January 2016 Fine Art Auction Review

Published 24th January 2016

A Chinese Yellow Glazed Garlic-necked Bottle Vase (FS29/543) realised £40,000 during the ceramics auction of the January 2016 fine sale held in Exeter.

2016 got off to a flying start with the two day fine art sale held on 19th/20th January 2016.

The top selling lot of the sale was a Chinese yellow glazed garlic-necked bottle vase (FS29/543), the exterior covered with a bright yellow glaze, which realised £40,000.

Also within the ceramics auction of the sale was a Chinese underglaze copper-red decorated quadrilobed vase (FS29/501) with mythical beast head ring handles, painted with peonies and scrolling foliage, a pendant floral band to the neck and a lappet band to the vase. Measuring just 26cm high, it realised £15,500.

A Chinese Underglaze Copper-red Decorated Quadrilobed Vase (FS29/501) fetched £15,500 in Exeter.

The paintings auction within the sale was strong with a John Craxton (1922-2009) oil on board (FS29/354) titled Roman Pots (Neolithic pots), archaeological find, the Downs, Cranborne Chase beyond selling for £15,000. Also, a Robert O Lenkiewicz (1941–2002) painting Self Portrait with Red Scarf (FS29/342) attracted interest and sold for £12,500.

A superb oil on panel by Henry Alken Junior (Samuel Henry Alken (1810- 1894) titled The Derby, 1875 (FS29/363) exceeded all expectations selling for £10,000.

The iconic self-portrait by Robert Lenkiewicz (1941-2002) with a red scarf (FS29/342) sold for £12,000.

The oil on board by John Craxton RA (1922-2009) 'Roman Pots, Archaeological Find, the Downs, Cranborne Chase Beyond' (FS29/354) was won by a bid for £15,000.

The painting of the 1875 Derby (FS29/363) by Henry Alken Junior [Samuel Henry Alken] (1810-1894) exceeded all expectations by realising £10,000.

In the furniture auction of the sale, a George III mahogany breakfront secretaire library bookcase (FS29/1091) proved popular, not surprisingly with a provenance of Rockbeare Manor, Exeter, Devon. After fierce bidding on the telephones, it realised £5,500.

A very unusual 17th Century lead water cistern of D shaped outline (FS29/1089) with a curved back, the frieze decorated with a continuous band of leaves and berries achieved an excellent price too. Having square panels cast with stylised flowering stems within moulded surrounds and the central arcaded panel with date 1653 and initials W over T S, this unique piece fetched £4,800.

A George III Mahogany Breakfront Secretaire Library Bookcase (FS29/1091) from Rockbeare Manor near Exeter sold for £5,500.

Amongst the many interesting and unusual lots was a 17th Century Lead Water Cistern (FS29/1089), which sold for £4,800.

A mid 20th Century gold and yellow sapphire single stone brooch (FS29/241) was also greatly sought after realising £5,500.

In the works of art auction of this fine sale, a Nothingham style carved alabaster plaque (FS29/817) depicting a court scene with King, musician and courtiers sold for £3,900.

The jewellery auction included a Mid 20th Century Gold and Yellow Sapphire Single-stone Brooch (FS29/241) that realised £5,500.

The Works of Art auction included a Nottingham-style Carved Alabaster Plaque (FS29/817), which fetched £3,900.

Many entries have already been consigned to the April 2016 Fine Art Sale to be held on 19th/20th April 2016.

To consign an item for this fine art auction, please telephone the saleroom on (01392) 413100.

Auction Insights