News and Opinion — Year 2021

In our News and Opinion and News Bites sections we publish relevant and timely articles on the antiques, collectables and decorative arts markets by respected and independent writers.

Subscribers are notified by email of the publication of important and time-sensitive articles.

The top selling item in the 1300-lot Leski Auctions sale on 5th and 6th March 2021 with an impressive 90 per cent clearance rate was a circa 1927 engraved R. Lalique, France 'Malesherbes' French art deco vase, which sold for $10,755

Leski Auctions achieves 90% sell through rate

By Richard Brewster on 05-Mar-2021 (Exclusive to the Antiques Reporter)

While an oil painting on woven cotton entitled Two Nudes by Teng from the Thai School (lot 920) was not the highest priced item at Leski Auctions Melbourne Decorative Arts & Collectables sale on February 27 and 28, at $4302 (including buyer’s premium) it was a staggering more than 21 times its upper catalogue estimate of $200.

A cute little pottery plaque by the late Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (lot 178) is one of the intriguing attractions at Melbourne-based Leski Auctions Decorative Arts & Collectables two-day sale on Saturday February 27 and Sunday February 28 at their High Street, Armadale rooms.

Leski Auctions starts the year with a two day sale.

By Richard Brewster on 23-Feb-2021 (Exclusive to the Antiques Reporter)

The 1956 plaque, entitled Joûeur de Flute et Chèvre and from an edition of 450, appears in Alain Ramié’s 1988 Picasso catalogue of Edited Ceramic Works 1947-1971.

The circa 1900 painting Knitting Lesson at School (lot 899) by German artist Ernst Hugo Von Steglin (1862-1914) has been chosen by the auction house for the wrap around front and back catalogue cover to draw attention to fine artistic works.

One of the most valuable sterling silver items in the sale is a fine Georg Jensen ‘poppy’ two branch candelabrum (above) with an opening bid of $11,000 and the reserve price already met.

Philips Auctions first 2021 Melbourne auction online

By Richard Brewster on 07-Feb-2021 (Exclusive to the Antiques Reporter)

An unusual 19th century Indian Kashmir silver tea pot (lot 159) joins a collection of miniatures, Georg Jensen sterling silver and an 1859 American girandoles candelabra with lustres (lot 76) as strong attractions for Philips Auctions first decorative arts and jewellery sales for 2021 concluding from 12pm Monday February 15 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.