Let’s go on a treasure hunt
AMAZING FINDS TO INSPIRE YOU TO DIG OUT YOUR ANTIQUE GEMS
SPECTACULAR new antique finds promise an Indian summer of dazzling sales this autumn – and you could be part of it. Right now, I’m on the hunt for beautiful, historical and quirky lots to join a starry line-up of glorious discoveries set to attract worldwide attention.
Finding these hidden treasures week after week is the reason why I love the antiques industry so much. You never stop learning and history unfolds before your eyes.
Star items already set for auction in September and October include a sublimely beautiful Chinese vase which could achieve £100,000. It’s amazing what we uncover during home visits and this rare doublegourd vase proves that point decisively. It’s a beauty to behold, featuring a rare pale green ground, gilt lotus decoration and Qianlong seal mark of the period 1735-99.
Its shape and decoration are striking. A hemispherical lower bulb rises to a rounded upper section which narrows at the rim, and all is painted with stylised lotus scrolls. The vase is divided, and further decorated, with a narrow key-fret band in pink enamel.
You may not have seen a Chinese vase like it – it is a rare example. A similar choral-ground vase sold on London in 2015 and another vase of this type went under the hammer at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in 1980!
Chinese emperors were great patrons of the arts. They encouraged and supported the creation of fine ceramics to adorn their palaces. This was certainly true of the Qianlong Emperor (1711-1799), a capable and cultured ruler who reigned from 1735 to 1796. In 1796, he abdicated in favour of his son, the Jiaqing Emperor, but retained ultimate power until his death at 87 in 1799.
We hope this vase make will make between £40,000 and £60,000 at auction but, as previous Chinese ceramics results have demonstrated, it could achieve much more.
Another item full of Eastern promise is a bronze sand-cast Buddha on hardwood stand. Found on display in a lounge, it may be Burmese in origin. Its green glass eyes indicate it was made in the middle of the 19th Century.
Buddha statues are popular in many homes as a symbol of good luck. They represent peace, positive energy, good health and prosperity. Early images were most often of Buddha in meditating postures, essentially the lotus position of yoga, as seen in this example. It has an estimate of £200-£400 but may fly past that figure.
I specialise in assessing Oriental works of art and Chinese ceramics but I’m fascinated by all things antique and collectible. Consequently, when a pocketsized Bible arrived on my desk, I was taken by its beautifully embroidered stumpwork sleeve. This work of art, probably made by a young girl from a wealthy family, was created more than 350 years ago. The Bible dates back to 1635 when Prince Charles I was on the throne. Charles I succeeded his father James I in 1625 as King of England and Scotland. During Charles’ reign, his actions frustrated Parliament and resulted in the English Civil War, eventually leading to his execution in 1649.
Consequently, this Bible may have provided solace at a time of civil war. The religious devotion of its owner is certainly underlined by the effort that went into creating its floral-inspired sleeve.
Stumpwork is a style of raised embroidery popular in England between 1650 and 1700.
Although the Bible predates that time, we think the stumpwork sleeve may have been made around 1660.
In the 17th Century, sewing skills were essential for women and girls were taught this skill from an early age.
Women made clothing and household linen for their families. In wealthy households, where time, money and luxurious materials were available, sewing skills were used for embroidery.
Traditionally stumpwork depicts a
It’s amazing what we uncover during home visits and this rare double-gourd vase proves that point decisively.
scene which might contain a castle, stag, lion, birds, butterflies, fruit, flowers, and several figures. The kings and queens of the Stuart period were often depicted as were biblical or mythical stories.
This rare Bible is in excellent clean condition given its age, and the stumpwork sleeve enhances its value and charm. It will go to auction in September with an estimate of £2,000-£3,000.
Further entries are invited for Hansons’ autumn Fine Art, Asian and Chinese ceramics, jewellery and library sales. I will be offering free Fine Art, antiques and Chinese ceramics valuations on Friday August 5, 10am-noon. To book an appointment, email service@ hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.