Opulent antiques from Europe and Asia go under the hammer

Encouraged by sales of Rs 4.57 cr last year, second edition of auction has increased lots thrice

Vintage Anglo-Indian rosewood furniture from a philanthropist’s estate, Asian and western ceramics, crystals from a centuries-old British manufacturer and exquisite Persian rugs will highlight AstaGuru’s first auction of 2022 that will take place on Thursday and Friday.

The second edition of its online auction titled “Opulent Collectibles” boasts three times the number of objects that were listed last year. The assortment of items date back to the 19th and 20th centuries and the artistry, craftsmanship and design sensibilities reflect diverse cultures from India, France, Austria, United Kingdom, Japan, China, Austria and Germany.

Large Kerman wool carpet with a medallion design (circa 1940)

Sunny Chandiramani, vice-president, Client Relations, AstaGuru, says the auction house generated a total sales value of Rs 4.57 crore after 73 per cent of the lots on offer were acquired by collectors in the inaugural Opulent Collectibles auction last year.

“While last year we presented 50 lots, this year we will present 154. Based on our post-auction interaction with collectors, and after analysing the demand generated, we identified and shortlisted lots that intrigued our patrons in the previous edition,” she says. “For instance, crystal chandeliers and candelabras by F & C Osler were highly desired last year. Consequently, we have included five crystal antiques in the upcoming auction. These include an exquisite crystal table and a magnificent 24-light crystal chandelier.”

Encouraged by last year’s sales, AstaGuru is confident of a good showing this year too, its conviction driven by the increased lots on offer.

When asked about buyer interest within the antiques category, Chandiramani says that Asian ceramics, especially Japanese Satsuma and Imari creations, are highly sought after globally and are part of the auction. “Another important highlight is the large selection of antique Anglo-Indian furniture, which is a testament to the cultural synthesis of a bygone era. The auction also presents a beautiful selection of Persian rugs from different regions of Iran, along with a range of fine silver antiques as well as vintage clocks,” she adds.

One of the highlights of this year’s catalogue is a collection from the estate of Muncherji N Cama, who was one of the directors of India’s oldest running newspaper, Mumbai Samachar (previously Bombay Samachar). Cama, who died last year, was also a former trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and a philanthropist. The property curated from his estate for the auction includes Anglo-Indian rosewood furniture marked by intricately pierced designs and fine teak pieces, antique ceramics and porcelain as well as Victorian clocks.

The Japanese Satsuma and Imari pottery items date back to the 1800s. And the ceramics and porcelain objects also include those by renowned establishments such as Wedgwood from the UK and French company Sèvres, which was established in 1756 and is one of Europe’s principal porcelain factories.

F & C Osler, set up in Birmingham in 1807 by Thomas Osler, is the origin of the ornate chandeliers and candelabras that are part of the auction. AstaGuru notes that the company went on to become a purveyor of monumental crystal and cut-glass objects of various princely palaces of British India.

The British link is also seen in the vintage clocks that were manufactured by brands such as Barraud & Lunds, Thomas Richards, and P Phillips & Co.

A 24-light three-tiered crystal chandelier by F & C Osler (circa 1880)

Victorian bracket clock (circa 1860)

Crystal table made of solid crystal and decorated with 84 suspended spear crystals by F & C Osler (circa 1880)