Le Courbusier chaises for auction

Fine arts sale will offer jewellery, quirky collectables and Poole pottery

WITH THE aim of repeating or surpassing the success of its Select auction last month, Omni Fine Art Auctioneers will present a wide range of paintings, furniture, books, decorative arts, ceramics, jewellery, silver and quirky collectables at its auction on Tuesday.

A focus in this auction will be an extensive jewellery and watch section, with items ranging from the Victorian era to the modern, says Omni’s Warren Scheuer.

Men and women’s watches from a variety of watchmakers will be available, with many nine, 14 and 18ct gold watches priced below R5 000, he says.

The jewellery section will include a significant collection of rings, necklaces and pendants of all shapes, sizes, prices and design. These are likely to appeal to individuals looking for a special item, and to collectors and investors.

“The collectables department will be filled with unusual items, offering a variety of interesting and quirky objects.

“Among them will be a selection of 19th century swords, and a rare, massive Middle Eastern copper-and-brassmounted ivory drinking horn, which is estimated to fetch between R8 000 to R12 000.

“For those interested in nostalgic items from a bygone era, the sale will include a vintage table-top pinball machine tea and dinner services.

“The art section will be crammed with wonderful pieces, the highlights being a desirable Lippy Lipschitz carving of a woman; a large Jean Doyle bronze of the Madonna of Muizenberg; and a fine collection of Storm Thorgeson limited edition silkscreens.

“Also featured will be a woodcut by German artist Max Pechstein (1881-1955). Entitled In Der Kneipe, the 55.5cm by 62cm work is signed and inscribed Profdrik (proof print) in pencil in the margin.”

In addition, a large collection of furniture, dating from the 18th century to the present, will go under the hammer.

“Of significance is a collection of mid-century style furniture, including a pair of Wassily-style leather and chrome armchairs, Eileen Grey side tables, a Charles Rennie Mackintosh willow chair, and a wonderful pair of Le Courbusier LC4 chaise lounges, as well as Bauhaus and Deco items.”

Sheuer says an area that is rapidly growing at Omni auctions and attracting major interest is the book section.

“The auction next week will feature collectable art books, first editions, signed copies and Africana.

“The highlight will be a rare copy of Ichthyology by J L B Smith, which is owned by author Jan Rabie, whose name is on the bookplate (ex libris).”

The auction will take place at 10am on Tuesday at Omni’s premises at 9 Hemlock Street, Newlands.

The auction items may be viewed between 10am and 4pm today and Monday. The catalogue can be viewed at www.omni. co.za.

For more details call Omni on 021 671 4497 or at email info@ omni.co.za.