Decorative Art

MADAM – I was pleased to see a report of the Hansons Moorcroft sale (ATG No 2430), and mention of the large and rare 18in exhibition Tiger Lily flambé vase in particular, as to my knowledge and awareness one last appeared on the market 29 years ago at Hartleys in Ilkley.

Raphael’s painting 'Madonna della sedia' is one of the most familiar images of Western art and has been copied by artists since its inception in 1513.

The Box, a museum, gallery and archive set to open in Plymouth in May, has acquired a ‘colossal and extraordinary grotesque grinning crab’ by the Martin Brothers.

This 17¾in (45cm) high, Gallé glass vase from c.1900 in marqueterie sur verre technique with a carved crocus design is one of the highlights of a sale to be held by Woody auction in Douglass, Kansas, on Mar 14.

German silver Kiddush cups survived the Second World War in only relatively small numbers but there were some treasured heirlooms, part of Jewish family festivals for generations, that were kept safe throughout the religion’s darkest times.

A Westerwald salt-glaze jug offered at Reeman Dansie's latest sale in Colchester was worked with stylised tulips and a medallion with the portraits of William of Orange and Queen Mary.

Only about three of these c.1907 Llanelly Pottery rose bowls (below) are known to exist, says dealer Robert Pugh who is pricing the one shown here at £700.

Beer was the preferred beverage of all classes in 16th century England and much of it was drunk from imported Rhenish salt-glazed stoneware.

Two items in focus at Midhurst

Many familiar names were represented in a concentrated 145-lot specialist sale of British and Continental glass at McTear’s (24% buyer’s premium), but the winner by a distance was Lalique’s Formose green glass vase.

The collection of the late Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Seeler comprising the contents of her home in Forest Hill Gardens went under the hammer at Millea Bros (25% buyer’s premium) in New Jersey on January 30.

Fine European porcelain specialist Serhat Ahmet has opened a new shop in London’s Cecil Court after more than five years in Grays Antique Centre.

A single collection of 490 pieces of Moorcroft dating from the 1890s to modern limited editions offered an overall view of the market when sold at Hansons (20% buyer’s premium).

The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair is a destination for many dealers and collectors, but some exhibitors noticed a cautious approach from buyers at its most recent staging.

Across the pond in New York, the trade kicked off the year with the major international fair The Winter Show.

Three Lalique glass panels designed for the dining car of the Côte d’Azur Pullman Express train in 1928 will be offered at auction next week. The Joint Special Managers of Thomas Cook Group are the vendors.

Among the ceramics to be included in the Thomaston Place Winter Auction to be held in Maine from February 28-March 1, is this 2½in (6.25cm) high English George III period earthenware mug.