Strauss & Co’s eagerly awaited Online auction commenced on 6 April. In these troubled times when one is housebound, there can be no better way of whiling away the hours than browsing through the amazing array of pieces consigned for this auction.

The Decorative Arts are focused almost entirely on the Oriental. Collectors already established in this field will find the selection mouth-watering, and initiates entering this market for the first time will struggle to choose.

Amongst the more unusual pieces is a 19th/20th century Chinese carved bamboo brush pot (R8 000 – 10 000), or a 19th century Chinese intricately pierced biscuit porcelain model of a dragon boat, possibly by Chen Guozhi (R15 000–20 000), a paper scroll painting (R3 000–4 000) and two embroidered silk panels (R6 000–8 000).

Featuring on the sale is a wide selection of Chinese miniature carved figures and snuff bottles, much sought- after not surprisingly when one examines the intricate workmanship and the variety of materials used, agate, quartz, amethyst, celadon jade, ivory and glass, and even a walnut shell carved with figures and trees (R1 000 – 1 500).

There are also a fair number of Japanese ivory netsukes and okimonos, delicately carved with mythical creatures, deities and demons. Japanese Imari, Kutani and Satsuma wares are all being offered, and the session concludes with a pair of Chinese Southern Provincial cedarwood chairs, purchased in Kowloon thirty-five years ago (R10 000 – 15 000).

When it comes to the jewellery, be prepared to experience a veritable Aladdin’s Cave. To begin with, eye-catching Indian jewellery which will appeal to those with a taste for the exotic, to wit a dainty eight-strand Keshi seed pearl necklace (R8 000-10 000), an elaborate 20ct gold necklace (R16 000-18 000), an enamel, diamond-set and gold pendant (R6 000-8 000) or a pair of ornate gold and gem-set pendant earrings (R18 000-20 000).

Moving on, elegant Scandinavian jewellery is well represented with examples from such well-known names as Georg Jensen, with a pair of cufflinks (R4 000-6 000), a silver ring (R7 000-9 000) and a silver brooch (R5 000-7 000) depicting a kneeling deer.

Pieces by other Danish makers include a Hans Hensen silver bracelet (R5 000-7 000) and a silver brooch designed by Volmer Bahner (R4 000-6 000). A realistically enamelled silver butterfly brooch by Norwegian designer, Marius Hammer, will no doubt attract much attention (R3 000-4 000) and from Finland comes a sterling silver ‘Planetary Valleys’ necklace, designed by Bjorn Weckstrom, an example of which was worn by Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in the 1977 production of ‘Star Wars IV’.
Tourmaline, the most colourful of all gemstones, is in constant demand so mention must be made of the exceptionally fine diamond and tourmaline pendant (R3 500-4 000) and two magnificent gold and tourmaline rings (R2 000-2 500 and R2 500-3 000 respectively).

Fashionistas will have the rare opportunity to get their hands on pure silk scarves by top designers Hermès, Must de Cartier, Escada and Svetlana Schmidt for Orsorama, at estimates ranging from R2 000 – 4 000 each.

The sale opens on Monday 6 April and closes at 8 pm on Tuesday 14 April 2020. Browse>Bid>Buy on www.straussart.co.za