Auction Dates: 27th & 28th January 2022.

In its upcoming auction titled ‘Opulent Collectibles,’ AstaGuru will showcase an exquisite assortment of rare and prized antiques. Celebrating a mélange of global craftsmanship, the auction will present a range of decorative collectibles such as ceramics, furniture, crystal chandeliers, silverware, Persian carpets, vintage clocks, amongst others. The curation for each segment of products in the coming auction has been done to present works from some of the most coveted styles and brands of the world.

The auction collection includes a wide range of ceramic objects from different parts of the world. Asian ceramics have always been sought after by the collectors of decorative antiques across the globe. With their exquisite beauty and rich history of craftsmanship, Asian antiques add a touch of traditional sophistication to an interior and can accentuate an antique collection tremendously.

One of the earliest Asian artworks to be introduced to the western world, Chinese porcelain boasts of a rich and complex history tracing back to centuries ago in China. A catalyst for an exchange of ornamental styles between the cultures, this skilful transformation of ordinary clay into beautiful white translucent objects witnessed heightened fame during the 18th and 19th centuries when the west started to replicate it. Owing to the refined texture and beautiful meticulous decoration, Chinaware was regarded as an object of great rarity and luxury. Their exquisite beauty became symbolic of refined taste among the affluent people of society.

Japan also offers a rich artistic heritage and the practice of ceramic arts has been quintessential to Japanese culture over the course of time. Traditionally known as ‘Yakimono’ meaning "fired thing" or "burned thing," ceramics from Japan include a wide range of objects spanning from aesthetic sculptures to utility ware to decorative pieces of profound beauty. Of the various types and styles of ceramics originating in Japan, Satsuma and Imari have carved a special identity owing to their timeless beauty and uniqueness.

The history of Satsuma ware traces back to the 16th century. Satsuma ware was firstly produced at Naeshirogawa in Satsuma by skilled Korean potters who were brought by the Prince of Satsuma, Shimazu Yoshihiro to Kyushu following the invasions of Korea by Japan in 1597. By the eighteenth century, the Satsuma vases were revolutionized with a new range of designs, colours, and techniques. Created with white clay and covered with a cream-coloured glaze, Satsuma vases were skilfully decorated in thick applied gold and multi-coloured, bright overglaze enamels. The decorative themes on these pieces were inspired by ancient Japanese culture and typically included literary and mythological scenes depicting flowers, birds, oriental landscapes, Shishi, dragons, and phoenix. Extremely rare and very precious, Satsuma ware is highly coveted by the collectors due to its powerful aesthetic, high artistic standards, and historical significance.

Imari ware is another highly desired category of ceramic that was first created in Japan in the 17th century. Originating in the town of Arita, Imari ware inherited its name from the port of Imari used to ship these objects to the west. Imari ware created in the earlier times were simple and hand-painted in blue against a white background. With the passage of time, the designs on Imari ware became more intricate as craftsmen started to include the depictions of lush landscapes and fantastic scenery in their creations. They also adopted various motifs popularly used in the Japanese textile at the time such as gnarled tree branches, fish, cranes, as well as Japanese figures including courtiers and beautiful women. A wider variety of bright colours including rust red, green, and gold were also introduced in the production leading to the bright iconic palette that Imari ware is most famous for. Owing to its refined texture and beautiful meticulous decoration, the popularity of Imari ware has remained steadfast and it continues to rule the hearts of antique collectors looking to add rare pieces to their repertoire.

The popularity of porcelain was not limited to the eastern world and western companies also emerged as top ceramics brands. One of the most luxurious brands of ceramics, Sevres porcelain are highly sought after amongst collectors of antiques. Originating in Château de Vincennes, France, in 1738, the company got its name after relocating to the edge of the river Sèvres in 1756. Throughout the course of history, Sèvres Porcelain was seen as a demonstration of royal and aristocratic prestige. It showed France as a cultured nation with a highly accomplished workforce and articulated the imperial identity of France. Opulent decoration with gilding, exquisite paintings and the invention of new techniques and style served as a reflection of French grandeur and a statement of its wealth and power. The Sèvres factory was a place of artistic and technical developments. In addition to developing its own unique style, it housed some of the most notable artists of the time who specialized in naturalistic paintings of birds and flowers along with figurative depictions of everyday life. The company also created various colour palettes, out of which Rose Pompadour became a significant background colour for many of its wares. Created with pink ground pigments, the palette was conceived in honour of Madame de Pompadour who was the mistress to Louis XV from 1745-1764 and became a great supporter of the porcelain made at Sèvres.

A pair of porcelain vases from Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur, Berlin will also be a part of the auction. Also known as the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin, the company was founded in 1763 by King Frederick II of Prussia. Since then the company has been producing dishware forms and porcelain figurines that are highly sought after.

Works from British company Wedgewood are also featured in the upcoming auction. Founded in 1759 by English potter and entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood, the fine china, porcelain, and luxury accessories manufacturing company Wedgewood is considered to be instrumental in consolidating the reputation of British ceramic art across the world. One of the variants of this interior collectibles is Jasperware, named after the natural stone jasper because of its similar hardness, is a matte-glazed vitreous stoneware produced in various colours—blue, yellow, green, lilac, and black. The most famous example of this line is blue with white classical reliefs adorning the pieces.

The auction will also present some extraordinary examples of exquisite silverware. Whether for practical use or decorative purposes, fine silver was a must-have in all affluent households across the world in the Victorian era. Fine silver was extensively used by the members of royalty and many silver manufacturing companies received royal warrants to create a host of fine silver items.

An exquisite hallmarked Victorian silver candelabra created by Edward Barnard and Sons is presented in the auction. The origins of Edward Barnard and Sons can be traced back to 1680. Barnards were skilful and inclined towards the revival of Neoclassical and Rococo styles of decoration in their works. Barnards also created a large silver-gilt baptismal font, called the Lily Font, which was used by Queen Victoria for the christening of her first child, Victoria, Princess Royal on 10 February 1840.

A french oval-rounded silver jardinière from Gustave Keller, Paris will also be showcased. The Keller Firm was established in 1856, Paris by Gustave Keller. He was a master silversmith and produced high-quality elegant works that earned him significant appraise. He exhibited his works at the Paris World Exhibitions and won a silver in 1867 followed by a gold medal in 1878. The firm went on to win a gold medal and a Grand Prix at the 1889 and 1900 World Fairs respectively.

Another offering from the silver segment is a European antique solid silver comports by L.Janesich, Trieste, Italy. Opening his first shop in the northeastern Italian coastal city of Trieste in 1835, Leopoldo Janesich offered jewellery and silverware to an international clientele. These included Archduke of Austria, King Nicholas of Montenegro and the Duke of Aosta. The firm remained in family hands until it closed in 1968.

The auction also includes a beautiful range of crystal decorative items including tables, lamps and chandeliers. Several of these come from the famous brand F&C Osler. Established in Birmingham, UK in 1807 by Thomas Osler and his two sons with premises in Great Charles Street, the F & C Osler firm was a manufacturer of great prominence in England during the 19th century. Synonymous with creating the purest and most delicate quality crystal chandeliers, massive glass structures, including tables and thrones, fountains and furniture, the firm got recognition as the best glassmakers globally. The heyday of the company was between the mid 19th century to the early 20th century. With a rigorous apprentice regime, F&C Osler employed master artisans who deftly created each crystal masterpiece. Their clientele included Royalty and elite families from all over the world. Furthermore, the Maharajas of India also fancied their creations, right from the mid-19th century almost all the leading palaces of India carried the Osler's handiwork.

A pair of candelabras from the French crystal manufacturer Baccarat is also a part of the auction. Renowned for its chandeliers, decorative pieces and glasses, the company owns two museums as well.

A large collection of Anglo-Indian furniture will also be showcased in the upcoming auction. The English left an indelible mark on the furniture style in India. An exquisite blend of English design and Indian craftsmanship, the furniture pieces were usually made in colonial times. Anglo-Indian furniture is best known for its decorative qualities and its intricate wood carving techniques. The inlays are often made using a variety of precious materials like ebony while the surface of the furniture is always plush and smooth. They were generally made from exotic hardwood, rosewood, Sheesham and teak wood and often carved with highly detailed foliate designs.

The auction also presents a beautiful selection of Persian rugs. Adored for their intricate craftsmanship and extraordinary designs, Persian rugs are one of the finest souvenirs from the Iranian culture.

Vintage clocks from several British brands including Barraud & Lunds, Thomas Richards, and P Phillips & Co will also be presented in AstaGuru upcoming auction scheduled on January 27-28th, 2022. Please visit the AstaGuru website for more information and register to bid on our auction today. Click Here to Register