As part of a high profile and prestigious private Melbourne collection, a Chinese coramandel screen will take centre stage at the forthcoming Philips Auctions sales event in July. This majestic eight leaf double-sided screen from the Qing Dynasty portrays red crested cranes, phoenix, and water fowl within a lotus and bamboo water garden. This wonderful example of an iconic late 19th century art form is illustrated with muted colours on gold leaf, with the reverse decorated on black carved lacquer ground with a cracked ice border.

Glass art will provide a beautiful and vibrant presence in the July auction with a wonderful collection of etched and glazed vases. Of particular note is a striking 24cm Gallé cameo vase with a slender tapering form, a leaves design and a mark of Gallé in cameo near the base. Manager of Decorative Arts, Dennice Collett notes that ‘The sheer refinement of the piece is evident and the subtlety of colouration speaks of a master hand.’

Contrastingly, the personalised hammered finish of a Le Verre Francais vase demonstrates dark tones with bold Scarab Beetles in a rustic coloured conical setting and tortoiseshell glaze. 'There is something about the boldness and art deco sensibility about this work that is very striking and captures an enthusiasm for the Egyptian style.'

A sunny winter's afternoon ensured a large standing room only attendance at Philips’ June auction. Along with Glenferrie Road’s cafes and restaurants, the decorative and fine arts event was the place to be, and an opportunity to secure fine collectables from a remarkably wide range of offerings.

Featuring  the  second instalment of  the  Patrick  Street  collection,  fine  silver  ware  was  high  on  the agenda with many beautiful items changing hands through active contest from 280 bidders. Director, Tony Philips said he was delighted with the attendance which represented a 30% increase on previous auctions.

The forthcoming June Jewellery auction will feature a sensational mixture of Cartier style, and well-crafted and valuable items that will be of great interest to collectors.

A highlight of this offering will be an 18ct white gold and sapphire ring, crafted as a striking solitaire styled dress item, featuring an oval sapphire of deep vibrant blue, and two tapering baguette cut diamonds merging to a smooth band.

With a pedestal base, slightly rustic engraving, and a swing handle with a curious ring attached, this fascinating item from the Patrick Street Collection has been identified as an Italian Holy Water Font dating back to the restoration of the Papacy in 1814.

To be offered in the second auction instalment of the collection of former Deputy Chief Magistrate Patrick Street, this item employs the prevailing French standard for marking silver, a GP under a crown, the Provisional warranty mark used during the restoration period.