MUMBAI.- AstaGuru’s annual ‘Opulent Collectibles’ online auction concluded last evening with an impressive sales value of INR 6,62,51,808 Crores (US$ 920,116). The second edition of the auction featured a well-curated selection of 19th and 20th-century antique furniture and home décor collectibles, which celebrated the rich design aesthetics and traditions from different countries such as India, China, Japan, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The auction attracted collectors in large numbers who were looking to enrich their collections with pieces that are steeped in culture and history.
Commenting on the results Sunny Chandiramani, Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House said, “We are extremely pleased with the results from our second Opulent Collectibles auction with several lots surpassing their estimates. AstaGuru has been at the forefront of creating a vibrant market for such collectibles in the Indian auction arena by presenting well-curated and top-quality collections. The success of the auction indicates a growing interest among collectors for different categories at auctions besides art. The second edition featured a much extensive and diversified collection as we are determined to expand our offering to our clients with such different categories throughout our auction calendar year.”
The highest selling lot of the auction was, An Exquisitely Carved Rosewood Centre Table with a Variegated White Marble Top, lot no. 143, which received an impressive winning bid of INR 32,48,275. selling over its estimate. Pierced work apron with finely carved floral arabesque surmounted by a continuous band of animals, exotic figures, temple in a jungle landscape, the piece witnessed a great deal of interest from bidders along with several Anglo-Indian furniture pieces which were part of the auction. A synthesis of western vision and Indian craftsmanship, Anglo-Indian furniture were executed with exotic hardwood, rosewood, Sheesham and teak wood and often carved with highly detailed foliate designs.
The auction featured several important candelabras, chandeliers and other dazzling crystal decorative items by renowned crystal maker F & C Osler. F & C Osler’s creations were highly priced by various princely palaces of British India and now are highly sought after by collectors at auctions. A Large 8 Light Floor Candelabrum, lot no. 147, drew great interest from collectors in the auction surpassing its higher estimate and realizing an impressive bid of INR 30,25,383. The magnificent candelabrum is a fine example of Osler’s master craftsmanship. Another important piece, lot no. 115, An Exquisite Crystal Table by F & C Osler, sold for a winning bid of INR 18,21,600.
Apart from these, the top ten lots included An Exquisite Hallmarked Victorian Silver Candelabra by Edward & John Barnard, London, lot no. 150, was among the hallmarked silver offerings, selling for INR 20,16,923. This magnificent neo-gothic seven-light candelabra stands on three stylised feet with the topmost scone being detachable and the unit can be used as a centerpiece with a cut-glass bowl.
Another important lot showcasing excellent craftsmanship and splendor is lot no. 153, Magnificent & Rare Royal Vienna Porcelain Mounted Gilt Table, Austria, which sold for a winning bid of INR 18,78,525 lakhs. Beautifully detailed, the central plaque engulfs the majority of the table with its sheer size and grandeur. The central plaque bears the signature of the artist. Underneath the large plaque bears the stamp of the various markings from the Royal Vienna Factory.
The auction featured a large selection of antique ceramic and porcelain ware from Europe and Asia. A Pair of Large Cantonese Famille-Rose Vases, lot no. 100, realized an excellent price of INR 18,78,525. Another key lot, A Large Porcelain Vase with Lid by world-renowned French manufacturer Sèvres, lot no. 131, achieved a winning bid of INR 15,00,190.
The auction also featured a wide offering of antique carpets from Persia, China, and India. Lot no. 135, A Fine Qum Palmettes Wool Carpet, from the Qum province features floral, as well as bird motifs within the central section and achieved a bid of INR 15,36,975. Another unique and exquisite carpet, lot no. 86, A Geometric Design Heriz Wool Carpet, sold for INR 15,36,975. This rug’s style and design can be traced back to the northwest region of Persia, that being the present-day region of Heris, East Azerbaijan.
