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Fine Furniture & Decorative Arts

Historic Silver Presented to One of Melbourne’s Founding Fathers Emerges for Auction

27 September 2018

One hundred and seventy six years after it was first presented, the historically significant Lonsdale Silver Presentation will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Australia on 24 October 2018 with a combined estimate of $625,000-1,025,000. Consigned by a fifth generation descendent of Captain William Lonsdale, the collection is a rare connection with Melbourne’s colonial foundation and its early citizens, and acknowledges the esteem that the public felt for one of its leading figures in its establishment as a colony separate from New South Wales. One hundred and seventy six years after it was first presented, the historically significant Lonsdale Silver Presentation will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Australia on 24 October 2018 with a combined estimate of $625,000-1,025,000. Consigned by a fifth generation descendent of Captain William Lonsdale, the collection is a rare connection with Melbourne’s colonial foundation and its early citizens, and acknowledges the esteem that the public felt for one of its leading figures in its establishment as a colony separate from New South Wales. (237.38 KB)

Treasures: Important Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design

10 August 2018

On 24 October 2018, Sotheby’s Australia will present an extraordinary selection of works of fine and decorative arts as part of its Treasures: Important Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design sale. Positioned as Australia’s pre-eminent arts and design auction, this sale assembles exemplary ceramics, furniture, glass, paintings, sculpture, works on paper, silver, and objects of virtu, selected for their outstanding quality, rarity, beauty and historical significance. Of singular importance, the works define and contribute to our understanding of our multi-cultural nation and the treasures it houses. On 24 October 2018, Sotheby’s Australia will present an extraordinary selection of works of fine and decorative arts as part of its Treasures: Important Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design sale. Positioned as Australia’s pre-eminent arts and design auction, this sale assembles exemplary ceramics, furniture, glass, paintings, sculpture, works on paper, silver, and objects of virtu, selected for their outstanding quality, rarity, beauty and historical significance. Of singular importance, the works define and contribute to our understanding of our multi-cultural nation and the treasures it houses. (216.37 KB)

Muhammad Ali Punches Above Weight at Sotheby’s Australia

19 July 2018

Fierce bidding delivered champion results at Sotheby’s Australia’s July sale of Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design. The cross-cultural diversity of international arts and design from the first century to contemporary achieved a resounding result of $1,917,596 sold. Bidders fought over two 1978 screenprint portraits of Muhammad Ali with lot 47 selling for $48,800 (estimate $20,000-30,000), while an upper-cut bid for lot 48 delivered $63,440, a fitting result for the three time World Heavyweight Champion as the result nearly tripled the low estimate (estimate $25,000-35,000, pictured). Demand for fine Australian and international art saw bidders punching the air as prices soared for works by Jacob Epstein, Norman Lindsay, John Passmore and Brett Whiteley, with overall results of 130% sold by value for the art section of the sale. Fierce bidding delivered champion results at Sotheby’s Australia’s July sale of Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design. The cross-cultural diversity of international arts and design from the first century to contemporary achieved a resounding result of $1,917,596 sold. Bidders fought over two 1978 screenprint portraits of Muhammad Ali with lot 47 selling for $48,800 (estimate $20,000-30,000), while an upper-cut bid for lot 48 delivered $63,440, a fitting result for the three time World Heavyweight Champion as the result nearly tripled the low estimate (estimate $25,000-35,000, pictured). Demand for fine Australian and international art saw bidders punching the air as prices soared for works by Jacob Epstein, Norman Lindsay, John Passmore and Brett Whiteley, with overall results of 130% sold by value for the art section of the sale. (246.05 KB)

Three Private Collections of Chinese Huanghuali Furniture for Auction at Sotheby’s Australia

13 July 2018

One of the most extensive collections of Chinese furniture recently offered for public sale in Australia, including a selection made from the rare huanghuali timber, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Australia on 18 July in Sydney. The comprehensive range of furniture including bookcases, cabinets, chairs and tables has been consigned from three private collections in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. One of the most extensive collections of Chinese furniture recently offered for public sale in Australia, including a selection made from the rare huanghuali timber, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Australia on 18 July in Sydney. The comprehensive range of furniture including bookcases, cabinets, chairs and tables has been consigned from three private collections in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. (213.55 KB)

Treasures of Australian Design feature at Sotheby’s Australia

9 July 2018

Geoffrey Smith commented: ‘In the past 200 years Australia has witnessed some exceptional designers and craftsmen who have imagined and forged objects that have defined Australian style. Sotheby’s Australia is pleased to present several outstanding examples detailing this evolution in our forthcoming Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design sale to be held in Sydney on 18 July. From the Victorian era is a rare inkstand by Julius Schomburgk that retailed though Joachim Matthias Wendt, a highly regarded watchmaker, jeweller and silversmith of Adelaide. Robert Prenzel and Walter Burley Griffin are regarded as integral contributors to the ‘Arts & Crafts’ and ‘Art Deco’ styles in the first decades of the 20th century and are represented by exceptional examples. These items emerging for auction present both experienced and new collectors an opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces of Australian style.’ Geoffrey Smith commented: ‘In the past 200 years Australia has witnessed some exceptional designers and craftsmen who have imagined and forged objects that have defined Australian style. Sotheby’s Australia is pleased to present several outstanding examples detailing this evolution in our forthcoming Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design sale to be held in Sydney on 18 July. From the Victorian era is a rare inkstand by Julius Schomburgk that retailed though Joachim Matthias Wendt, a highly regarded watchmaker, jeweller and silversmith of Adelaide. Robert Prenzel and Walter Burley Griffin are regarded as integral contributors to the ‘Arts & Crafts’ and ‘Art Deco’ styles in the first decades of the 20th century and are represented by exceptional examples. These items emerging for auction present both experienced and new collectors an opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces of Australian style.’ (204.79 KB)

Muhammad meets Marilyn: Prints & Photographs by Andy Warhol & Bert Stern

3 July 2018

Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘Portraits of two international icons of the twentieth century by Andy Warhol and Bert Stern are highlights in our forthcoming sale of Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design to be held in Sydney on 18 July 2018. In the age of Instagram, Warhol’s fabled prediction that “in the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes” has never been more prophetic and relevant to contemporary culture. Warhol discovered the burgeoning celebrity status of sportsmen in 1977 produced a screenprint portfolio dedicated to the World Boxing Association Heavyweight Champion Mohamad Ali in 1978, and we are excited to offer two of the four prints from this portfolio in our sale.’ Geoffrey Smith, Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia commented: ‘Portraits of two international icons of the twentieth century by Andy Warhol and Bert Stern are highlights in our forthcoming sale of Fine Asian, Australian & European Arts & Design to be held in Sydney on 18 July 2018. In the age of Instagram, Warhol’s fabled prediction that “in the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes” has never been more prophetic and relevant to contemporary culture. Warhol discovered the burgeoning celebrity status of sportsmen in 1977 produced a screenprint portfolio dedicated to the World Boxing Association Heavyweight Champion Mohamad Ali in 1978, and we are excited to offer two of the four prints from this portfolio in our sale.’ (197.08 KB)

The Hans & Gertrud Mueller Collection of European Glass Offered for Auction

26 June 2018

On 18 July 2018 Sotheby’s Australia will hold an impressive sale of European glass from the private collection of the late Mr Hans Mueller & Mrs Gertrud Mueller. One of the most important collections of European glass ever offered in Australia, the Mueller Collection consists of over 110 pieces of coloured glass from the early 20th century and includes designers Daum, Gallé, Lalique and Loetz and is estimated at AUD$242,100 to AUD$347,100. This sale follows Sotheby’s Australia’s auction of The Hans & Gertrud Mueller Collection of Lalique Glass which realised over AUD$540,000 in March 2018. On 18 July 2018 Sotheby’s Australia will hold an impressive sale of European glass from the private collection of the late Mr Hans Mueller & Mrs Gertrud Mueller. One of the most important collections of European glass ever offered in Australia, the Mueller Collection consists of over 110 pieces of coloured glass from the early 20th century and includes designers Daum, Gallé, Lalique and Loetz and is estimated at AUD$242,100 to AUD$347,100. This sale follows Sotheby’s Australia’s auction of The Hans & Gertrud Mueller Collection of Lalique Glass which realised over AUD$540,000 in March 2018. (179.00 KB)

Crowe Mania Ignites Global Bidding and Achieves Gladiatorial Results at Sotheby’s Australia

8 April 2018

On 7 April 2018, Sotheby’s Australia auctioned the private collection of actor, film producer, director and musician, Russell Crowe. The sale included an important collection of Australian art, decorative arts, watches and jewellery, together with music and sporting memorabilia, and costumes, props, musical instruments and items from Crowe’s extensive and diverse career in film and music. Consisting of 226 items, the sale realised $3.7 million with 145% sold by value. Following a rendition of Happy Birthday by Alisa Nastestki, Russell Crowe made an impromptu personal appearance for the Sydney audience. On 7 April 2018, Sotheby’s Australia auctioned the private collection of actor, film producer, director and musician, Russell Crowe. The sale included an important collection of Australian art, decorative arts, watches and jewellery, together with music and sporting memorabilia, and costumes, props, musical instruments and items from Crowe’s extensive and diverse career in film and music. Consisting of 226 items, the sale realised $3.7 million with 145% sold by value. Following a rendition of Happy Birthday by Alisa Nastestki, Russell Crowe made an impromptu personal appearance for the Sydney audience. (319.26 KB)

RUSSELL CROWE The Art of Divorce | Preview highlights of Sporting Memorabilia

28 March 2018

An impressive collection of sporting memorabilia will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Australia on 7 April 2018 in Sydney. Consigned from the private collection of actor, film producer, director and musician, Russell Crowe, the collection comprises many significant items of Australian and international sporting history from baseball, boxing, cricket, rugby, swimming and tennis. Consisting of 227 items, the Russell Crowe: The Art of Divorce sale is estimated at AUD$2.6 million to AUD$3.7 million and will be held at Carriageworks, Sydney. An impressive collection of sporting memorabilia will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Australia on 7 April 2018 in Sydney. Consigned from the private collection of actor, film producer, director and musician, Russell Crowe, the collection comprises many significant items of Australian and international sporting history from baseball, boxing, cricket, rugby, swimming and tennis. Consisting of 227 items, the Russell Crowe: The Art of Divorce sale is estimated at AUD$2.6 million to AUD$3.7 million and will be held at Carriageworks, Sydney. (499.41 KB)

Rare Painting of Colonial Port Melbourne Sails past the Estimate

22 March 2018

Sotheby’s Australia’s March sale of Fine Australian & European Arts & Design showcased a diverse collection of Australian and international arts and design. The sale followed The Hans & Gertrud Mueller Collection of Lalique Glass and The Kirk Pengilly (INXS) Collection and included 60 Australian & European works from the 1850s to the present and featured objects of exquisite craftsmanship and design from private collections which includes an extensive collection of fine Australian and European art, furniture, glass, porcelain and silver. The three sales achieved $1.18 million with 86% sold by value, with interest from Australia and overseas. Sotheby’s Australia’s March sale of Fine Australian & European Arts & Design showcased a diverse collection of Australian and international arts and design. The sale followed The Hans & Gertrud Mueller Collection of Lalique Glass and The Kirk Pengilly (INXS) Collection and included 60 Australian & European works from the 1850s to the present and featured objects of exquisite craftsmanship and design from private collections which includes an extensive collection of fine Australian and European art, furniture, glass, porcelain and silver. The three sales achieved $1.18 million with 86% sold by value, with interest from Australia and overseas. (286.20 KB)

Luminescent Results for Lalique Glass Achieved by Sotheby’s Australia

21 March 2018

On 21 March 2018 Sotheby’s Australia auctioned an exceptional collection of René Lalique glass from the private collection of the late Mr Hans Mueller & Mrs Gertrud Mueller. The most important collection of Lalique glass ever offered in Australia, the Mueller Collection consisted of over 130 pieces of coloured glass from the early 20th century and realised $545,340 with 118.8% sold by value with interest coming from Australia, Europe and America. René Lalique’s name is synonymous with the Art Deco period. His statuettes, ornaments, figurines, vases, jewellery and architectural adornments encapsulate the art of living, are internationally renowned, and appreciated by galleries, museums and collectors throughout the world. On 21 March 2018 Sotheby’s Australia auctioned an exceptional collection of René Lalique glass from the private collection of the late Mr Hans Mueller & Mrs Gertrud Mueller. The most important collection of Lalique glass ever offered in Australia, the Mueller Collection consisted of over 130 pieces of coloured glass from the early 20th century and realised $545,340 with 118.8% sold by value with interest coming from Australia, Europe and America. René Lalique’s name is synonymous with the Art Deco period. His statuettes, ornaments, figurines, vases, jewellery and architectural adornments encapsulate the art of living, are internationally renowned, and appreciated by galleries, museums and collectors throughout the world. (212.59 KB)

The Kirk Pengilly (INXS) Collection Excels at Sotheby’s Australia

21 March 2018

On 21 March 2018, Sotheby’s Australia conducted an important sale of Australian music history from the private collection of Mr Kirk Pengilly, founding member, guitarist, saxophonist and backing vocalist for INXS. The Kirk Pengilly (INXS) Collection comprised rare guitars, and a selection of the working instruments used in studio recordings such as The Swing, Listen Like Thieves, X, Welcome to Wherever You Are, Kick and concert tours associated with those albums and realised $228,323 with 143% sold by value. On 21 March 2018, Sotheby’s Australia conducted an important sale of Australian music history from the private collection of Mr Kirk Pengilly, founding member, guitarist, saxophonist and backing vocalist for INXS. The Kirk Pengilly (INXS) Collection comprised rare guitars, and a selection of the working instruments used in studio recordings such as The Swing, Listen Like Thieves, X, Welcome to Wherever You Are, Kick and concert tours associated with those albums and realised $228,323 with 143% sold by value. (274.39 KB)

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