Launching 2018 with a great flourish, the Philips February Auction presents a wide range of decorative arts with a large offering of fantastic furniture, many paintings, ceramics, clocks, and a fine variety of glass and silverware. Highlighting this auction is a presentation of over 160 lots of porcelain from the estate of the late Antony James, an avid collector who worked with the Johnston Collection in Melbourne, and painstakingly acquired a wonderful selection of the finest porcelain pieces.

Providing a satisfying conclusion to the year, the Philips December Auction was a great success with over 230 bidders delivering an outstanding 80% sale rate. With Christmas approaching, smaller items were in vogue as buyers acquired gifts, leading to significant interest in decorative arts. High performers were silver, porcelain and clocks, with the delightful inclusion of a vintage singing bird automaton that changed hands for $1,920.

Great for gifting, a 1930’s pair of stylised squirrels in bold geometric forms caught the imagination and sold well above their estimate.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, the Philips December auction presents a perfect opportunity for quality gift shopping from a fine range of Decorative Arts and Jewellery. The final auction for 2017 is set for the festive season with an amazing offering of high quality genuine French furniture, over 30 fascinating clocks, stunning rugs, significant silverware, and even collections of Meccano and model trains!

From the mid-19th century comes a beautiful Napoleon III Boulle cabinet with a magnificent black marble top and brass Berainesque inlay. Standing 110cm tall, this delightful example of the French style has wonderfully curved edges decorated with espagnolettes, and features a striking scarlet tortoiseshell ground.

With over 260 keen bidders and standing room only all day, the Philips October auction was a resounding success with a striking 95% sale rate bringing great results for buyers and sellers alike. Of particular interest was a strong showing in silver ranging from cutlery, figurines, teapots and comports, and featuring a fine Georgian silver sugar basin by Paul Storr that sold well above estimate.

Of further note was a delightful still life by Frederick McCubbin selling to a private collector, a Russian gem set 14ct gold cigarette case selling for $9,000, and an attractive Napoleon III tortoishell and brass boulle centre table achieving $4,800.

October at Philips features a magnificent collection from the estate of Murray Piper. From a leading role within the travel industry, he had the opportunity to travel the world and carefully acquire a fine collection of decorative arts which will be sold in 305 lots, including paintings, rings and watches. Also well represented at this month’s auction are Oriental furniture and vases, Georgian furniture and Persian rugs.

Most recognised for the iconic depiction of the early Australian settlers in The Pioneer, Frederick McCubbin is one of the country’s most famous and sought after painters. Taking pride of place in the Piper collection is a rare and valuable McCubbin still life, similar to the work acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria. Still life: roses and books measures 25.5cm x 27.5cm and presents an amazing opportunity to own a major stake in Australia’s art history. Director Tony Philips says “It’s not often you get something like this from an estate – this is one out of the box!”