
Lot 74
View the auction catalogue at www.dreweatts.com
APRIL
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LEONARD
LUXURY AUCTION
A SAINT MM JEANNE HANDBAG BY GOYARD The forest green Saint Jeanne MM with signature chevron pattern, green leather trim and silver metal hardware, 33 x 22 x 10cm. $1,000 - 1,500
GOYARD 1792 FRANCE Of the many luxury houses that have enjoyed a resurgence in the latter part of the 20th century, Goyard stands alone for exclusivity, prestige and style. Goyard evolved from the House of Martin, which was established by trunk maker Pierre-Francois Martin in 1792. Former apprentice Francois Goyard took over the firm in 1852, opening workshops where he could
control production from start to finish, thus maintaining the quality and standard of his product. The distinctive Goyardine canvas takes its inspiration from Francois’ family history, where his family worked as transporters that moved firewood by inland waterways. The unique canvas design with a ‘piled up dot pattern’ clearly hints at logs driven by his ancestors from the forests
of Morvan to Paris. When Jean-Michel Signoles took over the house in 1998 he decided to introduce new colours in addition to the historic black shade Goyardine. This revitalized the brand and introduced a younger and fresh clientele. Historical clients of the firm include Pablo Picasso, Coco Chanel, Marilyn Monroe and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Although the
house has seen great expansion and innovation in recent years, it remains true to its origins. Without the backing of a leading group and with complete disregard for marketing or massproduction, Goyard remains a beacon of timeless elegance, craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Enquiries Amanda Saini Jewellery & Luxury Assistant (03) 8825 5645 amanda.saini@leonardjoel.com.au
Now consigning FOR LUXURY AUCTION 14 MAY 2015
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NEW ART & CULTURE ISSUE 9 MARCh 2015 El AnAtsui GilbErt & GEorGE ClAirE lAmbE riChArd lEwEr dAvid lynCh
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MARLENE DUMAS Evil is Banal, 1984 oil on canvas 125 x 105 cm Courtesy the artist and Tate Modern, London