Antique Home Decor items from our upcoming auction.

Making sure that you have the right kind of furniture and decor is very important. If picked carefully, these pieces can liven up any room. You can now add a little bit of personality to your place by getting antique and vintage home decor from our upcoming ‘Opulent Collectibles’ auction. The auction features 50 lots, each lot being a testament to excellent craftsmanship. You will find a varied range of home decor items in the auction catalogue, whether it is to suit your European sensibilities or your love for Indian aesthetics. Leading the sale is a large pair of Italian Cut and beaded glass Campana Urns on mirrored pedestals, circa mid-20th century, a magnificent and significant lot originally from the renowned personal collection of the jewellery designer Fred Leighton. Leighton was one of the most sought-after jewellery designers and a formidable fashion influencer in the US. His knowledge and understanding regarding Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Victorian & Indian Mughal jewels earned him several accolades. His creations were often donned by famous personalities, to name a few Sophia Loren, Miuccia Prada, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lupita Nyong’o, Patricia Arquette & Jennifer Lopez. Fred Leighton had an excellent taste that is evident in the presented lot (Lot 50), which is estimated at INR 1.2 – 1.5 crores (US$ 169,014 – 211,268). Fitted as lamps, these larger-than-life creations beam with soft light. The complicated placement of stones captures the luxury of the presented lot.

Another critical item is Lot No. 49, An exquisite and rare jewelled Prabhavali from circa early 20th century, estimated at INR 40 - 50 lakhs. This vital piece (Lot 49), well over a hundred years old, upholds the design aesthetics of India’s rich art forms and craftsmanship. As per tradition, religion is the cornerstone of Indian heritage. A Prabhavali is used as a decorative and ornamental arch placed around deities at temples and home shrines. Set with natural rubies, emeralds, and white sapphire (pukhraj), this genuinely opulent item carries a gross weight of 2.427 kgs. The jewels are set in gold and backed with silver.

The auction catalogue also features unique Jade works which remain highly coveted at auctions around the world. This auction will present Lot No. 45 a large pair of rare Jade Buddhist Temple Lions made out of Nephrite Spinach Jade with extensive detailing from the mid-20th century. These are hand-carved and gorgeous. Each of the fierce-looking temple lions was carved from a solid block of Jade. Temple Lion statues appeared in China with the onset of Buddhism. They symbolise defence and protection and are often seen guarding entrances and gateways to buildings. The Lion symbolises majestic strength, great courage and strength of character. The Lion figures have been carved with a ball under their respective paws, to signify the moon pearl which symbolises blessings and protection against evil. The auction will offer this magnificent lot at INR 35 – 40 lakhs (US$ 49,296 – 56,338). Another lion sculpture is Lot No. 31 a significant silver winged Lion. The current lot is purely crafted in silver and mounted on black marble. This exemplary work has a distinct Colonial influence and was probably made by a master silversmith in Calcutta or Pondicherry in the late 1800s. A winged lion is a mythological creature that resembles a lion with bird-like wings. It represents the Patron Saint, the Evangelist, Saint Mark. AstaGuru will offer this beautiful piece at an estimate of INR 40 – 50 lakhs (US$ 56,338 - 70,423).

Our ‘Opulent Collectibles’ auction will occur online on the 27th and 28th of January, 2021.