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
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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.
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single owner COLLECTIONS
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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
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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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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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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
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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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LEONARD
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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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
LEONARD
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
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