LEONARD, issue 39, May 2015

Issue THIRTYNINE / MAY 2015

MELBOURNE / SYDNEY

DESTINATION Hong Kong

Siegfried & Diane Hearst Collection of Asian Works of Art

The China Art Super-cycle

Sydney Asian Art & Objects

ASIAN TEXTILES The Mark Lissauer Collection

Asian Works of Art

亞洲藝術作品

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 Mark Lissauer Collection Sunday 31 May at 11am LOT 1487 A LARGE FRAMED SUZHOU EMBROIDERY depicting eighteen children playing within a double gourd, 121 x 86cm $1,200-2,000

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

Email tae.schmeisser@leonardjoel.com.au

MELBOURNE

SYDNEY

Primary Salerooms

By Appointment

333 Malvern Road,

39 Queen Street,

South Yarra, Victoria 3141

Woollahra, New South Wales 2025

Australia

Australia

Tel: +61 (0) 3 9826 4333

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M ARGARET RIVER

Leonard Joel is a proud supporter of Arts Project Australia

CoNTeNTs

WHERE CaN I FIND LEONaRD? mAY contEnts BROMLEY + BLaCkMaN FOREWORD NEWS CaLENDaR JEWELS, OBJEtS D’aRt & aSIaN WORkS OF aRt, SYDNEY CLaSSIC FURNItURE & OBJECtS tHE MaRk LISSaUER COLLECtION JEWELS HIGHLIGHtS HaLLMaRkS, SIGNatURES & StaMPS ON JEWELLERY FINE aRt HIGHLIGHtS DEStINatION HONG kONG SPECIaLISt PRINtS vINtaGE INtERIORS MODERN DESIGN DREWEattS & BLOOMSBURY StOCk IN tRaDE 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 the start of every month. But don’t delay as copies run out quickly!

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MaY

BROMLEY + BLACKMAN

BROMLEY + BLACKMAN 3RD MAY - 3RD JUNE AT

BROMLEY AND CO

93 TO 95 CHAPEL STREET WINDSOR BERTIE AND FELIX BLACKMAN AND DAVID AND YUGE BROMLEY INVITE YOU TO AN EXHIBITION OF ARTISTIC INTERPRETATIONS OF INFLUENTIAL AND ICONIC ART BY CHARLES BLACKMAN THE COLLECTION WILL COVER MANY FACETS OF BLACKMAN , FROM PAST DECADES ORIGINAL WORKS THROUGH TO A CATALOGUE OF WORK CREATED MORE RECENTLY WHICH PO WILL BE PORTRAYED IN MAJOR SCULPTURAL BRONZES , BLACKMAN STUDIO COLLAGES , LIMITED EDITION SERIES OF PRINTS , QUILTS , EMBROIDERIES , FASHION AND CERAMICS. ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE A VARYING BODY OF WORK WITH ONE KEY THREAD , A LIMITED EDITION HAND BOUND BOOK - AN OVERVIEW , COMPILATION AND MISSING ASSESMENT OF BLACKMANS REMARKABLE PAST DECADE OF WORK

03 95108990

MAY

www.bromleyandco.com

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LEONARD

FOReWord

THE CHINA ART SUPER-CYCLE For the sake of transparency parts of this greatest I would witness in my lifetime.

lion in sales at auction which is just shy of the resent three of the top 10 contemporary art

foreword first appeared in the November My final story drives the title of this foreword total generated by the world’s three biggest selling capitals of the world 2011 edition of LEONARD. I have updated it and it relates to an extremely useful publica- grossing artists at auction! Just think about • to coincide with this Asia edition.

The Chinese owned Poly International

tion titled, more recently, as Contemporary that; a decade old contemporary art market remains the 3rd largest auction house in the

Before putting fingers to keyboard for this Art Market 2014 (CAM14) which is produced generates a single artist with a combined world by turnover with seven of the top 10 foreword I had three short stories rolling by ARTPRICE, the leader in international auction value of the remaining world’s top 3. auction houses of the world emanating from around my head. Let me very briefly share fine art auction sales data and trends. It is Clearly the super-cycle is still in full swing. them with you.

The first is the moment I heard the term snapshot of global art movements. “super-cycle” coined in 2007 to describe the

reflect the tectonic and lightening-speed mainland Chinese is historically unprec-

The 2014 edition, like the 2010 edition I last shift in the art market from West to East.

completely historical industrial transforma- visited, confirmed that China’s utter domi- • tion underway in China – a transformation

China

an annual read and it provides a wonderful Below I present several more statistics that The scale of repatriation of Chinese art by

40% of global contemporary art sales volume of output from China, both now

nance of the market continues. CAM14 is are now Chinese artists

that will blitz the equivalent that took place very statistical and survey

•

in Japan between 1945 and 1985.

artists are Chinese

driven which is probably why I like it, as

The second is the assistance I provided a cli- crunching their numbers is made very easy

•

and over the centuries, combined with the

47 of the top 100 selling contemporary extraordinary rise in wealth of the Chinese more generally is creating nothing less than

Asia now contributes 54% of the best a turbo-charged cultural collecting

ent to transact two works by a contemporary for someone as innumerate as myself. As I selling contemporary artists at auction Chinese artist in Hong Kong in recent years – progress through CAM14 I remain

•

edented and the combination of the sheer

phenomena.

More paintings are sold in China than It is only a matter of time before the eyes of

the works returned an approximately 800% overwhelmed by the continuing Chinese art the combined markets of France, the USA one the Chinese auction houses moves from profit – yes that’s 800%! I told him at the sales phenomena. To take just one statistic, and the UK time that this windfall was, I believed, the the artist Zeng Fanzhi generated €59.6 mil- •

attraction to one of the global auction houses

Guangzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou rep- to acquisition.

John Albrecht MANAGING DIRECTOR & NATIONAL HEAD OF COLLECTIONS

Art Market Trends 2010 can be viewed and downloaded at www.artprice.com

LEONARD

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NEWS

PRE-OWNED LUXURY AUCTION THURSDAY 14 MAY AT 12PM

A PAIR OF WHITE LOUBOUTIN SHOES WITH MULTICOLOUR PIGALLE SPIKES, SIZE 36 $300 - 500

Enquiries Amanda Saini Jewellery & Luxury Assistant 03 8825 5645 amanda.saini@leonardjoel.com.au

THE MELBOURNE AUCTION NOW CONSIGNING FOR AUGUST AUCTION

Enquiries Sasa Mitic, Manager, Objects & Books (03) 8825 5604 | sasa.mitic@leonardjoel.com.au

W-Class tram destination box $1,200-1,800

Dominic Kavanagh, Manager, Vintage Interiors (03) 8825 5632 | dom.kavanagh@leonardjoel.com.au

MAY

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LEONARD

Calendar

UNIQUE BEATLES PHOTOGRAPHIC AUCTION

Forthcoming Auctions The Vintage Interiors Auction Every Thursday Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery & Wristwatches – 10.30am Art – 11.30am Books – 12pm Objects & Collectibles – 12pm

INCLUDING ENTERTAINMENT MEMORABILIA

BID LIVE ONLINE

333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

AUCTION Thursday 7 MAY at 12Pm

Beatles Auction Thursday 7th May 2015 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Stock In Trade of Wally Johnson’s Antique & Collectables Sunday 10th May 2015 – 11am 130 Dynon Road, West Melbourne, Victoria

SINGLE OWNER AUCTION

Specialist Prints Auction Thursday 14th May 2015 – 11.30am 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Pre Owned Luxury 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

PHOTOGRAPH OF SEAN CONNERY AS JAMES BOND WITH SHIRLEY EATON AS JILL MASTERSON ON SET OF ‘GOLDFINGER’, NUMBERED 9 OF 20, IMAGE 38 X 46CM $300-$400

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

Fine Art Auction Tuesday 23rd June 2015 – 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria PHOTOGRAPH OF MARILYN MONROE

BY JOSEPH JASGUR, NUMBERED 3 OF 25, IMAGE 36 X 46CM $300-$400

Enquiries Tae Schmeisser Collectibles Consultant 03 8825 5625 tae.schmeisser@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

Auctions and viewing times are subject to change.

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MAY

Jewels, Objets D’Art & ASIAN WORKS OF ART

JEWELS, OBJETS D’A RT & ASIAN W RKS OF ART

282 TWO GLASS SNUFF BOTTLES, ONE WITH QIANLONG MARK $500 -700

176 A RARE CHINESE CELADON GLAZED EWER, EARLY MING PERIOD $7,000 - 10,000

224 AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY JAPANESE CARVED IVORY TUSK WITH SIGNATURE $6,000 - 8,000

222 A LARGE CHINESE 19TH CENTURY POLYCHROME IVORY FIGURE OF A LADY $20,000 - 30,000

Jewels, Objets D’Art & Asian Works of Art Sydney Auction Sunday 24 May 2015, 1pm

Melbourne Highlights 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra Wednesday 13 May 9am - 8pm

Auction Location in Sydney InterContinental Sydney, Double Bay 33 Cross Street, Double Bay NSW 2028

john.dagata@leonardjoel.com.au Preview in Sydney Leonard Joel 39 Queen Street Woollahra NSW 2025 16 - 17 May 10am - 4pm 20 - 23 May 10am - 4pm

MAY

Jewels & Objets D’Art Enquiries John D’Agata (02) 9362 9045 / 0408 355 339

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Robert Williams (02) 9362 9045 robert.williams@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

Jewels, Objets D’Art & ASIAN WORKS OF ART

ASIAN WORKS OF ART Jewels & Objets D’Art

151 A GILT BRONZE SIX ARMS BULMO BUDDHA, QING DYNASTY Provenance: from the estate of Siegfried and Diane Hearst. $7,000 - 10,000

the Siegfried and Diane Hearst COLLECTION Leonard Joel is honoured to present a selection of pieces from the famed collection of Siegfried and Diane Hearst. Diane, having given up her career as a concert pianist to make an even greater name for herself teaching and Siegfried a New York National Broadcasting Network impresario, were the musical toast of New York’s high society during the first half of the 20th century. The musical personalities were regularly called upon to lend pieces from their personal collection; which was mostly housed in their Santa Fe ranch, to museums and galleries. Mrs Hearst

is quoted from the following excerpt in The Australian Women’s Weekly 1949; “ See, here is a figure of the Wei dynasty, one century after Christ and there, on the piano, is a Han dynasty vase,” she said adding that many pieces have been lent to museums. After collecting Chinese art for 30 years, Mrs Hearst has now so interested her husband in the subject that she says he is now a “rabid collector”. As an impresario Mr Hearst is a business man primarily concerned with the engaging of artists and arranging concerts. The names of Artur Rubinstein, Vladimir Horowitz, Arturo Toscanini,

Josef Krips and Otto Klemperer are just some of the great musicians whom he has worked with.

Leonard Joel Sydney will be offering 33 lots from the collection in its May 24th auction. The collection including fine Asian art will include a selection of bronze Buddha’s, an important 18th century thangka, a small Qianlong marked Qing vase and a small Song/Yuan porcelain Guanyin. Also offered will be a selection of fine European decorative arts, including a 14th century and later Santos figure and religious carvings, a Gothic bronze Corpus, a Venetian Madonna

and Child, follower of Jacobello, a 17th century painting after Veneto Cretan and a pair of German 18th/19th century stained glass roundels.

Enquiries Robert Williams Specialist Jewels & Objets D’Art & Single Owner Collections 02 9362 9045 robert.williams@leonardjoel.com.au

Images of Siegfried Hurst and interior of their home

LEONARD

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CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS

CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS

Pietro Bazzanti, (Italian, late 19th century) A Florentine white marble and alabaster figure of a girl $18,000 – 22,000

Classic Furniture & Collectables Auction Saturday 30 May 2015, 11am

MAY

Enquiries Guy Cairnduff Head of Classic Furniture & Objects The Specialist Collector (03) 8825 5611 / 0407 828 137 guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au

Preview Saturday 23 May 10am-5pm Sunday 24 May 10am-5pm Wednesday 27 May 9am-8pm Thursday 28 May 10am-4pm Friday 29 May 10am-4pm

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Chiara Curcio Classic Furniture & Objects Specialist / Books & Manuscripts (03) 8825 5635 chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS

IMPERIAL SILK A VERY RARE CHINESE QING DYNASTY, 17/18TH CENTURY (LONGPAO JIFU) DRAGON ROBE FOR AUCTION

A RARE CHINESE IMPERIAL SEMIFORMAL CHESTNUT BROWN NINEDRAGON (LONGPAO) ROBE (JIFU), QING DYNASTY, LATE KANGXI PERIOD/EARLY YONGZHENG PERIOD (CIRCA 1680-1735) Estimate on Request

The Manchurian foreign rulers who gov-

auctioned in May at Leonard Joel. It is a

century.

important international exhibitions dedi-

erned China throughout the Qing dynasty,

very fine and rare example of the outstand-

This rare example, with original Chinese

cated to them over the years.

used imperial dress to to re-enforce their

ing workmanship and remarkable symbol-

tailoring, has been carefully embroidered

For comparison, please refer to: a black

legitimacy and emphasize their heritage and

ism which featured in Imperial garments,

with long dragons amidst colourful clouds,

dragon robe in the Museum of Fine Arts,

power.

and is emblazoned upon every section of its

with ‘flaming pearls’ a symbol of energy,

Boston, dated to the first quarter of the

“The Manchus literally wrote themselves

fabric from this same dynasty in China’s rich

above crashing waves and a lishui (standing

eighteenth century and illustrated in Vollm-

into existence by creating origins, myths,

history.

waves) border, characteristic of the period.

er’s, Ruling from the Dragon Throne, p. 100,

divine ancestors and by developing a dis-

In ancient China, dragons were considered

The iconography embroidered to represent

fig. 4.18; and a lovely pale blue example,

tinctive form of dress.”[1]

to be the spiritual rulers of the universe: the

the universe, with the earth, sea and sky.

illustrated by Judith Rutherford and Jackie

Imperial robes decorated with nine dragons

mythical creatures were composed of parts

The sleeves, with matching horseshoe cuffs

Menzies in Celestial Silks, p. 65, fig. 31, now

(longpao), known as jifu, literally meaning

of different auspicious animals, including

– matixiu, indicative of the Manchurian

in a private collection in Melbourne.

‘auspicious dress,’ were the quintessential

the antlers of a deer, the neck of a snake, the

equestrian heritage and are typical of Qing

Two Kangxi period longpao jifu, one in

attire of the Qing dynasty.

paws of a tiger and the talons of an eagle.

court fashion.

salmon, the other in black silk, recently sold

They were the dress of the imperial govern-

They became an embodiment of imperial

This nine-dragon robe symbolises the Con-

in international auction rooms, achieving

ment. Not designed for ritual or ceremonial

power and great authority. The emperor

fucian ideal of eight fields protected by a

very successful results, selling for more than

occasions, but for civil administration, they

ruled from the Dragon Throne.[2]

ninth encircling it, as depicted by the four

$85,000 and $200,000 respectively.

were worn to recognize high position and

The nine five-claw (long) dragons depicted

dragons radiating from the neck and on the

We, at Leonard Joel are very proud to have

rank - one could only wear a coat of this

in golden thread on the fabric of this coat,

chest, shoulders and back. These pointed to

the opportunity to offer this extraordinary

nature, if entitled to do so.

were a motif that could only be worn by an

the direction of the cardinal points on the

example of a Qing dynasty imperial garment

Imperial court dress is a feature of the mag-

elite member of the imperial clan or one of

compass. Four additional dragons appear

from the late 17th/early 18th century, rich

nificent international exhibition that is cur-

its high-ranking officials. The colour of the

on the skirts of the robe. A hidden ninth

in cultural heritage, along with a selection

rently being held at the National Gallery of

robe too, clearly defines the status of the

dragon, unseen is placed on the inner flap of

of other robes from the same Private Mel-

Victoria, “A Golden Age of China”, which

wearer.

the robe. Nine has a long association with the

bourne Collection.

has on display a number of Imperial robes

The chestnut bronze hue of this robe indi-

emperor, and is a very auspicious number.

from the Qing period.

cates that it was once in the possession of

The imperial dragon Robes jifu have been

By Sally A. Robin

The magnificent robe presented here, from

a first or second-ranking Imperial prince

the subject of extensive research, are keenly

Chinese Art Specialist

a Private Collection in Melbourne, is to be

of the late seventeenth/early eighteenth

sought after, and there have been numerous

References: Rutherford, J., and Menzies, J., Celestial Silks: Chinese Religious and Court Textiles, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 31 July – 24 October, 2004.

Steele, V. and Major, J.S., China Chic – East Meets West, Yale University Press, London, 1999.

Vollmer, J. E., Ruling from the Dragon Throne: Costume of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, 2002; and Longpao: Dragon Robes, Hong Kong, 2013.

[1] E. Vollmer, “Longpao: Dragon Robes”, Catalogue Note, 2013 [2] Rutherford, J., “The realm of the dragon – Court Robes”, Celestial Silks, p. 59.

LEONARD

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THE MARK LISSAUER COLLECTION

THE MARK LISSAUER COLLECTION An Important Private Collection of Oceanic Artefacts & Asian Works of Art

Tribal Highlights

1712 A MASSIM REGION CANOE SPLASHBOARD, CIRCA 1950 $1,000 - 2,000 As well as being ornamental they helped increase the freeboard of the canoe by allowing boards to be attached between the two splashboards and stopping waves spilling into the craft. Splashboards were also believed to have magical powers bringing good fortune and safety to the owner.

1687 A NEW BRITAIN TOLAI CEREMONIAL DANCE AXE $1,000 - 1,500 These axes known locally as pem were used by the Tolai from New Britain during mourning ceremonies and have a ritual function. The image at the base of the axe is the round eyes of the tubuan mask.

1690 A MIDDLE SEPIK ANCESTOR MASK $3,000 - 5,000

1844 A 19TH CENTURY MAORI BASALT PATU $3,000 - 5,000

1845 A HAWAIIAN POI BOWL $3,000 - 5,000

Originally worn by young men during initiation ceremonies. The mask would symbolise female and male ancestors, being a mask for each gender. The male ancestor masks were generally carved with elongated features of both bird and man whereas the corresponding female ancestor mask would be round and fuller.

These basalt clubs are known as patu onewa.

They were highly prized objects due to the long and laborious time it took to manufacture them to an almost machined perfection.

Known as a Poi bowl or food bowl circa 19th/20th century , being laborious to make many of the bowls show repairs such as these hourglass or butterfly patches that replaced broken or damaged sections, and were passed down through each generation.

The Mark Lissauer Collection Auction Sunday 31 May 2015, 11am

MAY

Preview Saturday 23 May 10am-5pm Sunday 24 May 10am-5pm Wednesday 27 May 9am-8pm Thursday 28 May 10am-4pm Friday 29 May 10am-4pm

Enquiries Chiara Curcio Classic Furniture & Objects Specialist / Books & Manuscripts (03) 8825 5635 chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au

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LEONARD

THE MARK LISSAUER COLLECTION

Asian Highlights

1584 A 15TH CENTURY MOKO BRONZE KETTLE DRUM, ALOR ISLAND $800 - 1,000 Mainly found in Alor island, moko drums are highly sought after, as they are no longer being produced.

They are ceremonial drums which are also used as dowries to acquire a bride or as a symbol of social status

1269 A BRONZE CEREMONIAL BHUTA BODY MASK $2,000 - 3,000 Bhuta is a Sanskrit word that means passed away or spirit. Bhuta ceremonies were conducted to evoke a spirit, which was enabled by a highly stylized ritual dance where the masks are used, and the dancer then transformed into an oracle for their audience. These ceremonies were often commissioned by wealthy families and only occurred once a year.

1215 A SUISEKI, ROCK FORMATION $600 - 700

1133 A RARE ROCK CRYSTAL KAPALA CEREMONIAL BOWL $2,000 - 3,000

1469 AN ELABORATE OLD CHINESE OPERA SINGER’S HEADDRESS $400 - 600

Suiseki are naturally occurring rock formations, and they are a representation of the beauty of nature and the superfluous relationship between man and nature.

Originally influenced by the scholars stones of China, their introduction into Japan is believed to have begun in the Asuka period (538-710 AD)

Kapala is a sanskrit word meaning skull or forehead, and originally these were crafted from human skullcaps and heavily embellished with various precious metals and stones. Kapala vessels, now commonly bronze or alloy based are used for esoteric purposes such as tantric rituals and offerings.

Kingfisher feather art, also known as tian-tsui, has been a highly regarded art work in China for the past 2000 years.

Mainly commissioned by wealthy and noble families, tiantsui was a highly specialised and painstaking craft which died with the rise of the Chinese revolution in the 1940s.

C h i n a - J apa n - I n d o n e s i a - I n d i a - T i be t - M ela n e s i a - P o ly n e s i a

LEONARD

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JEWELS HIGHLIGHTS

June Auction Highlights

Jewels AN IMPRESSIVE PAIR OF COLOMBIAN EMERALD AND DIAMOND EARRINGS $40,000 – 60,000

A CHANEL J12 AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH $3,000 – 5,000

AN ANTIQUE AQUAMARINE AND SEED PEARL NECKLACE IN 15CT GOLD $1,600 – 2,400

AN ANTIQUE SOLITAIRE OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND RING WEIGHING 2.0CTS, COLOUR G CLARITY SI. $10,000 – 12,000

Jewels Auction Monday 22 June 2015 at 6pm

MAY

Sydney Viewing Highlights Friday 12 June 10am-4pm Saturday 13 June 10am-4pm Sunday 14 June 10am-4pm

Melbourne Viewing Wednesday 17 June 9am-8pm Thursday 18 June 10am-4pm Friday 19 June 10am-4pm Saturday 20 June 10am-5pm Sunday 21 June 10am-5pm

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Enquiries Robert Haigh, Manager, Senior Jewellery Specialist (03) 8825 5618 robert.haigh@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

HALLMARKS, SIGNATURES & STAMPS ON JEWELLERY

Hallmarks, Signatures & Stamps on Jewellery When considering the purchase of jewellery at auction it is important to carefully examine the piece and locate any and all the marks on it. Many pieces, even of the highest quality are very often unmarked, but when marked they can reveal great detail about the piece.

Without marks much of the history may be lost if given to the next generation or sold on the open market to the highest bidder. Marks may be found anywhere and it is important to check over the entire piece carefully, as the marks might be hidden in obscure places. Some of the more common places to check are on the inside of a ring shank, on the back of a piece or on its clasp.

There are a multitude of marks that may be found and a great deal of useful information can be ascertained from them. English hallmarks for example will

provide the exact year the piece was assayed and the type and purity of the metal of manufacture. We may find more standard marks such as ‘750’ for 18ct gold and ‘925’ for sterling silver. The number refers to the purity of the metal in parts per 1000. Many jewellers and jewellery houses will sign their items and may also include a design reference number. This is done to enhance brand identification and shows pride in manufacture. These marks can reveal for all time valuable information such as how many items of a particular design were produced and the original price. This is done using the marks to research and verify the piece.

Questions like who commissioned a piece and why, may still be problematic but the marks can identify the craftsman who made the piece. The bigger Houses keep extensive records, especially on

the bespoke pieces commissioned by wealthy, famous or infamous clients.

This can all add a significant premium to the market price - a true indication of the desirability of an item. Take, for example, the recent sale of the Wendt brooch in Leonard Joel’s March Fine Jewellery sale which hammered for $9000 against an estimate of $800 - $1200.

When looking at the marks on pieces there are numerous considerations but the first thing to identify is whether the marks are genuine. First, we can ascertain whether the marks have been applied in the correct fashion, for example stamped rather than cast into the piece. If they are cast, then the piece has been copied from the original and would be valued at a mere fraction of the original and may even be illegal to own. Secondly, does the mark match the period of the

piece? For example, Georg Jensen has a particular stamp depending on the period of its manufacture. If the period of the piece and the stamp do not fit, serious questions must be asked. A third consideration is quality of manufacture.

If a famous house signature such as VCA or Cartier appears but the quality is not up to their high standards, it must be more closely examined. Another check to be made is of such things as stamped design references, to ensure they match the original.

At Leonard Joel our team of specialists, valuers, and qualified staff would be happy to assist with any questions you may have about the marks on pieces you are considering purchasing or selling at auction.

ROBERT HAIGH MANAGER, SENIOR JEWELLERY SPECIALIST

Jade Auction Highlights

A PAIR OF ART DECO JADE AND DIAMOND EARRINGS SOLD $1,952 IBP

LEONARD

AN ART DECO CARVED JADEITE AND DIAMOND PENDANT SOLD $2,440 IBP AN ART DECO JADEITE AND DIAMOND BROOCH SOLD $1,708 IBP

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MAY

FINe aRT HIgHLIgHTs

June Auction Highlights

frAnZ Von stUCk Athlete bronze $12,000 - 14,000

JAMEs fArDoULYs My Cat Doula 1966 oil on board, 38 x 48cm $8,000 - 10,000

CHArLEs BLACkMAn Golden Eve 1971 oil on board, 135 x 181cm $45,000 - 65,000

Fine art auction tuesday 23 June 2015, 6.30pm

MaY

DAViD LArWiLL Untitled c. 1981 oil on canvas, 85 x 101cm $8,000 - 12,000

Melbourne viewing Wednesday 17 June 9am-8pm thursday 18 June 10am-4pm friday 19 June 10am-4pm saturday 20 June 10am-5pm sunday 21 June 10am-5pm

Enquiries sophie Ullin, Head of Art (03) 8825 5609 sophie.ullin@leonardjoel.com.au

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leoNarD

DESTINATION HONG KONG

Destination Hong Kong M o v i n g bey o n d t he b r a n d You probably don’t need to read the newspaper or consult Google to know that London and New York now have another contender in the ranks for the title of serious major art centre: Hong Kong. Testament to this, the latest TEFAF Art Market Report revealed that China accounted for 22% of the $70.7 billion market, matching the U.K. at 22% behind poll leader the U.S. at 39%.

It is impossible to ignore the region’s exponential growth. In under a decade Hong Kong has cemented itself as an art powerhouse, boasting itself as the third jewel in the Art centre crown.

I experienced a slice of the pulsating action in March when I answered the alluring siren call to attend Art Basel Hong Kong, the third edition of the stellar fair brand, now in its third year. I had visited the previous fair incarnation Art Hong Kong (2008-2012), which was instrumental in putting the region on the art radar. On these first trips I witnessed the topography of the commercial art scene shift at lighting speed from a local to global focus, international contemporary galleries spawning branches with alarming and amazing alacrity. This led critics to label Art Hong Kong as a

branding exercise, an echoing of the retail colonisation model espoused by multinationals like Apple. Unsurprisingly, there was speculation as to whether the fair and new galleries were more akin to art pop-ups, spaces that barely invested in creating depth and were yet to prove that they could or would cater beyond a narrow audience.

The push was evident amongst auction houses too. Major players Christie’s and Sotheby’s have been ensconced in Hong Kong for many years, but have recently been joined

by Bonhams who have set up rooms.

The rapidity of the growth in commercial art in Hong Kong is to some degree unexpected in a place that is a trading hub at its core. Given the credence Hong Kong gives to luxury brands, the million dollar question is whether the fundamentals of this art hub can move beyond both this abiding brand reliance and overwhelming financial thrust to also embrace the depth and scope of its cultural aspects.

jaded, battle-weary veteran of many fairs, I happily found myself in a more nuanced and sophisticated fair environment with much to discover and uncover. There was a notable increase in the presence of heavyweight galleries from Europe and the U.S., who brought with them a more serious tone and considered attitude, banishing any notions of razzle-dazzle or traces of vanilla art .

Rather, much of the work on view was by turns contemplative, captivating and provocative, engendering the necessary push and pull effect that creates a satisfying and stimulating art experience.

institutions at a level only matched in the 21st century by the U.A.E.’s prodigious cultural pursuits. Recently, the former Police Married Quarters in Hong Kong was transformed into a not-for profit platform for creative industries, whilst Asia’s oldest independent contemporary artist-run space ParaSite moved to new and expanded premises last month.

Furthermore, there is the development of the enormous and ambitious West Kowloon Cultural District, housing multiple arts venues including the much anticipated art museum, M+ (opening 2018).

Contemporaneously the international gallery outposts have acclimatised to their new environment and are working hard to calibrate themselves towards an expanding market with a desire to educate and invest in the long term growth of the region. They are achieving this in part by offering diverse exhibition programs which are better balanced between Asian and European artists.

It will certainly be fascinating to observe how Hong Kong’s innate, resounding energy and entrepreneurial spirit are galvanised in shaping the city as a major art hub. Certainly one of the most exciting aspects from the Australian perspective is that we are poised on Hong Kong’s doorstep, the wide gap separating us from the Northern Hemisphere is finally beginning to close.

Importantly, Hong Kong is not simply allowing the commercial realm to dominate the art sphere. It is dedicating vast resources to creating cultural

My recent visit went some way towards tempering these views. As a sometimes

SOPHIE ULLIN HEAD OF ART

LEONARD

15

MAY

SPECIALIST PRINTS

SPECIALIST PRINTS AUCTION THURSDAY 14 MAY AT 11.30AM

NOEL COUNIHAN Mexican Girl linocut, 63 X 46cm $400 - 600

ALUN LEACH-JONES Untitled Abstract screenprint, 75 X 75cm $300 - 500

In March 2011, the Art Department was delighted to revive a Leonard Joel tradition with the launch of our Specialist Prints auction series. These auctions bring together Australian and international graphics of various techniques ranging from early 19th century hand-coloured engravings and etchings to modern and contemporary screen-prints, lithographs, linocuts and photographs.

The Specialist Prints auction has held its place as the leading auction of its kind, with record auction prices set for a number of artists.

With four print auctions each year, Leonard Joel offers a wide range of prints for clients to add to their collections, as well as a team of Art Specialists happy to provide obligation-free market valuations.

The upcoming May auction will feature works by Jason Benjamin, Eric Thake, Leslie van der Sluys, Jan Senbergs, Murray Griffin and a special collection of photography by Gordon De Lisle.

Enquiries Olivia Fuller, Fine Art Specialist (03) 8825 5624 | olivia.fuller@leonardjoel.com.au Maggie Skelton, Manager, Vintage Interiors Art (03) 8825 5630 | maggie.skelton@leonardjoel.com.au

MAY

HAL THORPE Fruit and Flowers hand coloured woodblock 40 X 26cm $800 - 1,200

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VINTAGE INTERIORS

VINTAGE INTERIORS WANTED FOR AUCTION

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AN ORIGINAL J.J. KOHN BENTWOOD SETTING COMPRISING A TWO SEAT SETTEE, CARVER AND SEVEN CHAIRS. (STAMPS TO BASE) ESTIMATE UPON REQUEST

Early th Century and Interwar thematic auction For enquiries please contact: Dominic Kavanagh, Antiques, Interiors and Design, (03) 8825 5632 dom.kavanagh@leonardjoel.com.au

Vintage Interiors will be celebrating art and design of the early 20th century and interwar period as an exclusive feature in its May 14th Auction.

Departments are seeking entries from all categories of this exciting and formative era in design including Art Nouveau, Secessionist, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco and Bauhaus.

We have witnessed a trend toward pieces that include Austrian bentwood furniture, Arts and Crafts designs inspired by Walter Burley Griffin, Warren McArthur’s revolutionary aluminium framed furniture, reproductions of classic French Art Nouveau prints, Art Nouveau and Deco chandeliers, Art Deco Bakelite appliances and interiors, and examples of fine porcelain and silver by notable manufacturers such as W.M.F. With a thematic sale comprising such a variety of sub categories we are excited to announce this call for entries.

LEONARD

Sasa Mitic, Objects and Collectibles (03) 8825 5604 sasa.mitic@leonardjoel.com.au Maggie Skelton, Art and Sculpture (03) 8825 5630 maggie.skelton@leonardjoel.com.au

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MAY

MODERN DESIGN

MODERN DESIGN I wonder how Leonard Joel would have reacted if he had ever been told that one day

Here we highlight three further results, apart from the 1971 Joe chair by Poltronova,

his auction establishment would sell a leather sofa designed as a giant glove from a far

that speak of the new passion for Modern design at auction. The design studios

away Italian design house for $9,760 (IBP). I don’t think he would have been able to

and personalities of Meadmore, Eames and Featherston dominated proceedings

conceive such a change in design and utility could ever take place in what was then an

but European design also enjoyed strong results. Lot 60, the supremely refined and

Australia with a very English aesthetic sensibility. But the change has taken place and to

pared down desk by Andre Laurent, realised $8,540 (IBP) and buyer focus on rare lines

borrow a Robert Hughes line our Modern Design auction on Wednesday evening was

continued when a single Eleanor chair by Featherston, lot 148, sold for $6,710 (IBP)

a furniture and design version of “the shock of the new!”

with its elegant, extended wing-like armrests delighting collectors. Confronting design found its metaphor toward the end of the auction in lot 311, a pair of Serge Mouille wall

Extraordinary design across so many categories sold to a room full of architects,

lights, which resembled helmet designs from the 1951 classic The Day the Earth Stood

designers and passionate collectors who seemed as relaxed about the acquisition of

Still. The pair quadrupled their low estimate to sell for a staggering $4148 (IBP) after

these modern pieces as their parents would have been about the purchase of a set of

three telephone bidders competed for the pair.

mahogany English chairs! Anna Grassham, our specialist in this exciting category, has brought her signature love of people and great design to this auction category and her

Anna Grassham, now recognised in auction circles as the “go to” person for Modern

playful yet serious curatorial approach to these auctions speak for themselves.

Design selling, was delighted with the grand 332 lot offering that realised over $390,000 IBP.

Enquiries Anna Grassham, Modern Design Specialist (03) 8825 5637 | 0478 114 611 anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au

Now consigning for Classic furniture & Objects AUCTION 27 AUGUST

MAY

18

LEONARD

MODERN DESIGN

PAIR OF SERGE MOUILLE WALL LIGHTS Sold for $4,148 IBP

A GRANT FEATHERSTON ELEANOR CONTOUR CHAIR Sold for $6,710 IBP

AN ANDRÉ LAURENT DESK Sold for $8,540 IBP

POLTRONOVA GLOVE SOFA Sold for $9,760 IBP

LEONARD

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MAY

DREWEATTS & BLOOMSBURY

Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Presenting

Chinese Ceramics and Asian Works of Art Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE Tuesday 19th May, 10.00am

A white jade table screen, 19th century Est. £3,000-5,000

A pair of cloisonné enamel double crane censers, 150cm high Est. £6,000-8,000

A large archaistic zun vessel, 59cm high Est. £1,200-1,800

A rare embroidered Imperial apricot ground twelve symbols dragon robe, Jifu, 19th century Est. £8,000-10,000

A set of four Chinese watercolours of Chinese costumes, circa 1825 Est. £400-600

Namikawa Yasuyuki. An unusual small enamel box, Meiji period Est. £1,500-2,000

Viewing times: Friday 15th May, 9.30am-4.00pm; Saturday 16th May, 9.00am-12.30pm; Sunday 17th May, 10.00am-2.00pm; Monday 18th May, 9.00am-6.00pm; Day of sale, from 8.30am Bidding and Information: asian@dnfa.com | 01635 553 553 | www.dreweatts.com

View the catalogue online at www.dreweatts.com

MAY

20

LEONARD

STOCK IN TRADE AUCTION

Stock in Trade AUCTION Wally Johnson’s Antiques and Collectables The name of the antiques and collectables dealership operated by Tom Szekeres and his son, Chanon for the past 16 years, Wally Johnson’s Antiques and Collectables, came about through a combination of exasperation, timing and perhaps some subliminal family influence. “Wally Johnson was the name of a dog belonging to my wife Julie’s grandmother. When we went to register the name of our business, all of the names we had chosen were already taken. We decided that this name was as good as any – and it happened to be available!”

A cabinet maker by profession, Tom, with his wife, Julie, has been involved in antique dealing in some form or another since 1969, when they opened their first shop, Sovereign Antiques, on High Street Armadale. This was followed by a nightclub, Hogie’s, in Malvern East, which was run in parallel with numerous design and construction projects, both in Australia and overseas.

Now, Tom has made the decision to move away from the retailing side of his business, to focus on bespoke furniture design and manufacture. The stock in trade of Wally Johnson’s Antiques and Collectables will be dispersed in an on-site auction at Tom’s premises, 130 Dynon Road, West Melbourne, from 11am on Sunday 10th May.

Stock in Trade of Wally Johnson’s Antiques & Collectables Auction Sunday 10 May 2015, 11am

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Preview & Auction Onsite 130 Dynon Road, West Melbourne

Comprising over 900 lots, the auction will include items ranging from the fun and affordable, to serious antique furniture, such as the fine quality, late 19th century cedar and Blackwood retail display cabinet, lot 265, which was made for the art product manufacturer Windsor & Newton. The cabinet was formerly part of the original shop fittings of Windsor & Newton retailer, Deans Art Supplies, Pty Ltd, in Little Collins Street, Melbourne and has a personal connection with Tom: “I worked at Dean’s Art Supplies after I left school,” says Tom. “There were three of these display cabinets and they contained special things belonging to the owners of the shop. Junior staff weren’t allowed to go near them, only trusted staff were permitted to open them. This is the only remaining one of the cabinets that we know of.”

The cabinet will be offered with an estimate of $8,000 – $12,000. Also included in the auction are fittings, fixtures and signage associated with prominent Melbourne landmarks, providing a fascinating link between ‘old’ and ‘new’ Melbourne, which is sure to be of interest to local history and Australiana collectors.

Preview Wednesday 6th May 10am to 8pm Thursday 7th May 10am to 5pm Friday 8th May 10am to 5pm Saturday 9th May 10am to 5pm No viewing Auction Day

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Enquiries Guy Cairnduff Head of Classic Furniture & Objects (03) 8825 5611 / 0407 828 137 guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au

MAY

NEW ART & CULTURE MAGAZINE

ART COLLECTOR: CLINTON NG Clinton Ng might not play favourites with his art collection, but he can’t

I was bored shitless doing my PhD on irritable bowel syndrome and I found

conceal his enthusiasm for the pieces that light him up. When quizzing

myself surfing the net for art and visiting galleries to remain sane. I’ve been

Ng about why A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, Vik Muniz’s freewheeling riff

drawn to art from a young age and have always loved drawings, crafts and

on the Manet masterpiece, currently takes centre stage in his Sydney

comics as well as books with beautiful illustrations. My parents actively

apartment, his response is the mark of someone with unswerving faith

encouraged this.

NEW ART & CULTURE ISSUE 9 MARCh 2015 El AnAtsui GilbErt & GEorGE ClAirE lAmbE riChArd lEwEr dAvid lynCh

nyApAnyApA yunupinGu

in art’s transformative potential: “It just gives and gives and gives.”

I view collecting in terms of a relationship, and like any relationship the But Ng, who has spent the last decade cultivating a 400-work collection

connection is important, whether it’s on an emotional, intellectual or some

– which includes everything from photographs and video works by Thomas

other level. The work has to have something significant to say and must

Ruff, Wolfgang Tillmans, Rosemary Laing and Shaun Gladwell, to sculpture

say something I can relate to. I’m also strategic. The last thing any collector

and paintings by Olafur Eliasson, Thomas Hirschhorn, Ahmed Alsoudani,

wants is to find out that a piece they have paid good money for is worthless

Hiromi Tango and Sam Jinks – knows that a collector’s trajectory isn’t down

in a monetary or cultural sense. I always ask myself if the work will stand

to passion alone. By religiously attending art fairs and combing the internet

the test of time and I buy to encourage artists to make and show more.

with missionary zeal, the busy gastroenterologist – who sits on the board of Art Month Sydney and whose own policy of giving has sparked loans

THE FIRST PIECE YOU ACQUIRED WAS STUDY FOR RED CENTRE BY JOHN

to institutions including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the University

COBURN OVER 10 YEARS AGO. WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR

of Queensland and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia – hopes to

COLLECTION AND HOW HAS YOUR FOCUS EVOLVED?

capture the breadth, depth and virtuosity of the present moment in

I’ve always collected contemporary works that reflect the experience of life

contemporary art.

today, with all its complexity, uncertainty, harshness, joy and beauty.

HOW DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER COLLECTING AND WHAT PROMPTED

Read the full article in Issue 9 of Vault Magazine, Out Now.

YOU TO INVEST IN YOUR FIRST PIECE?

leonardjoel.com.au Melbourne Head Office 333 Malvern Road South Yarra VIC 3141 Australia t. 03 9826 4333 f. 03 9826 4544

Sydney 39 Queen Street Woollahra NSW 2025 Australia t. 02 9362 9045 f. 03 9826 4544

Ramesh NithiyeNdRaN

AUS $17.50 NZ $25.00

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VAULT ISSUE 9 OUT NOW GILBERT & GEORGE, CLAIRE LAMBE, EL ANATSUI, RICHARD LEWER, NYAPANYAPA YUNUPINGU, DAVID LYNCH & MORE

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO VIEW SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS VISIT VAULTART.COM.AU