From the dawn of civilization, humanity has held a reverence for gold, associating its yellow lustre with wealth, prosperity, extravagance, and beauty. If we look through the lens of decorative arts history, we see it epitomised in the sheer abundance of gilded objects, architecture, and ornaments from around the world. For both artists and artisans, […]
One of the most unique mammals in the world – the pangolin – has become a highly prized commodity. Illegally trapped, killed, and trafficked by organised crime networks between countries and continents to feed demand for their scales and meat. From 2016 to 2019, an estimated 206.4 tonnes of pangolin scales were intercepted and confiscated […]
We visited Emily Nolan, founder of Melbourne-born women’s tailoring label E Nolan and enthusiastic Leonard Joel collector, and asked her to share what style, collecting and inspiration means to her. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your label, E Nolan? E Nolan started as a way for me to challenge […]
Highlights of the April Auction A highlight of the April Collector’s Auction in Sydney is this Roman marble portrait head that has been consigned from the estate of Rodney Ellison. It is rare to find such a fine ancient sculpture in private hands in Australia, and with provenance dating back to 1988. Roman portraits […]
Prints and other types of editions are a great place to start for someone who is beginning their art collection, especially if you are working within a budget. Many of your favourite painters of today also work within the medium of print, making it easier to acquire something to add to your collection. The most […]
COVID-19-related store closures and financial uncertainty may have caused concern and anxiety for most of us; however, the world’s luxury brands have been raking in big dollars. Most international luxury brands are posting significant growth as we sit at home spending our stimulus money, or is there another reason for the upward trend? On top […]
“I like to draw without constraint of corners, corridors, rooms or walls. Make sleeves to dresses or feet to a table, it’s the same thing” Pierre Cardin Pierre Cardin died at 98 years old last year, in a time of upheaval, confusion and complete uncertainty of what the creative world holds for us all […]
We are thrilled to welcome Ronan Sulich to the Leonard Joel team as Senior Adviser. Based in our Sydney saleroom, Ronan will assist in the curation and presentation of our Important Collections as well as our popular Collector’s Auctions. We sit down with the highly credentialed specialist and auctioneer to find out more about his […]
In Chinese culture, plant, animal and other symbols have been used for thousands of years to represent ideas, through the qualities they represent, or through their names sounding like other auspicious words. The Gwenneth Haines Collection contains a number of beautiful Qing Dynasty jades whose sizes are small, but nevertheless are packed with propitious messages. […]
The “exotic” has inspired western design and style for centuries, with writers, designers and artists drawing from Eastern cultures to create their own interpretations and imitations of the motifs and designs they admired. This European practice is known broadly as Orientalism and Chinoiserie, and original pieces are covetable and valuable to this day. Limited travel […]