MUMBAI.- AstaGuru Auction House celebrates its 75th auction this August with an extraordinary vintage and antique “Opulent Collectibles” auction scheduled on July 30-31, 2022. Through the course of reaching this milestone, AstaGuru has consistently showcased some of the finest examples of art and craftsmanship in several categories. The third edition of the ‘Opulent Collectibles’ category since its inception in January 2021 is a fine example of AstaGuru’s consistent growth in presenting unique and diverse offerings to collectors.
AstaGuru hosted its first auction in 2008 and has since carried out auctions across categories such as Modern Indian Art, Contemporary Art, Vintage Jewellery and Timepieces, Collectibles, Vintage Cars. Textiles, Numismatic, Interiors, Furniture, and International Memorabilia.
AstaGuru has grown exponentially over the years and has become a pioneer in the auction market space since its inception, achieving many milestones, including selling several artworks at record-breaking prices leading to world records for artists.
The upcoming auction with over 250 lots will present an exquisite assortment of antique and vintage decorative collectibles, predominantly belonging to the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes Chinese and Japanese ceramics, Anglo-Indian furniture, fine crystal pieces, Persian carpets, vintage clocks, silver items, and other collectibles.
“It gives us immense pleasure to reach the landmark of 75 auctions. It is special to us as we look back and reflect on our journey, which has been an enriching exploration of varied aesthetics. On this special occasion, we are extremely happy to present this incredible collection which is replete with antique and vintage offerings, several of which are over a hundred years old. Our clients have shown a keen interest in the antique segment, and as difficult as the curation may be, we are committed and enthused to present collectibles that are rare and of a great vintage. We wish to cater to their diverse preferences by offering the best to our collectors.” Radhika Kerkar, Auction Specialist - AstaGuru Auction House.
Highlighting the collection is an extremely unique Chaise Lounge by F & C Osler (Lot no. 169). Synonymous with creating the purest quality crystal decorative items, F& C Osler was highly patronised by the royalties across the world owing to its reputation as the finest crystal-making firm globally. The offered chaise lounge, executed in Circa 1880, is a hallmark of their deftly created masterpieces with four original emerald green crystal Osler legs (signed) on casters, Osler armrest, and Osler backrest. The crystal lining on the base piping / frame has been replaced. Estimate: INR 50,00,000 – 60,00,000. Another beautiful example of a crystal decorative item is a rare and important ruby-red Persian floor chandelier with eight arched arms that support storm shades which are etched with a crest (Lot no. 37). Executed circa 1850, the chandelier was later electrified. Estimate: INR 15,00,000 – 18,00,000.
The upcoming auction also presents a rich collection of Asian ceramics from Japan and China, which became a proponent in introducing the art and culture of the far east to the western world in the bygone era. One of these is an exceptional Japanese Imari jar with a lid, executed circa 1880 (Lot no. 83). The spherical body is decorated in a rich palette of brick red and underglaze blue. The panels of the jar depict ladies in courtly attire seated in a garden landscape. An Imari jar with such size, dimension, and vintage is rare to come by. Estimate: INR 15,00,000 – 20,00,000.
Adorning the cover of the catalogue is an extremely elaborate Satsuma Plate from the Late Meiji period decorated in enamel and gilt (Lot no. 3). The centre of the plate depicts a queen and her entourage in a forest setting. (Plate size: 2.5 x 14.8 x 14.8 in) Estimate: INR 3,50,000 – 4,00,000.
The auction shines a spotlight on the legacy of Anglo-Indian furniture, which is a hallmark of a rich artistic fusion between Indian craftsmanship with European aesthetics. It includes a fine Edwardian four-door teak wood wardrobe (Lot no. 212). The two central doors feature enclosing oval mirrors, and the two doors on either side are finely carved with rosewood panels inset with oval Wedgwood plaques. Furniture of this genre was often made in Bombay by a famous award-winning firm - E. Wimbridge & Company. Estimate: INR 9,00,000 – 10,00,000.
An impressive Anglo-Indian three-piece rosewood wardrobe with two finely carved doors will also be offered (Lot no. 195). The beautiful wardrobe executed circa 1870 is covered with intricate arabesque design and flanked by two floral decorative columns. Its timeless beauty is pinnacled by a finely carved openwork pediment, with four dome finials. Estimate of INR 5,00,000 – 6,00,000. The auction will also showcase an exceptional four-poster king-size colonial teak wood with the headboard elaborately pierced with floral, arabesque, and acanthus leaf designs is presented (Lot no. 107). The bed rests on four turned pillars with a floral design and reeded canopy support. Estimate: INR 3,00,000 – 4,00,000.
The auction will also present a selection of Persian rugs adored for their extraordinary beauty. Several of these come from the region of Kerman, which is located in the southeast of Iran. The craftsmanship of the region’s weaver community has been hailed for centuries and has attracted appreciation from all corners of the globe. One of these Kerman carpets is deftly executed on red ground and features a cartouche border (Lot no. 155). The design of the carpet executed circa 1930 primarily consists of floral motifs such as palmetto, vine, leaves, and flower buds. Estimate: 31, 00,000 – 35, 00,000. Another beautiful carpet from the region was executed in 1920 and features a decorative border, rendered in a complex – mirroring design pattern (Lot no. 119). Estimate: INR 23,00,000 – 25,00,000. A large carpet featuring a continuous mirroring floral pattern and a decorative cartouche border is also presented (Lot no. 190). Executed with vibrant colours on a cream ground circa 1940, this carpet represents the artistic canons of the Kerman region in Persia. Estimate: 29,00,000 – 32,00,000.
The auction also offers some classic examples of silver items both for decorative and utility purposes. A fine pair of silver candelabras will be offered. The candelabras created in London in the year 1874 were later electrified and feature putti on black marble bases. It was also later retailed by Water House, Dublin, Ireland. Estimate: INR 21,00,000 – 24,00,000
A silver cutlery set By Gladwin Ltd, Sheffield. The cutlery set of reed and ribbon design consisting of 261 pieces comes in a fitted wood canteen with three drawers resting on cabriole feet. Estimate: INR 15,20,000 – 16,00,000.
The auction will also showcase several more prized collectibles including a wide range of Czechoslovak cut glass items, post-war Lalique glass pieces, and lapis lazuli console tables among others.
