Ahead of Cheffins June Fine Sale, our team choose their top picks from the array of lots on offer…
Brett Tryner:
Lot 3 - The sale has a good collection of Asian art and ceramics. One of the highlights for me is the striking Imperial box and cover which has been consigned for sale from a Suffolk collection. It dates to the Ming Dynasty and the Wanli Period (1573 – 1620). When handling it, I find it incredible to think that Queen Elizabeth I could have been on the throne at the time it was created. I particularly like the shape of the item and colours used in the decoration.
Lot 4 - Ironically, the following lot in the sale happens to be another favourite item of mine. The large and impressive blue and white Kraak dish is a real country house item and one which wouldn’t look out of place adorning one of the walls in Burghley House. I have always liked blue and white porcelain as it works well with almost any colour scheme and interior, whether vibrant or minimalist.
Martin Millard:
Lot 562 - Gothic revival hanging shelf – I love these open, arched shelves, and being a small set, these could be easily accommodated. They would look equally at home in either a traditional or a modern interior and could be dressed with objects accordingly.
Lot 661 - Italian collector’s cabinet – Whilst outwardly pretty enough, the true decorative beauty of this cabinet is revealed on opening, with the inside door panels painted with saints and every drawer beautifully adorned in greens, reds and gilt - the perfect piece of furniture to conceal your small treasures!
Luke Bodalbhai:
Lot 240 - I love this engaging portrait of Charles I and Sir Edward Walker for its historical significance, excellent provenance and decorative appeal. The work, depicting Windsor Castle in the distance, was likely painted to symbolise the loyalty of Sir Edward Walker, Secretary of War to Charles I, to the restored monarchy under Charles II, who Walker also served in exile. The fact that the painting was owned by Sir Edward Walker himself is indicative of its importance as a piece of Royalist iconography.
Lot 190 - This sparkling watercolour by Joseph Schranz is one of the leading examples of a fine selection of travel pictures in the sale. It depicts a beautiful sunset view of Istanbul and was likely executed circa 1850, on the eve of the Crimean War. It is in superb condition and is a real eye-catcher, despite its diminutive size.
Nicolas Martineau:
Lot 686 - A chinoiserie painted four fold leather screen, late 19th century. I have always had a fascination for chinoiserie decorated furniture and this beautiful screen has a real wow factor about it and would be a great conversation piece for any drawing room. I love the elegant and brightly dressed courtiers going about their business in the pagoda and its gardens and all enhanced by being set against this strong blue backdrop.
Lot 704 - A Regency satinwood and painted cane bergère. I simply love everything about this gem of a piece of furniture. The Recency period in my mind inspired wonderful design and this is no exception. Beautifully light in appearance with its curved back, sweeping arms and fine satinwood legs and delicately decorated in the Adamesque style with painted Grecian urns and trailing garlands of flowers. Perfect!
