Features

In Norman Dean’s day, to be a watch collector was to collect pocket watches. In today’s market, when the 20th century mechanical wristwatch is king, demand for pocket watches is now markedly segmented.

A selection of stand-out lots from upcoming sales held at the same time as the Asian Art in London initiative

A selection of lots from upcoming auctions held at the same time as Asian Art in London

The 27th edition of Asian Art in London takes place from October 30 to November 8

Recent research is revealing the importance of the markings on Chinese export silver

The annual Asian Art in London initiative celebrates outstanding examples of art and antiques offered by auction houses and dealers. This year the categories are East Asian, Indian & Islamic and Modern & Contemporary - and the 2024 nominees are revealed here. Award sponsors include Antiques Trade Gazette

Auction houses and dealers have launched a partnership for this year’s Asian Art in London event allowing exhibitions to be held in salerooms at the three major firms for the first time.

A selection highlights from dealers taking part in the Asian Art in London festival (October 30-November 8)

The 135-lot private collection of renowned porcelain specialist Rod Jellicoe revealed the current state of a market long after its ‘vintage era’'

The moment Johann Böttger oversaw the successful production of hard-paste porcelain at Meissen in Germany, the race was on for other European countries to create ‘white gold’.

Nelson was a great admirer of porcelain and he and Emma Hamilton owned several services.

The Irish peer, statesman and soldier James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde (1665-1745), first rose to prominence after helping put down the Monmouth Rebellion.

In his professional life, John McDowell (1935-2023) was a talented composer and music teacher who worked for many years at Stranmillis University College, Belfast.

Estimated at £200-300, a 12in (30cm) French porcelain stand in the rococo style sold for £4900 at Michael Bowman (17.5% buyer’s premium) in Chudleigh, Devon, on September 28.

Royalty, heads of state and grand families frequently chose to have their porcelain engraved with their initials or coat of arms.

The Derby porcelain factory specialised in cabinet-pieces in the 1790s.

Gander & White is looking ahead to Beaujolais Nouveau Day in November.

As a reminder that merchandise is nothing new, take a look at this board game offered at North Yorkshire saleroom Tennants (24% buyer’s premium).

The maker was not indicated in the cataloguing but a “late 19th/early 20th century dapple grey rocking horse, with leather tack” galloped away from a £200-300 estimate.

Brexit, global conflicts and climate change have served shipping companies with a series of tricky problems. ATG reports on how they are adapting