MUMBAI.- AstaGuru Auction House recently concluded its 75th auction ‘Opulent Collectibles’ with impressive results. The antique and vintage collectible sale held online on July 30-31, 2022, generated a total revenue of INR 7,49,38,622.

The auction presented an exquisite assortment of over 250 antique and vintage decorative collectibles spanning genres, including colonial furniture, crystal lumineers, Persian carpets, as well as a host of ceramic items belonging to China, Japan, and other countries.

Talking about the impressive auction results, Radhika Kerkar, Auction Specialist - AstaGuru Auction House, says – “The auction result surpassed our expectations, and we witnessed enthusiastic bidding from collectors, especially for the segment of furniture. Considering the fact that this was the second ‘Opulent Collectibles’ auction by AstaGuru in 2022, the response is a clear indication of a robust market for such collectibles in the Indian auction arena. By consistently presenting a well-curated and diversified collection, AstaGuru is determined to expand our offering to our clients with different categories besides art throughout our auction calendar year.”

Highlighting the sale results are two extraordinary Persian carpets belonging to the region of Kerman, located in the southeast of Iran. One of these (Lot no. 155) is deftly executed on red ground and features a cartouche border . The design of the carpet, executed circa 1930 ,primarily consists of floral motifs such as palmetto, vine, leaves, and flower buds. It was acquired at a value of INR 35,65,000. Another beautiful carpet from the region (Lot no. 119) was sold at INR 26,18,550. Executed in 1920 and features a decorative border, rendered in a complex – mirroring design pattern. The craftsmanship of the Kerman’s weaver community has been hailed for centuries, and has attracted appreciation from all corners of the globe.

The auction also offered a glimpse into the legacy of antique and vintage furniture in India that springs from a cultural synthesis of east and west. A unique anglo-Indian rosewood low coffee (lot no. 219) table executed in circa 1870 was acquired at a value of INR 23,43,184. The marble top rests on a richly carved undulating base featuring vine leaf motif and other floral designs, interspersed with 8 ram head feet, terminating in mythological animal motifs. An exceptional four-poster king-size colonial teak wood bed (lot no.107) was sold at INR 19,72,627. The headboard is elaborately pierced with floral, arabesque, and acanthus leaf designs. The bed executed circa 1900 rests on four turned pillars with a floral design and reeded canopy support. A large Chinese display cabinet with mother of pearl inlay (lot no. 22) was on offer and was acquired at a value of INR 17,08,332. The impressive display cabinet features exquisite carving, further accentuated by the depicted Pagodas throughout the upper section.

Exquisite pieces of crystal luminaires also shined at the auction. A pair of Art Deco French floor uplighter (lot no. 95) executed circa 1925 auctioned at a value of INR 25,01,170. The slender body of the floor uplighters with a circular base is a perfect example of Art Deco ergonomics. A rare ruby red Persian floor chandelier (lot no. 37) was sold at INR 22,73,015. The chandelier features eight arched arms that support storm shades etched with a crest. Executed circa 1850, the chandelier was later electrified.

The auction also showcased a rich collection of Asian ceramics 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, a finely carved Chinese nephrite jade dragon ship (lot no. 43), was auctioned for INR 21,73,698. A deftly carved ship in nephrite jade, the bow executed as a dragon head, masts with open-work, while the decks feature Oriental architectural motifs. The ship is mounted on a finely carved wooden base. An exceptional Japanese Imari jar with a lid (lot no. 83) executed circa 1880 was acquired at a value of INR 17,07,750. 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.