Flying high

The Asian Works of Art Auction on Tuesday 31st May got off to a flying start with a Japanese silver tea service, of lovely design, which sold above estimate at £2200 to a telephone bidder south of the border (lot 261). Hot in its heels, and also of Japanese origin, was a wood and ivory carving of a priest (lot 265), which also exceeded its estimate to sell at £650 to a Russian bidder online. From Japan came one of the highlights of the auction, in the form of lot 440. The small satsuma bowl attracted interest from across the globe and the hammer finally fell at £1100 to an online bidder outside of Scotland. Chinese silver, too, had a good day with lot 418 tripling its lower estimate to fetch £600, also selling on the phone to an international bidder. Chinese cloisonné fared well, with lot 488 – a pair of comport and a bowl – soaring past its expected price to sell at £650. The age and design of this lot had much to do with its appeal, even though the condition was not perfect. Chinese ivory faired well with several lots achieving good results. The tightening of laws on the movement of ivory has impacted on the appeal of ivory at auction, but quality will always sell well, as shown at the sale. Iranian silver is worthy of note in the auction last week. A circular tray with intricate figural detailing, silver vase, mirror, cigar box and cigarette case each brought their own audience and sold well on the day, with online and telephone bidding in abundance.