Visbids’ first auction of the fall season is pleased to offer an eclectic selection of items, from a variety of estates. On the formal side, we have the lifetime’s collection of a passionate collector of everything! His dining room was lined with plate rails, filled with the lovely colours of antique Imari porcelain. Named after the seaport Imari, on the island of Kyshu, Saga, Japan, Imari porcelain was first shipped to the west at the beginning of the 17th century. With its characteristic colours of blue, red and gold it quickly gained popularity, and was eventually produced and exported by many of Europe’s most respected porcelain houses, such as Meissen, Copeland and Doulton Burslem.
The collection of formal antique furniture includes pieces that are fascinating for the stories they tell us about how life used to be lived. The “hunt board”, or “hunt table”, was named for its function as a buffet server used after a hunting party for serving drinks and food. Characterized by their tall and slender build – perhaps for ease of serving to hungry sportsmen while standing, (or to keep dogs away from the food!), they are excellent choices for the modern day dining room where a traditional sideboard would be considered too large or bulky. The butler’s chest, as the name implies, was given to the butler or head servant of a household. A drop front desk, with a fitted interior with drawers, pigeonholes and letter slots, it was a utilitarian piece, meant to store all the various documents and correspondence necessary to keep a wealthy 18th century household running smoothly. Also on offer are a number of antique games tables – gorgeous pieces of furniture in their own right, they had the added function of serving as a games board – some with felt lining for card playing,some with inlaid chess or backgammon boards, and some with both. With a fold over top, allowing the table to serve a more utilitarian purpose, when opened it provided an elegant surface to while away an evening. Produced in a variety of forms, the game table became popular as house design evolved to homes having a larger number of smaller, more specialized rooms, prompting a desire for more “niche” furniture.
With pieces of antique architectural – cast iron, plaster, and wood, a selection of art, from signed lithographs – including one by Clarence Gagnon – to original oils and watercolours, antique books, toys, jewellery and bronzes, this is an auction with a little bit of everything that is sure to intrigue.
To schedule your preview appointment, please call John at 416-453-0920.
