On a sweltering November day in Sydney collectors enjoyed the calm and cool of the recently refurbished Intercontinental hotel in Double Bay to secure fine jewellery, objects and Australian art at the final 2014 auction for Leonard Joel in Sydney.
The front cover piece lot 232, a figurative bronze and ivory group by Demetre Chiparus, tended to typify the connoisseurship evident amongst buyers at the auction who seemed to focus on beautifully executed and detailed objects. The bronze and ivory was particularly interesting because it incorporated no less than four figures and instead of the more typical single female performer it depicted children at play.
After bidding from no less than three collectors the figurative group sold for more than double its estimate and realised $24,400 (IBP). Similarly, lot 197, a most complex ivory okimono and conceived as a family of mice scrambling over chestnuts and beans, was indicative of the sort of complex design and balance that seemed to appeal to buyers at the Sydney Leonard Joel auction. This rare piece by the work-master Shin Ichi realised a staggering $12,200 (IBP). Elaborate jewellery and porcelain also sold well with lot 23, a splendid multi-South Sea pearl and diamond necklace selling for $9760 (IBP) and an intricately decorated 16th century Chinese porcelain stationery holder, lot 165, also selling for $9760 (IBP).
Leonard Joel was delighted to team up with 69 JOHN ST FINE ART SPECIALISTS, who provided the auction with a beautifully curated selection of fine Australian art. Amongst the highlights was lot 295, an increasingly rare oil painting by Margaret Preston, that realised $59,780 (IBP).
Robert Williams, Specialist Objets D’Art & Jewellery Sydney, is now accepting consignments for our March 2015 auction.
For an obligation-free appraisal please contact Robert on
t: 02 9362 9045
e: robert.williams@leonardjoel.com.au