Victoria

A Pair of Japanese Imari Beaker Vases, 19th Century Provenance: Private Brisbane Collection. Description: Each decorated with alternating panels of garden pavilio...

'Exacum and Ixoras' Flowers are numbered with a key to the varieties below the image. Antique English flower botanical chromolithograph.

A Japanese Imari Charger, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: The central double hou-ou bird in cobalt surrounded by shaped cartouches within a cob...

This versatile vintage c1980’s timepiece by Omega features: S/Steel Case, measuring 35mm, Case back is signed & bearing a Seamaster logo Fitted with Swiss Quartz Movement, cal...

'Winter Heath' Process print from Frederick William Hulme’s ‘Familiar Wild Flowers’, circa 1890. Hulme was known as a teacher and an amateur botanist. He was the Professor of Freeh...

Description: A fine depiction of Guanyin, possessing the regal tranquillity that the Chinese Bodhisattva of compassion has come to be visually associated with. Marked by an urna signifying her spiritual enlightenment and crowned with a diadem depicting the Buddha Amitabha, the figure is immediately recognisable as Guanyin. Her androgynous figure is gracefully poised in the Lalit asana or “royal ease”, the pose classical in representations of the deity. The figure is asymmetric, with the weight of her supple form falling upon her left hand placed against the base, her right knee raised and left pendant. Her right hand rests upon her raised knee, delicately pinching at her draped attire. At first unassuming, this gesture may be suggestive of the Apana Mudra, the seal of purification. This Mudra is associated with physical wellbeing, fecundity and the cleansing of the body. Though she is adorned in the princely garb of dhoti, she bears features of idealised feminine beauty as prescribed in Asian art. With plump cheeks and near pouted lips, her full face gazes down upon the viewer with an empathetic and half-lidded gaze, upholding her title as ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ Notes on the item: Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia. Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent. The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang. Comparative Analysis: Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...

Fine & Rare Vintage Dunhill "Rollagas" Lighter, Gold-Plated in Great Condition Swiss Made, c1970's Comes in Original Fitted Dunhill English Made Case, with Original Booklet

Shape: Oval Complexion: Flawless Nacre: Tight Lustre: AAA/AA Colour: White / Green overtone Type: Cultured Australian South Sea pearls Size: 15 - 17 mm Pieces: 27 Momme: 41.65 GUARANTEED NATURAL COLOUR AND LUSTRE These pearls display their natural colour and lustre and have not been subjected to chemical enhancements or processes. SUSTAINABLE Australian South Sea pearls are cultured through a respectful partnership with nature. Australia’s wild pearl oyster fishery is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainability and minimisation of environmental impact. AUTHENTIC Every pearl is accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity. product of Paspaley Pearling...

Antique 19th century fern lithograph with original hand-colouring , 1859, after Walter Hood Fitch. 310mm by 250mm (sheet) Walter Hood Fitch was one of the...

This is an original vintage poster from 1975 to promote the exhibition of Claude Garache at the Gallery Maeght, in Paris. Claude Garache is a French art...

Trophy plates were a particularly Victorian development at Wedgwood, taking the use of classical ornament to its absolute limit. Over 2,000 individual sprigs were made, applied, and ...

Colour lithograph, 1890. 210mm by 285mm (sheet). From W Peck's 'A Handbook and Atlas of Astronomy', 1890. Sir William Peck FRSE FRAS (1862 – 1925) was a Scottish astronomer and scien...

'La Brebis' Copper-line engraving, circa 1765 From Buffon's "Histoire Naturelle, Generale et Particuliere Avec la Description du Cabinet du Roi" which was published in Paris. 24c...

French chromolithograph, published in 1931. Printed title lower right of sheet. Plate number top right. From a French series of illustrations of birds. 195mm by 265mm (sheet)

A Japanese Imari Charger, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: The central floral basket motif within a border of hou-ou bird cartouches to a cobalt...

18 carat White and Yellow gold wedding band styled in Georg Jensen FUSION. Two rings interlock with seamlessly to create the "Fusion". Measurements...

Antique bird egg colour woodblock , 1880, from Francis Orpen Morris’, 'A Natural History of the Nests & Eggs of British Birds', 1875. The woodblocks ...

Original vintage poster, Cordial Campari Nizzoli, 1927 Condition backing / material: Linen (backed on acid-free paper and cotton canvas) Printer...

Engraving with original hand-colouring. 1834. 230mm by 155mm. From Paxton's 'Magazine of botany and register of flowering plants' by Sir Joseph Paxton.

Silver-white South Sea pearl necklace. Graduated round pearls from 8.7 mm to 12.5 mm in diameter. Professionally strung notted and fitted with 14 carat white gold ball clasp, 11 mm i...

'Swallow-wort Gentian' Process print from Frederick William Hulme’s ‘Familiar Wild Flowers’, circa 1890. Hulme was known as a teacher and an amateur botanist. He was the Professor ...

Fine & Rare Vintage c1980’s Dupont Line 1 / Ligne 1 Lighter, in textured gold-plated design Stamped “S.T. Dupont Paris, Made in France”, hallmarked & numbered to base Dimension...

Subject : Ancient Greek vase-painting depicting dionysiac groups. Technique : Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring Background information : From the scarce Florence...

'Large-Leaved Saxifrage' Process print from Frederick William Hulme’s ‘Familiar Wild Flowers’, circa 1890. Hulme was known as a teacher and an amateur botanist. He was the Professo...

This original Art-Deco champagne poster from 1926 exudes elegance! Created by J Stall, this poster has beautiful detailing and is a example of true Ar...

'The Porculine Opossum' (Bandicoot) Copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring. Circa 1795, by Richard Polydore Nodder (fl.1770 – 1800). 155mm by 125mm (platemark) 225mm by...

'Coral Bank in the Red Sea' Antique English late 19th century chromolithograph. Sheet 18cm by 26cm, image 12cm by 20cm.

A Pair of Natural Argyle Fancy Intense Purplish Pink Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds: A: 0.046 ct (2.26 – 2.28 x 1.44 mm), VS2 B: 0.046 ct (2.24 – 2.25 x 1.46 mm), P1 Colour Grade:...

French chromolithograph, published in 1931. Signed by artist in the plate. Printed title lower right of sheet. Plate number top right. From a French series of illustrations of sporti...

The Clan Lamond Chromolithograph. 1886. From 'The Tartans of the Clans of Scotland', by James Grant, 1886. 365mm by 265mm (sheet). Accompanied by a sheet of descriptive text.

'The Blind Fiddler' Engraving by John Burnet after Sir David Wilkie RA (1785-1841) India-laid. Proof before letters. 'Second Plate' printed under e...

'Oxlip' Process print from Frederick William Hulme’s ‘Familiar Wild Flowers’, circa 1890. Hulme was known as a teacher and an amateur botanist. He was the Professor of Freehand and...

The Clan of Macauley (Tartan) Chromolithograph. 1886. From 'The Tartans of the Clans of Scotland', by James Grant, 1886. 365mm by 265mm (sheet). Accompanied by a sheet of descri...

This vintage handmade piece of jewellery is featuring a superb Natural Emerald of impressive size – 1.15ct (6mm x 8mm) of Zambian origin & the most magnificent vivid intense grass...

An Antique Sterling Silver Spoon Set, comprising of 6 tea spoons end handle finely designed in twisted motif with end featuring an Apostle ...

a pair of south sea pearl from Autore 15.18mm round shape slightly included very strong luster with pink and green overture set in 18k white gold 2.54g

The Reflector pendant is a sophisticated soft lighting option suited for dining tables, workspaces, hallways, and other indoor environments that require a diffused and warm lighting ...

'Aizoon Canariense - Purslane-leaved Aizoon' Original copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring from Henry Andrews' 'The Botanist's Repository', 1797-1812. Accompanied by ...

A Chinese Pale Blue Glazed Brush Pot, Guangxu Mark, 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in the Market in Beijing in 1960s. Dimensions: Height: 9.5cm. Di...

'Indian-Persian - Indo-Persian - Indisch-Persisch' Late 19th century interior design chromolithograph, from Racinet’s ‘L’Ornement Polychrome’, 1887. Published in Paris. Albert Raci...

This iconic Breitling Chronometre Crosswind Chronograph ref D13355, serial # 520XXX was bought in 2003, yet in a great condition & in excellent...

A Strand of Multi Colour Green tone Tahitian pearl necklace with 18K Gold Clasp. Green tone is very sought after in Tahitian pearls and therefore m more valuable. A 10.4 mm to 12.7...

Nick Thomm - ONYX - Dusk (XL SIZE 36" x 48"). Limited Edition #15 of 25. Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW - Unopene...

Lead crystal wine glass, with airtwist & coloured thread stem. Made for the coronation of Edward VIII; a coronation that did not happen. Ed...

Very Rare c1892 South African 22K Gold "One Shaft" Pond, Extra Fine The obverse features portrait of Paul Kruger – the former President of the ...

'Agaricus Vaginatus' (grisette or the grisette amanita) Antique Swiss mushroom / fungi chromolithograph, lithographed by H Furrer after Fritz Leuba. The print is titled with the sci...

From the iconic Notes Collection, this elegant Tiffany & Co cuff bangle is bearing a repeating script: "Tiffany & Co 727 Fifth Ave New York 10022" - the store's address since 1940...

'Middle Ages - Moyen-Age - Mittel Alter' Late 19th century interior design chromolithograph, from Racinet’s ‘L’Ornement Polychrome’, 1887. Published in Paris. Albert Racinet's 'L' ...

Elegant and beatifully crafted by hand tear drop earrings in classic Art deco style Made of 9 carat yellow gold and set with oval cabochon cut peridot Stone measurements are 6mm x ...

This Magnificent South Sea Pearl Knotted Necklet is of desirable length – 42cm (16.5 inches), comprising 27 South Sea Pearls, of semi-baroque & circle shape, of impressively large...

Diamond Ring Gradient Quartz Pendant Light by Christopher Boots Dimensions: D 45 x H 13 cm. Materials: Clear quartz, smoky quartz. Available in clear quartz or gradient quartz. Avai...

A Strand of white Colour pink tone Australian South Sea pearl necklace with 18K Gold Clasp. Pink tone is very sought after in south...

'Eggs' Antique English natural history chromolithograph. Key to eggs below the image. Tiny numbers in the margins to identify the eggs. Sheet 19cm by 12.5cm, image 13cm by 9.5cm.

Original colour lithograph of a French fashion design from 'Haute Couture'. Published in a folio of designs for Summer 1971. 32cm by 22cm (sheet)

This magnificent retro piece of jewelry features a breathtaking Natural Aquamarine, of European, possibly French origin. It’s handmade, dating from circa 1960’s ~~ Designed as...

'Passiflora Cinnabarina' (Passionflower) Botanical lithograph of an Australian native plant with original hand-colouring , 1871, by Walter Hood Fitch (1817...

Two available. Price per item. Belgo chrome and smoke glass tables dating from the late 1970s. We love their beautifully balanced propor...

Extremely rare floor lamp with Travertine base, ample chromed arc and brushed aluminium diffuser. Designed by Giuliano Cesari and Enrico Panzeri for Nucleo a division of Sormani, cir...

'Eggs' Antique English natural history chromolithograph. Key to eggs below the image. Tiny numbers in the margins to identify the eggs. Sheet 19cm by 12.5cm, image 13cm by 9.5cm.

'Jeune Femme des Iles Sandwich dansant' (Young woman of the Sandwich Islands dancing) Shows a tattooed and bare-breasted young woman, seated on the ground among her skirts. Her cur...