David Webb jewelry @ Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels. 11 May 10. Geneva

Pair of gold, enamel and diamond bracelet, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Each decorated with white enamel and brilliant-cut diamond scale motifs, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, length approximately 182mm, both signed David Webb. weight 155. Est. 15,000—20,000 CHF. Lot Sold 65,000 CHF

Enamel, ruby, chrysoprase and diamond bangle, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Of cross over design, the front with two white enamel dragon head terminals, each with cabochon ruby eyes, decorated at the top with brilliant-cut diamonds and cabochon chrysoprase, mounted in yellow gold, signed Webb. weight 209. Est. 40,000—60,000 CHF. Lot Sold 62,500 CHF

White enamel and diamond long chain, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a line of white enamel links suspending to the centre a pendant designed as a white enamel scorpion set with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in yellow gold, may be worn as a brooch, both signed Webb. weight 231. Est. 25,000—35,000 CHF. Lot Sold 60,000 CHF

Ruby, emerald, sapphire and diamond pendent necklace, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

The Maltese cross pendant decorated in white enamel, set at the centre with a cabochon ruby within surrounds of brilliant-cut diamonds and circular-cut emeralds and sapphires, signed Webb, may be worn as a brooch, suspended from a necklace of enamel spheres, mounted in yellow gold, length approximately 915mm, divides into 4 sections forming 2 necklaces measuring respectively 435 and 480mm. weight 350. Est. 25,000—35,000 CHF. Lot Sold 40,000 CHF

Yellow gold, platinum and diamond bracelet, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Of bombé form, designed with diagonal lines of brilliant-cut diamonds alternating with lines of yellow gold beads, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, length approximately 180mm, signed Webb. weight 139. Est. 16,000—25,000 CHF. Lot Sold 33,750 CHF

Enamel, ruby and diamond bangle and a ring, 1960. David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as an horse, the body applied with white enamel, the top of the head set with brilliant-cut diamonds, to the cabochon ruby eyes, together with a ring of similar design, bracelet internal circumference 160mm, signed Webb, ring unsigned, size 50. weight 129. Est. 17,000—19,000 CHF. Lot Sold 32,500 CHF

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Cf: Elizabeth Taylor, My Love Affair with Jewelry, 2002, page 164, for a similar horse bracelet.

Turquoise, enamel and diamond parure, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Comprising: a bracelet of carved turquoise batons spaced with black enamel and brilliant-cut diamond links, length approximately 185mm, together with a pair of ear clips and a ring en suite, ring size 53½, mounted in yellow gold, all signed Webb. weight 220. Est. 15,000—20,000 CHF. Lot Sold 31,350CHF

Gold, peridot and emerald brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a dragon clutching a multifaceted peridot egg, with an emerald eye, mounted in yellow gold, can be worn as a pendant, signed Webb. weight 115. Est. 25,000—35,000 CHF. Lot Sold 31,250CHF

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Cf: Marguerite de Cerval, Dictionnaire du Bijou, Paris, 1998, page 549 for another example of a similar brooch.

Turquoise and diamond bracelet, David Webb, 1962. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a line of leaves set with brilliant-cut diamonds and interspersed with cabochon turquoises, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, length approximately 183mm, signed Webb. weight 65. Est. 10,000—15,000 CHF. Lot Sold 26,250CHF

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Cf: David Bennett & Daniela Mascetti, Understanding Jewellery, 1989, page 436, for another example of a similar bracelet.

White enamel and diamond crab long chain, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a line of white enamel crab claw links suspending to the centre a pendant designed as a crab set with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, can be worn as a brooch, both signed Webb. weight 199. Est. 20,000—30,000 CHF. Lot Sold 25,000 CHF

Aquamarine, ruby and diamond brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Modelled as a fish surrounding a large aquamarine, the eye set with a cabochon ruby, the scales with brilliant-cut diamonds and decorated with white enamel, signed David Webb. weight 54. Est. 15,000—20,000 CHF. Lot Sold 21,250CHF

Lapis lazuli and diamond ear clips and ring, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

The ear clips suspending a lapis lazuli drop surmounted by triangular and brilliant-cut diamonds, the ring decorated with an oval lapis lazuli flanked by brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, all signed Webb. weight 100. Est. 8,000—16,000 CHF. Lot Sold 20,000 CHF

White enamel, sapphire, ruby and diamond brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a rhinoceros, the white enamelled head decorated with a pear-shaped sapphire eye and brilliant-cut diamond set mouth, the body with carved rubies, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, signed David Webb. weight 41. Est. 8,000—12,000 CHF. Lot Sold 17,500 CHF

Lapis lazuli, coral and diamond brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a drop set to the centre with a pear-shaped coral within surrounds of brilliant-cut diamonds, lapis lazulis and corals, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, signed Webb, may be worn as a pendant. weight 69. Est. 8,000—16,000 CHF. Lot Sold 16,250 CHF

Two enamel and yellow gold bracelets, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Flexible, each in a stylised mozaïque design, respectively set with white and black enamel, mounted in yellow gold, length respectively 165 and 170mm, signed Webb. weight 210. Est. 5,500—8,000 CHF. Lot Sold 16,250 CHF

Gold, enamel, cultured pearl, ruby and diamond brooch , David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a fish, with cabochon ruby eyes, the body applied with blue and green translucent enamel, the head set with a large cultured pearl within brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in yellow gold, signed Webb. weight 60. Est. 7,000—10,000 CHF. Lot Sold 15,000 CHF

Pair of ruby and diamond ear clips, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Of stylised flower head design, set with cabochon rubies, brilliant- and circular-cut and cushion-shaped diamonds, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, signed Webb. weight  22. Est. 8,000—12,000 CHF. Lot Sold 13,750 CHF

Enamel, coral, ruby and diamond brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a panther head, with cabochon ruby eyes, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and coral, mounted in yellow gold, signed Webb. weight 49. Est. 10,000—15,000 CHF. Lot Sold 12,500 CHF

Rock crystal, enamel and ruby brooch/pendant, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a fish, the body of faceted rock crystal with a cabochon ruby eye further applied with blue and green translucent enamel, pendant fitting, mounted in yellow gold , signed Webb. weight 75. Est. 9,000—12,000 CHF. Lot Sold 12,500 CHF

White enamel and diamond pendent necklace, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

The annular yellow gold chain accented with geometric plaques inset with white enamel, decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds, length approximately 410mm, signed Webb. weight 101. Est. 7,500—11,000 CHF. Lot Sold 11,250 CHF

Red enamel and diamond brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a crab decorated in translucent red enamel and set with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in yellow gold, signed Webb. weight 49. Est. 8,000—12,000 CHF. Lot Sold 10,625 CHF

Azurite and diamond demi-parure, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Comprising: a ring designed with carved azurite edged with brilliant-cut diamonds, size 52, and a pair of ear clips en suite, all mounted in yellow gold and platinum and signed Webb. weight 53. Est. 5,000—8,000 CHF. Lot Sold 10,250 CHF

Enamel, ruby and diamond brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

The brooch modelled as a coiled snake with cabochon ruby eyes, studded with brilliant-cut diamonds, to a white enamel scaled body, mounted in yellow gold, signed David Webb. weight 65. Est. 8,000—12,000 CHF. Lot Sold 10,000 CHF

Pair of enamel and diamond ear clips and a ring, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Each ear clip decorated with white enamel and brilliant-cut diamond scales, together with a ring en suite, size 56, all mounted in yellow gold and platinum, signed Webb, loss to enamel. weight 49. Est. 8,000—12,000 CHF. Lot Sold 10,000 CHF

Pair of gold and ruby ear clips, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Each modelled as a seahorse with cabochon ruby eye and yellow gold body, signed Webb. weight 30. Est. 7,000—10,000 CHF. Lot Sold 8,750 CHF

Enamel, turquoise and diamond Libra brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as the zodiac sign Libra, set with white enamel, brilliant-cut diamonds and pear shaped cabochon turquoise, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, signed Webb, fitted case. weight 50. Est. 6,000—8,000 CHF. Lot Sold 8,750 CHF

Gold, enamel and turquoise brooch/ pendant, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Decorated with white enamel and cabochon turquoise, mounted in yellow gold, signed Webb, fitted case. weight 101. Est. 7,000—10,000 CHF. Lot Sold 8,750 CHF

Pair of ruby and enamel ear clips, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Each designed as a frog, the body applied with translucent green enamel, with gold studs, to the cabochon ruby eyes; mounted in yellow gold and platinum, signed Webb. weight 56. Est. 4,000—6,000 CHF. Lot Sold 8,125 CHF

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Cf: David Bennett & Daniela Mascetti, Understanding Jewellery, 1989, page 420 for similar pair of ear clips sold as lot 45 in The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, Sotheby's Geneva, 1987.

Enamel, emerald and diamond brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Designed as a horse, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, the body applied with white enamel, to the cabochon emerald eyes, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, signed Webb. weight 45. Est. 6,000—8,000 CHF. Lot Sold 7,500 CHF

Pair of enamel ear clips, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Each modelled as a tiger with red enamel eyes and a white enamelled body, mounted in yellow gold, signed Webb. weight 28. Est. 6,000—8,000 CHF. Lot Sold 7,500 CHF

Cultured pearl and diamond bangle, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

The hinged bangle decorated with two cultured pearls of white tint, accented with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, circumference approximately 155mm, signed Webb. weight 57. Est. 5,500—8,000 CHF. Lot Sold 7,000 CHF

Gold brooch, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Modelled as a Centaur grasping a bow and arrow, mounted in yellow gold signed David Webb and Webb. weight 28. Est. 6,000—8,000 CHF. Lot Sold 5,000 CHF

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Centaurs, part human and part horse, were descendants of Centaurus, a son of the god Apollo. Governed by the bestial half of their double nature are described for their uncouth behavior and wild reaction to very small amount of wine.

Enamel and diamond ring, David Webb. photo Sotheby's

Composed of two stylised papyrus motifs inset with white enamel, accented with a pavé-set brilliant-cut diamond link, mounted in yellow gold and platinum, size 52, signed Webb. weight 25. Est. 3,000—4,000 CHF. Lot Sold 3,500 CHF

NOTE: Founded in New York in 1947 by David Webb and Nina Silberstein, it wasn't until 1963 that a permanent salon was established on 57th street; before that Webb jewels could only be purchased in upscale Manhattan department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Bonwit Teller. Webb drew inspiration from the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome and India, as well as the Mayan culture of Central America, evident in his bold hammered yellow gold designs. He also was influenced by Carl Faberge's imaginative combinations of enamel and semi-precious stones. Webb is perhaps best known for his animal creations, which were inspired by and in homage to Jeanne Toussaint, the brilliant creator of Cartier's Great Cat jewels. His fanciful horse, tiger and zebra designs, made of intricately worked enamel and unusual stones and materials, were an immediate success. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy commissioned Webb to create unique objects, using American materials, to give as state gifts. Another loyal client was the Duchess of Windsor, who had several Webb creations, including a whimsical bright green enamel frog bangle and matching earclips. Webb passed away in 1975, but his instantly recognizable jewels continue to attract attention to this day.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels. 11 May 10. Geneva www.sothebys.com

The Owston Collection of taxidermy birds

An extinct passenger pigeon. photo Bonhams

on an L-shaped perch on a grassy base, the five glass case containing an ivorine museum label, 44cm high - Estimate: AUD 8,000 - 12,000, GBP 4,800 - 7,200, USD 7,200 - 11,000

Footnote: Whilst numerous specimens of the passenger pigeon exist in American and European museums, very few are still in private collections, especially one that is in such good condition.

Cf. Errol Fuller, Extinct Birds, 1987, p. 112-117, fig 37-41, and plate XXVI.

The fate of the passenger pigeon is one of the most famous stories of extinction in recent history. Passenger pigeons were once among the most numerous birds on earth, swirling in vast flocks obscuring the sun across the skies of North America in the 18th and early 19th century. So numerous were they, that when they landed on branches often perched on each others backs, their collective weight would break thick branches and even topple entire trees. In one hunting competition no less than 30,000 birds were required to win a prize. How tragic then that, within the lifetime of a human being, this species was reduced to a single individual that died 1914. And the principle cause? Hunting, season upon season, decade following decade until those remaining sporadic populations dwindled to such critical levels that recovery was impossible. Martha, the last remaining bird died in Cincinnati zoo on 1st September 1914, at 1pm, possibly the only instance to date when the precise time of the extinction of a species has been known.

A rare pair of extinct adult male and female huia. photo Bonhams

interacting with one another on moss-covered branch perches amid ferns and grasses, in four glass case, 81cm high (32" high) - Estimate: AUD 8,000 - 12,000, GBP 4,800 - 7,200, USD 7,200 - 11,000

Footnote: Cf. Errol Fuller, Extinct Birds, 1987, p. 229-233, figs. 77-9, pl LVII.

The territory of the huia was restricted to the mountains and lowland forest of the south half of New Zealand's North Island. Introduced mammalian and bird species, and habitat loss due to cultivation also contributed to the decline of a species that seemed never to have been widely distributed in the first place.
The huia was prized both by Maoris for their tail feathers and by Europeans as stuffed specimens for museums, cabinets and drawing room decorations. The portrait artist, C.F. Goldie depicts a Maori chief wearing four huia tail feathers in his hair, in his 1913 painting, The Last of the Cannibals. Worn in battle, offered as tokens of friendship or respect, tail feathers embodied enormous power and value. Indeed, they were carefully stored in beautifully carved treasure boxes known as waka huia. Europeans admired their dramatic orange wattles and were intrigued by the stark sexual dimorphism exhibited in the shapes of their bills. This adaption allows for cooperation between sexes in the gathering of food; the male's stouter bill breaking open wood crevices so the female's slender bill can extract insect larvae. This behavioural bond may also have contributed to its demise, because if one bird was captured or shot, its mate would show signs of distress and remain in the area endangering itself, rather than fleeing.
Sir Walter Buller's, A History of the Birds of New Zealand, in 1872 noted that at that time the species was far from abundant, and by the time the supplement was published thirty-three years later in 1905, he accepted that the huia was already doomed to extinction. The last recorded sighting was just a couple of years later in 1907, although unconfirmed accounts suggested some pairs living on until the 1920's.

A pair of extinct adult male and female huia. photo Bonhams

on rudimentary cage perches bearing labels dated 1874 and inscribed, 'Wanganua' under a glass dome, 52cm high (20.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 8,000 - 12,000, GBP 4,800 - 7,200, USD 7,200 - 11,000

An exceptional collage of Asian pheasants and partridges. photo Bonhams

displayed on naturalistic rockwork and foliage with jewel beetles, and comprising a chukar, a male western tragopan, male Himalayan monal, male Blyth's tragopan, two male koklass pheasants and male and female kalij pheasant on a nest of eggs, in a large Victorian ebonised case on stand, 158 x 156cm (62" x 61.5") - Estimate: AUD 5,000 - 7,000, GBP 3,000 - 4,200, USD 4,500 - 6,300

A very rare display of paradise and ground parrots. photo Bonhams

two now-extinct Australian paradise parrots perched either side of a rare Australian ground parrot on a single branch amid native foliage, in five glass case, 62cm high (24.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 4,000 - 6,000, GBP 2,400 - 3,600, USD 3,600 - 5,400

Footnote: There are very few paradise parrot specimens in private collections throughout the world. The sale of this lot represents a very rare opportunity to acquire a cased display of a pair of these spectacular native Australian psittaciformes, with the added bonus of a rare ground parrot.

Cf. Errol Fuller, Extinct Birds, 1987, p.135-137, plate XXVII and fig 55.

Last reliably recorded in 1927, its decline can be attributed to a number of environmental factors, including habitat loss due to increasing numbers of grazing farm animals, and a period of drought associated with bush fires that depleted food supplies. The capture and export of paradise parrots as cage birds to Europe, where their spectacular plumage was greatly admired, no doubt exacerbated theier decline in the wild to critical levels. Although captive breeding was successful, no aviary stock was ever built up.

An extinct adult male huia. photo Bonhams

standing on a twig perch with grass tuft above a sandy base, in an architectural mahogany four glass case, 62cm high (25" high) - Estimate: AUD 3,000 - 4,000, GBP 1,800 - 2,400, USD 2,700 - 3,600

A historically interesting male great bustard. photo Bonhams

standing on a grassy mound with tail feathers and moustache plumes erect, bearing a label inscribed, '...from the collection of the Rt. Hon. E. Bouverie... Lavington, Wilts...one of the last surviving bustards killed on Salisbury Plain about 1871', in an ebonised case, 89cm high (35" high) - Estimate: AUD 2,000 - 3,000, GBP 1,200 - 1,800, USD 1,800 - 2,700

A fine pair of adult swallow-tailed kites by James Gardner of London. photo Bonhams

on woodland perches amid fungus and grasses, one simultaneously holding a moth in its beak and in one talon, in a gilt-lined ebonised case, 75cm high (29.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 2,000 - 3,000, GBP 1,200 - 1,800, USD 1,800 - 2,700

A family of three little spotted kiwis. photo Bonhams

standing above their nest hole, in a square mahogany framed five glass case on stand, 144cm high (56.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 2,000 - 3,000, GBP 1,200 - 1,800, USD 1,800 - 2,700

A foraging pair of brown kiwis. photo Bonhams

on twig-strewn undulating base, in a square mahogany case on stand, 155cm high (61" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,500 - 2,500, GBP 900 - 1,500, USD 1,400 - 2,300

An adult greater spotted eagle. photo Bonhams

standing on a seaweed-covered rockwork perch with salmon prey in one talon, in a five glass case, 84cm high (33" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,500 - 2,500, GBP 900 - 1,500, USD 1,400 - 2,300

A rare adult kakapo. photo Bonhams

standing on a branch on a soily rockwork base amid ferns and grasses, in five glass case, 59cm high (23" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,500 - 2,500, GBP 900 - 1,500, USD 1,400 - 2,300

A family group of three great bustards. photo Bonhams

comprising a male, female and chick standing on a grassy undulating base, in an architectural mahogany three glass case, 109cm high (43" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,500 - 2,000, GBP 900 - 1,200, USD 1,400 - 1,800

A trio of male birds of paradise and a bower bird. photo Bonhams

standing on branch perches displaying their plumage, and comprising two adult male Raggiana birds of paradise and a regent bowerbird, in a Victorian mahogany four glass case on stand, 112cm high (44" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,200 - 1,800, GBP 720 - 1,100, USD 1,100 - 1,600

A collage of east Australian fauna. photo Bonhams

displayed on branch perches and rockwork with grasses,with a koala kitten beneath and array of birds, comprising an adult male regent bowerbird, adult crimson rosella, adult male and female Australian king parrot, adult laughing kookaburra, female red-winged parrot, adult rainbow lorikeet, adult male satin bowerbird, adult male paradise riflebird, adult green catbird and adult noisy pitta, in an architectural mahogany case, 83cm high (32.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,200 - 1,800, GBP 720 - 1,100, USD 1,100 - 1,600

A pair of adult peregrine falcons by T. E. Gunn. photo Bonhams

attending their nest of two eggs on a rocky outcrop, in glazed case, 64cm high (25" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,200 - 1,800, GBP 720 - 1,100, USD 1,100 - 1,600

An adult male blue bird of paradise. photo Bonhams

in characteristic and spectacular upside down mating display, hanging from a branch perch, in a four glass case, 70cm high (27.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,200 - 1,800, GBP 720 - 1,100, USD 1,100 - 1,600

An adult bald eagle. photo Bonhams

standing on a branch perch over its pine-twig nest which contains a pair of eaglets and the skull of a rodent, 90cm high (35.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,200 - 1,800, GBP 720 - 1,100, USD 1,100 - 1,600

Four bird of prey displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a Eurasian buzzard with leveret prey in its talons, a young peregrine falcon on mossy bark perch, a kestrel and tawny owl both perched on a branch, and an adult gyr falcon on mossy perch, largest 70cm (27.5") (4) - Estimate: AUD 1,200 - 1,800, GBP 720 - 1,100, USD 1,100 - 1,600

Two kiwi displays. photo Bonhams

comprising an adult northern brown kiwi on raised mossy mound and in architectural mahogany three glass case, and a pale morph of an adult lesser spotted kiwi on a grassy undulating base and in a five glass case, 19 3/4in x 17 3/4in (500 x 450mm) (2) - Estimate: AUD 1,200 - 1,800, GBP 720 - 1,100, USD 1,100 - 1,600

A trio of Antipodean birds. photo Bonhams

comprising a rare kakapo on rockwork, a rainbow lorikeet on a twig perch and a lesser spotted kiwi foraging on the ground, in an architectural three glass case, 183cm high (72" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,200 - 1,800, GBP 720 - 1,100, USD 1,100 - 1,600

A fine pair of adult male and female lammergeiers by White of Salisbury, c. 1895. photo Bonhams

standing on rockwork feeding perches with monkey skull below, in an ebonised three glass case, interesting label behind detailing the circumstances around their collection in the Himalayas, 123cm high (48.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,000 - 1,500, GBP 600 - 900, USD 900 - 1,400

A group of owls by H. Ward. photo Bonhams

comprising an adult short-eared owl with open wings, and three little owls, all in a woodland setting of foliage and branches, 87cm high (34" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,000 - 1,500, GBP 600 - 900, USD 900 - 1,400

A group of owls by H. Ward. photo Bonhams

comprising an adult short-eared owl with open wings, and three little owls, all in a woodland setting of foliage and branches, 87cm high (34" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,000 - 1,500, GBP 600 - 900, USD 900 - 1,400

A fine pair of adult male great argus pheasants by James Gardner of London. photo Bonhams

one displaying his vibrant plumage on grassy and stony ground, the other perched above, 165cm high (65" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,000 - 1,500, GBP 600 - 900, USD 900 - 1,400

A collage of six common kestrels. photo Bonhams

males and females perched on a rock face with grasses at the base, in four glass case, 87cm high (34" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A display of bowerbirds and birds of paradise. photo Bonhams

all males in breeding plumage and perched on branches, comprising two twelve-wired birds of paradise, a regent bowerbird and a magnificent bird of paradise, in ebonised five glass case, 69cm high (27" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A tasman boobook. photo Bonhams

probably of the Lord Howe Island race and therefore extinct, seated on a perch looking to the left, under a glass dome, 35cm high, (13.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,000 - 1,500, GBP 600 - 900, USD 900 - 1,400   

A fine Eurasian eagle owl. photo Bonhams

seated on a branch hunting perch amid deciduous flora, in gilt-lined glazed case, 141cm high (55.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 1,000 - 1,500, GBP 600 - 900, USD 900 - 1,400

A Himalayan monal. photo Bonhams

standing on rockwork base with tail fanned, in a five glass case, 69cm high (27" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A rare adult kakapo. photo Bonhams

sitting on a stump perch amid grasses on a sandy base, in a five glass case, 67cm high (26" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A group of five great owls. photo Bonhams

comprising a snowy owl on rockwork perch, a spotted wood owl on truncated perch under glass dome, two cape eagle owls, one on a mossy perch under glass dome, the other with wings outstretched on a gnarled perch, and a great horned owl on a y-shaped perch, largest 97cm high (38" high) (5) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A trio of African bustards. photo Bonhams

comprising a pair of adult male and female white-bellied bustards, and a male white-quilled bustard, standing and sitting on grassy rockwork in three glass case, 75cm high (29.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

Four penguin displays. photo Bonhams

comprising two adult king penguins on plain wood bases, with old labels and provenance to 1901, a fairy penguin on icework base in a five glass case, and a humboldt penguin on snowy base under glass dome, tallest 81cm (32") (4) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A collage of male hornbills and songbirds. photo Bonhams

perched amid foliage on a stony base, and including an oriental pied hornbill, a great hornbill and a Papuan hornbill, a yellow-rumped widow bird and a golden-fronted leafbird, in glazed case, 97cm high (38" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A rare male lesser florican. photo Bonhams

standing on rockwork base, in an architectural mahogany three glass case, 57cm high (22.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A part albino northern brown kiwi by Rowland Ward. photo Bonhams

standing on mossy base with rockwork to one side, in four glass display, 61cm high (24" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

An adult female little spotted kiwi. photo Bonhams

standing on rockwork with tufts of grass, in five glass case, 48cm high (19" high) - Estimate: AUD 800 - 1,200, GBP 480 - 720, USD 720 - 1,100

A display of three hornbills. photo Bonhams

comprising a pair of helmetted hornbills perched above a Papuan hornbill below, in five glass bamboo case, 167cm high (65.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 1,200, GBP 360 - 720, USD 540 - 1,100

A southern brown kiwi. photo Bonhams

standing on a mossy base amid grass, leaves and a pebble, in architectural mahogany three glass case, 50cm high (19.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 700 - 1,000, GBP 420 - 600, USD 630 - 900

A collage of African and Asian desert and shore birds by John and Ann Burton of Gloucestershire. photo Bonhams

perched on rockwork on a sandy base, including two pied kingfishers, two adult collared pratincoles, three adult Pallas sand-grouse, two male and female spotted sand-grouse, an adult spur-winged plover, and three adult Egyptian plovers, 60cm high (23.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 700 - 1,000, GBP 420 - 600, USD 630 - 900

An adult male great bustard. photo Bonhams

standing and displaying with wing, tail and moustache plumes spread, in an ebonised four glass case, 111cm high (44" high) -
Estimate: AUD 600 - 1,000, GBP 360 - 600, USD 540 - 900

Two displays of greater prairie chickens. photo Bonhams

comprising a pair standing on grassy mounds in three glass case, and a single male on colourful rockwork base in an architectural mahogany case, 60cm and 50cm high (23.5" and 19.5" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 1,000, GBP 360 - 600, USD 540 - 900

Two adult male greater prairie chickens. photo Bonhams

standing on raised mounds amid grasses, one displaying his bare orange cervical sac, in three glasss case, 53cm high (21" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

A rare female lesser florican. photo Bonhams

standing on a sandy base, in an architectural mahogany three glass case, 56cm high (22" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

A display of three albinistic adult scops owls. photo Bonhams

with varying degrees of albinism, on fern and lichen covered branch perch, under glass dome, 55cm high (27.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

An educational display of long-eared owls. photo Bonhams

two adults and two chicks each on separate perch, the adult male with mouse in its beak, all bearing labels with provenance to Ireland and Scotland in 1902 and 1903, in glazed case, 56cm high (22" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

A male great Indian bustard by Henry Shaw of Shrewsbury. photo Bonhams

standing on a rockwork base with foliage, in a gilt-lined ebonised case, 125cm high (49" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

A Cape Barren goose. photo Bonhams

standing on a sandy mound before a tuft of grass, in a five glass case, 81cm high (32" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

Three adult snowy egrets. photo Bonhams

in breeding plumage,standing on sandy rockwork amid foliage beside a pond, old label with provenance to 1870, in three glass case, 69cm high (27" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

Five large uncased birds. photo Bonhams

comprising a female great bustard on log slice, a great Indian bustard, a lesser flamingo, a black-casqued hornbill on a perch and an Australian raven on a branch, largest 84cm high (33" high) (5) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

Two displays of common loons. photo Bonhams

one immature and standing on a flat, rockwork base beside grasses, the other an adult in full breeding plumage, standing on a guano covered rock, strewn with aquatic foliage and molluscs, both in three glass cases, 70cm and 82cm high, (27.5" and 31.5" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

A male great Indian bustard by Henry Shaw of Shrewsbury. photo Bonhams

standing on a rockwork base with foliage, in a gilt-lined ebonised case, 125cm high (49" high) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 800, GBP 360 - 480, USD 540 - 720

A display of bustards and grouse. photo Bonhams

standing on rockwork amid grass tufts and comprising a female Namaqua sand grouse nesting below a female and juvenile white-quilled bustard, and a rare female lesser florican, 75cm high (30" high) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 800, GBP 300 - 480, USD 450 - 720

Five bird of paradise and bowerbird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising three superb birds of paradise and two regent bowerbirds, all mounted on perches, three under glass domes, (5) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

An adult male snowy owl. photo Bonhams

on a frosty rock perch amid grasses, in an architectural three glass case, 77cm high (30" high) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

A greater spotted eagle by John Leadbeater. photo Bonhams

standing on a mossy rockwork perch with wings spread, 95cm high (37.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

Two bird displays of curl-crested acari and Raggiana bird of paradise. photo Bonhams

the acari on a simple cage perch, the bird of paradise perched above a spotted pardalote and a ruby topaz, both under domes, 41cm and 52cm (16" and 20.5") (2) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

Four bird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a two manucodes (glossy-mantled and crinkle-collared) interacting on short stumps, a European bee eater perched on a wasps nest, both in five glass cases, an Australian emu wren on grassy twig perch and a pair of white-eared catbirds on branching twig perches, both under domes, tallest 65cm (25.5") (4) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

A group of six parrot displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a male galah under glass dome, a 'Cloncurry' Australian ringneck on twig perch, a bust mount of a kea in small chamfered glass case, a red-fanned parrot on a stump, a long-billed corella on a branch perch in three glass case, and a male gang-gang cockatoo on gnarled perch, largest 53cm high (21" high) (6) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

Two displays of a paradise riflebird and an Amazonian umbrellabird. photo Bonhams

the riflebird displaying on a branch, the umbrellabird standing on a simple base, both in five glass cases, 41cm high (16" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

Five parrot displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a sulphur-crested cockatoo on grassy moss covered perch under a dome, a pair of male and female eclectus parrots under a dome, another eclectus parrot on a wall plaque, a yellow-crowned amazon on a grassy moss covered perch under dome, and a female gang-gang cockatoo on simple twig perch under dome, tallest 59cm (23") (5) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

Two bird displays of an owl and a bird of paradise. photo Bonhams

comprising an adult snowy owl on a short mossy perch, and a male Raggiana bird of paradise displaying on a twig perch, both in architectural mahogany three glass cases, 81cm and 62cm high (32" and 24.5" high) (2). Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

Four cased bird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising two bitterns, an albino crow, and a satyr tragopan with a white-naped jay, largest 76cm (30") (4) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

A Cape eagle owl. photo Bonhams

with leveret prey in one talon, standing on a stump perch amid lichen and moss, in five glass case, 67cm high (26" high) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

An adult European honey buzzard by Leadbetter & Co. of London. photo Bonhams

standing on its blackbird prey on lichen and mossy base, in three glass case, 56cm high (22" high) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

A group of ten small cased bird displays. photo Bonhams

including a Eurasian jay, regent honeyeater, redpolls, Eurasian goldfinch, ruff and reeve, northern wryneck, common kingfisger etc., (10) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

An adult African fish eagle. photo Bonhams

standing on a rockwork perch, under glass dome, 80cm high (31.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

Two displays of birds of paradise. photo Bonhams

comprising a pair of adult Raggiana birds of paradise and a king bird of paradise, perched on a shell-strewn base in three glass case, and an adult lesser bird of paradise displaying above a black-breasted puffleg hummingbird, under glass dome, 62 and 75cm high respectively (24.5" and 29.5" high respectively) (2) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 600, GBP 300 - 360, USD 450 - 540

A yellow-throated toucan. photo Bonhams

standing on a branch perch, in oak five glass case, 37cm high (14.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540 

An adult male western tragopan. photo Bonhams

standing on a low stump perch above earthy base, in a five glass case, 60cm high (23.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Two bird displays of a ruffed grouse and a Eurasian curlew. photo Bonhams

the grouse perched on mossy base with colourful fungus and in five glass case, the curlew on grassy rockwork base in three glass case, 46cm and 52cm high (18" and 20.5" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

A changeable hawk eagle. photo Bonhams

standing on gnarled wood perch issuing grass, in a five glass case, 57cm high (22.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Three exotic bird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a pair of satin bowerbirds on grassy stump under broad glass dome, an uncased rare long-tailed paradigalla on a twig, and an uncased rare male saddleback on branching perch with oakleaf strewn base, various sizes (3) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

A young male great bustard. photo Bonhams

standing with tail erect on a grassy mound, in an architectural mahogany three glass case, 103cm high (40.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Four exotic bird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a greater bird of paradise female on a twig perch, two twelve-wired birds of paradise both under glass domes, and a pair of magnificent birds of paradise on log perch and in a five glass case, (4) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Two bird displays of Eurasian nightjars and New Zealand pigeon. photo Bonhams

the pigeon on a low perch with shingle base and in five glass case, with label inscribed and dated, 'Kereru - York Bay, North Island, 11.2.06, mounted by C. Poynter, Petone, NZ', the nightjars perched and swooping, one with an insect in its beak, in three glass case, 41cm and 43cm high (16" and 17" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

A female galah by Rowland Ward. photo Bonhams

mounted on a low branch stump on mossy mound, in five glass case, 40cm high (15.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Two displays of Eurasian jays. photo Bonhams

both pairs interacting, one pair perched on a forked branch, the other on fern and grassy groundwork, 42cm high (16.5" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Four exotic bird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a satin bowerbird on gnarled perch, a lesser bird of paradise on perch, and two magnificent riflebirds on perches and under glass domes, (4) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Two bird displays of grey herons and ring-necked pheasants. photo Bonhams

the herons interacting on a mossy and floral base, the pair of part-albino pheasants by A. C. Foot of Bath, standing on rockwork bases, both in glazed cases, 72cm and 56cm high (28" and 22" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540   

Three displays of Eurasian bitterns. photo Bonhams

one standing on a grassy mound in a three glass case containing a label with provenance to 1913, the other two standing in glazed cases, 68cm, 65cm and 72cm high (26.5", 25.5" and 28" high) (3) - Estimate: AUD 600 - 900, GBP 360 - 540, USD 540 - 810

Two displays of male superb lyrebirds. photo Bonhams

both showing elegant tail feathers, one in five glass case, 94cm and 98cm high (37" and 38.5" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

A large collage of exotic birds. photo Bonhams

displayed on branch perches on a stony base, approximately 60 individuals of 53 species, 133cm high (52" high) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Two tawny frogmouths. photo Bonhams

one on log pile hunting perch with mosses and grasses, the other on a hollow log perch, both under glass domes, first 70cm high (27.5" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

A pair of wekas. photo Bonhams

one standing on a mossy log behind the other on a stony base, in architectural mahogany three glass case, 50cm high (19.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

A scarlet ibis. photo Bonhams

striding in six glass chamfered mahogany case, 51cm high (20" high) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Four juvenile flightless bird displays. photo Bonhams

including a cassowary chick, a large rhea chick under glass dome, a cassowary chick with striped body in five glass case, and a pair of small rhea chicks in five glass case, tallest 63cm (25") (4) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Five birds of paradise displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a pair of lesser birds of paradise in five glass case, three other displaying males of lesser birds of paradise,two of which are under domes, and a red bird of paradise male on a cage perch and under glass dome, tallest 55cm high, (21.5" high) (5) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Four owl displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a northern hawk owl on perch with fungus in three glass corner cabinet, a pearl-spotted owlet on perch, a southern white-faced owl on perch under glass dome, and two other small owls under a glass dome, largest 73cm, (28.5") (4) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Two uncased bird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a red-legged seriema and female northern ground hornbill, both on gnarled wood perches, both about 74cm high (29" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 400 - 600, GBP 240 - 360, USD 360 - 540

Four bird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising probably a black-legged kittiwake or possibly a mew gull on grass, moss and shell strewn base in canted three glass case, a pair of crested pigeons interacting on a single branch perch in five glass case (old collection label), a Eurasian green woodpecker on a grass and lichen covered stump in three glass case, and a black-necked acari on painted cage perch under a dome, tallest 64cm (25") (4) - Estimate: AUD 500 - 700, GBP 300 - 420, USD 450 - 630

A great grey owl. photo Bonhams

standing on a lichen covered stump perch, in an architectural mahogany three glass case, 78cm high (31" high) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

An adult kea. photo Bonhams

perched on mossy rockwork, in five glass case, 47cm high (18.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

Two bird displays of a satin bowerbird and a white-faced whistling duck. photo Bonhams

the satin bowerbird on low perch, labelled with provenance to Townsville, Queensland in 1899, the duck on pedestal mount, 37cm and 48cm high (14.5" and 19" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

Two cased owl displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a group of two barn owls and a tawny owl perched on grassy mounds and stump, and a pair of barn owls, one pinning down a finch with its talons, on grassy mound with peacock feathers, both in three glass cases, largest 56cm high (22" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

A fan display of a laughing kookaburra. photo Bonhams

the wing and tail feathers arranged around the head, ebonised turned handle, in glazed case, 57cm high (22.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

A pair of red-legged partridges. photo Bonhams

foraging amongst moss and grass in five glass case, 55cm high (21.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

Three Eurasian sparrowhawk displays. photo Bonhams

two perched on rockwork holding down their prey with their talons,in three glass cases, the third in a single glazed case, largest 43cm high,(17" high) (3) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

A male greater bird of paradise by Bazeley of Northampton. photo Bonhams

bowed above a floral display with display plumage exposed, in a wall-hung five glass frame case, 61cm high (24" high) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

A short-toed eagle. photo Bonhams

on a stump perch with grasses beneath, in glazed case, 76cm high (30" high) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 500, GBP 180 - 300, USD 270 - 450

An adult red-billed hornbill. photo Bonhams

standing above its branch hollow nest, in gilt-lined glazed case, 74cm high (29" high) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 400, GBP 180 - 240, USD 270 - 360

Three bird displays. photo Bonhams

comprising a great crested grebe and chick beside reeds on a muddy base in four glass case, and an adult pilotbird in an oval-framed case, and a pair of little bustard, in glazed case, 16in x 20in (410 x 510mm) (3) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 400, GBP 180 - 240, USD 270 - 360

Two displays of toco toucans. photo Bonhams

both on branch perches, one in five glass case, both 50cm high (19.5" high) (2) - Estimate: AUD 300 - 400, GBP 180 - 240, USD 270 - 360

An adult great horned owl. photo Bonhams

on a stump perch with fungus and foliage, in a bowfront corner case, 80cm high (31.5" high) - Estimate: AUD 200 - 300, GBP 120 - 180, USD 180 - 270

Fourteen various bird displays. photo Bonhams

including two black-winged kites in five glass case, a capuchin bird on a cage perch, a New Zealand tui and weka, two Gouldian finches on a branch, an Abyssinian roller on a twig perch, and eight others (14) - Estimate: AUD 200 - 300, GBP 120 - 180, USD 180 - 270

Bonhams. The Owston Collection, 25 Jun 2010 to 26 Jun 2010. The Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney

Vases calice et verres calice, XVIIIe et XIXe siècles

Grand calice en cristal gravé d'un paysage avec 3 chevaux, sur base ronde début 19ème

(petit éclat à la base) - Ht 45cm - Estimation : 800 / 1 200 €

Verre calice couvert en verre gravé de tiges fleuries et décor de côtes en relief, fin XVIIIe Siècle

(Ht 27cm) - Estimation : 600 / 800 €

Verre Calice couvert gravé de trois motifs fleurs, fin XVIIIe Siècle

(Ht 27cm) - Estimation : 400 / 600 €

Verre calice gravé de motifs linéaires avec médaillons séparés de bandeaux obliques, fin XVIIIe

(Ht 17.5cm) - Estimation : 300 / 400 €

Verre calice gravé de branches et de rubans en oblique, fin XVIIIe

(Ht 17.5cm) - Estimation : 300 / 400 €

Verre calice gravé de lambrequins, XVIIIe Siècle

(Ht 18cm) - Estimation : 300 / 400 €

Verre calice gravé de motifs linéaires avec étoiles, fin XVIIIe Siècle

(Ht 20.5cm) - Estimation : 300 / 400 €

Grand calice couvert en verre soufflé décoré de motifs en relief

accident au couvercle.(Ht 34cm) - Estimation : 200 / 300 €

Vase calice couvert en verre gravé de motifs géométriques

(Ht 18.5cm) - Estimation : 200 / 300 €

Rops - Namur - BELGIQUE. Vente du Dimanche 16 mai 2010. 320, Chaussée de Waterloo - 5002 Saint Servais. Pour tout renseignements, veuillez contacter la maison de ventes par tél au 00 32 81 74 99 88, par fax au 00 32 81 74 99 86

Robert Goossens, Important collier draperie en or jaune à motifs de rocaille ciselés et articulés, centré d'un cristal de roche

Robert Goossens, Important collier draperie en or jaune à motifs de rocaille ciselés et articulés, centré d'un cristal de roche entouré d'améthystes ovales et quartz bruns soutenant une citrine rectangulaire.

Signé. Ce bijou a été créé pour la famille Windsor. Poids brut : 364 g - Estimation : 12 000 / 15 000 €

Artcurial Deauville - 14800 Deauville. Vente du Samedi 15 mai 2010. Salle Kergolay - 32, avenue Hocquart de Turtot - 14800 Deauville. Madame Geneviève MELY Expert. Contact: a.lepeudry@artcurial-deauville.com

« Monsieur Goossens est un merveilleux artiste comme on n’en fait plus aujourd’hui », disait Mademoiselle CHANEL, avec laquelle il travailla pendant près de 20 ans (1953-1971).

Orfèvre-bijoutier, né en 1927, Robert Goossens est le grand artiste du métal, l’un des derniers grands maîtres de l’âge d’or du Bijou. Il est le descendant d’une famille de fondeur. Très jeune, il travaille avec son père puis il entre dans l’atelier de l’orfèvre Bauer en 1942 qui crée pour les joailliers Cartier et Mellerio et en 1945 chez Lefebvre. Sa carrière « Haute Couture » débute en 1948 chez Max Boinet qui travaille pour Dior, Balmain, Fath, Balenciaga, Schiaparelli etc. Puis en 1954, il participe à la création du Style Byzantin, signature de la maison Chanel. De 1972 à 75, il travaille pour la maison Grès et en 1974, il ouvre neuf ateliers, il en sortira de nombreuses productions pour Yves Saint Laurent.

Très employé au 17e siècle pour les luminaires (lustres, flambeaux), le cristal de roche est la matière de prédilection de R. Goossens, il réalise des bijoux « Couture » pour Chanel, Balenciaga etc. L’idée lui est venue de travailler le minéral après avoir restauré une croix en cristal de roche confiée par Coco Chanel. Le cristal de roche est ainsi présent dans une grande partie de sa création (bijoux, coupes et objets décoratifs).

A Sèvres hard paste blue-black-ground chinoiserie plate (assiette ronde). Circa 1795, blue RF/Sèvres mark, painter's LG.

A Sèvres hard paste blue-black-ground chinoiserie plate (assiette ronde). Circa 1795, blue RF/Sèvres mark, painter's LG. For Etienne-Henri Le Guay, incised script G.

The centre painted in the Oriental style with a butterfly within a garland of flowering plants and fruit, the blue-black ground border gilt and enriched in platinum with three vignettes of Orientals among pagodas, fences, birds, flowering plants and trees, gilt line rim (some wear to gilt rim) - 9 5/8 in. (24.5 cm.) diam. Estimate £10,000 - £12,000 ($14,800 - $17,760) Price Realized £39,650 ($58,682)

Provenance: With M. Vandermeersch

Notes: Citoyen Empaytaz et Compagnie were important dealers with outlets in Paris and Berlin in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. According to David Peters, Sèvres Plates and Services of the 18th Century (Little Berkhamsted, 2005), Vol. V, pp. 1053-55, service no. 94-11, twenty-five services were delivered to theses merchants between 10 October and 5 December 1794. The present plate is almost certainly from the ninth service in this delivery. This service incorporated two similar patterns imitating Oriental lacquer.

The Hermitage Museum collection retains pieces thought to be from this delivery. A plate, similar to the present example, with a very similar mark and other items from the same service formerly in the Collection of Prince Nicolay Borisovich Yusupov (1750-1831) is illustrated by Nina Birioukova, Natalia Kazakevitch, Musée de l'Ermitage, La porcelaine de Sèvres du XVIII siècle (St. Petersburg, 2005), pp.197-200, nos. 964-975.

For a plate in the British Museum, also from the same service, and a full discussion see Aileen Dawson, French Porcelain A catalogue of the British Museum Collection (London, 1994), pp. 213-214, no. 177 and for a full discussion of the black ground items produced at Sèvres in the early 1790's see Adrian Sassoon, The J.Paul Getty Museum, Vincennes and Sèvres Porcelain Catalogue of the Collections (Malibu, 1991), p. 152-154.

M. de Semonville, Ambassadeur, was the first to purchase a service described in the Sèvres factory sales records as 'fond noir Chinois en ors de couleurs et platine, fleurs émaillés' delivered on 6 May 1791. M. de Semonville was described as an 'intriguer' who was moving in Russian, Austrian and Ottoman diplomatic circles.

For a discussion of four Sèvres services form Yusupov including examples of the service similar to the present example (the third service) see Kira Bulter, 'Sèvres for the Imperial Court', Apollo, June 1975, pp. 456-7.

Christie's. White Gold 18th Century Porcelain from Vincennes and Sèvres. 12 May 2010. London, King Street www.christies.com

A Collector’s Menagerie: Animal Sculpture from the Ancient World @ Rupert Wace Ancient Art

Egyptian bronze and wood Ibis. Late Dynastic Period. 25th-31st Dynasty, 715-332 BC. Length: 40.2 cm. Height: 23 cm.

LONDON.- Within hours of the opening of the exhibition A Collector’s Menagerie: Animal Sculpture from the Ancient World, Rupert Wace Ancient Art had sold twenty-three of the eighty-seven works, including two crocodiles, to eager collectors. (This represents 26.5% by number and 42.6% by value).

The exhibition, which is taking place at the Sladmore Gallery, 57 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, London SW1, opened to the public today (Wednesday 12 May) and will close on Friday 28 May 2010.

The collection of animal sculpture spanning over three millennia encompasses cultures from old Europe, the Classical world, ancient Egypt, the Near East and the Steppes civilisations of western China and illustrates the important role played by birds and animals in all these cultures. This was particularly true in ancient Egypt and one of the first pieces to sell was an impressive bronze and wood sculpture of the sacred ibis, the avian manifestation of the ancient god Thoth, 715-332 BC, (asking price £120,000).

Among other fine Egyptian pieces sold was an elegant example of perhaps the archetypal image of Egyptian animal art, a sleek and stately seated bronze cat, the animal manifestation associated with Bastet, an ancient goddess worshipped at Per-Bastet (Bubastis) in the Nile Delta. Dating from 715-332 BC, this proud and inscrutable feline was acquired by a Swiss collector (asking price £75,000). Sales also included a bronze statuette of an Apis bull, the double on earth of the creator god Ptah, 715-332 BC, to an American institution (asking price £65,000); a rare bronze crocodile, 332-30 BC (asking price £26,000); a bronze Horus falcon, 664-525 BC (asking price £35,000) and a gold amulet in the form of a vulture, c.1000-300 BC (asking price £18,000). An early 4th century BC Phrygian, East Greek, terracotta relief of a bull being attacked by lions, an extraordinary and dramatic piece, was another early sale (asking price of £60,000).

The exhibition offers ancient jewellery, which can still be worn today, such as delightful Gallo-Roman bronze fibulae (brooches) inlaid with enamel, 2nd-3rd century, several of which sold immediately for prices ranging from £850 to £4,200 including depictions of a running hound, a bounding hare, a boar and a horse. Collectors also acquired a Roman silver and inlaid gold fibula of a hippocamp from the same period (asking price £4,200), a Roman silver fibula of a fly or cicada, 4th-5th century AD, (asking price £28,000), and a charming Roman amethyst pendant in the form of a cockerel wrapped in a gold band, 2nd-3rd century AD, (asking price £9,500).

Rupert Wace, who has been dealing in antiquities for over 30 years, is delighted that these ancient and beautiful pieces still strike a chord with collectors today.

Granodiorite relief depicting the god Khnum fashioning mankind on his wheel. Late Dynastic Period
30th Dynasty, c.350BC. 32.5 x 35.5 x 19.8 cm (12 3/4 x 14 x 7 3/4 ins). Provenance: Khawam Brothers, acquired c. 1940. Private collection Switzerland, acquired 1966. Rupert Wace Ancient Art

Ten best jade carvings sold @ Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 11 May 2010. London

An inscribed pale celadon jade Sakyamuni and grotto group. Qianlong period (1736-96), dated to the renzi year corresponding to 1792. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Finely carved in high relief with the seated Sakyamuni wearing long flowing robes, beneath a rock formation extensively inscribed, the reverse with pine trees growing amidst rockwork - 9¾ in. (24.5 cm.) high. Estimate £15,000 - £25,000 ($22,260 - $37,100) Price Realized £541,250 ($801,050)

Notes: The inscription on the current lot is a well-known passage from the Vajra Sutra and may be translated as: 'Everything in the world follows its own destinies, as if dream, illusion, foam, shadow, dew, and flashes; therefore we shall maintain the peaceful mind'.

Compare a similar pale celadon jade 'Sakyamuni' grotto bearing the same inscriptions and seal marks in the Tibet Museum, illustrated in Treasures from Snow Mountains - Gems of Tibetan Cultural Relics, Shanghai Museum, 2001, cat. no. 38, p. 110. Another similar carving, also bearing the same inscription and seal marks as the current lot, is in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan, inventory number: 002729N000000000.

A white jade bowl and cover. Qianlong-Jiajing period, circa 1800. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

The shallow bowl supported on a slightly domed foot, carved with bands of petals reserved on geometric grounds, the cover similarly carved with a lotus flower finial, the well-polished stone of an even pale tone with some very minor snowy and russet inclusions - 5¼ in. (13.4 cm.) diam. Estimate £30,000 - £50,000 ($44,520 - $74,200) Price Realized £127,250 ($188,330)

A fine white jade shallow bowl. Jiaqing period (1796-1820). photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Finely carved with gently rounded walls, the interior carved in relief with a sacred lily bush, the exterior with the Eight Buddhist Emblems, bajixiang, amidst clouds, all supported on five short round feet, the stone of a white tone with attractive cloudy inclusions - 5¼ in. (13.5 cm.) diam. Estimate £10,000 - £20,000 ($14,840 - $29,680) Price Realized £67,250 ($99,530)

Provenance: Formerly in a Western private collection.

Notes: Compare a similar shallow bowl of slightly larger proportions also supported on five rounded feet, from the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and illustrated by Michael Knight, He Li and Terese Tse Bartholomew in Chinese Jades, Ming Dynasty to Early Twentieth Century from the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, San Francisco, 2007, no. 121, p. 133.

A yellow jade carving of a striding chilong. Possibly Song dynasty (960-1279). photo Christie's Ltd 2010

The beast finely carved in an alert stance with its head turned sharply to watch its young clambering onto its back, the long bi-furcated tail curling around the body, the stone of a greenish-yellow tone with russet inclusions - 3¼ in. (8 cm.) long. Estimate £6,000 - £8,000 ($8,904 - $11,872) Price Realized £43,250 ($64,010)

Provenance: Purchased from Richard Falkiner.

A white jade seal.  photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Of square form, the seal surmounted by a stylized, mythical writhing beast, the seal face carved with a four-character inscription in seal script, Gong ting ping guan - 1¼ in. (3.2 cm.) across, fitted box. Estimate £4,000 - £6,000 ($5,936 - $8,904) Price Realized £43,250 ($64,010)

A pair of celadon jade bowls. 19th century. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Raised on a slightly flaring foot with rounded body and gently flaring rim, the stone of a slightly mottled, pale greyish-celadon tone - 6½ in. (16.5 cm.) diam., wood stands (2). Estimate £10,000 - £15,000 ($14,840 - $22,260) Price Realized £39,650 ($58,682)

A white jade carving of a finger citron. Qianlong period (1736-95). photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Naturalistically carved to imitate a fruit with curled finger-like tendrils supported on a gnarled stalk and cluster of leaves, the stone of pale greyish-white tone with some russet inclusions - 5 5/8 in (14.3 cm.) high, wood stand, fitted box. Estimate £5,000 - £7,000 ($7,420 - $10,388) Price Realized £37,250 ($55,130)

Notes: See the very similar carving sold in these Rooms, 3 November 2009, lot 170.

A celadon and russet jade boulder. 18th century. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Of irregular shape and carved as a mountain with a flat base, one side with a boy rowing a raft formed by the trunk and branches of a pine tree along a stream within a grotto, a basket of lingzhi fungus and flowers and another vase of flowers beside him, the other main side with a crane standing in a stream within a grotto, with lingzhi fungus and pine trees growing beside rockwork - 5 in. (12.6 cm.) high. Estimate £30,000 - £50,000 ($44,520 - $74,200) Price Realized £37,250 ($55,130)

A pale celadon jade ruyi sceptre. 19th century. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

The shaft finely carved with two scholars and an attendant standing in a fenced garden beneath gnarled pine trees, the mid-section with a similar scene, the tip with a lady in a garden setting, the stone of a pale tone - 18½ in. (47 cm.) long. Estimate £8,000 - £12,000 ($11,872 - $17,808) Price Realized £37,250 ($55,130)

A celadon jade carving of Guanyin. Late Qing dynasty. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

The figure with a benign smile, depicted seated in dhyanasana with hands folded in front and hidden behind voluminous sleeves, wearing flowing robes, a high headdress and jewellery, a vase to her right and a bundle of books to her left, all on a double-lotus base above swirling waves - 10 in. (25.4 cm.) high, fitted wood stand. Estimate £30,000 - £50,000 ($44,520 - $74,200) Price Realized £37,250 ($55,130)

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 11 May 2010. London, King Street www.christies.com

"An Italian Journey: Drawings from the Tobey Collection, Correggio to Tiepolo" @ Metropolitan Museum

Jacopo Ligozzi, Two Persian Grooms Holding a Sultan’s Horse, Ca. 1580–85. Pen and brown ink, brush with watercolor and gouache, gold highlights, over traces of black chalk. 10 15/16 x 8 ¾ in. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Promised Gift of David M. Tobey

NEW YORK, NY.- An Italian Journey: Drawings from the Tobey Collection, Correggio to Tiepolo presents 72 extraordinary works of the 16th through 18th centuries, from one of the preeminent collections of Italian Old Master drawings in private hands. It features masterpieces by gifted and historically important draftsmen—principally Italian masters but also artists whose careers brought them south of the Alps—among them Correggio, Parmigianino, Bernini, Poussin, Guercino, Canaletto, and Tiepolo. The drawings represent the principal centers of Italian art: Florence, Rome, Naples, Bologna, Parma, Venice, Genoa, and Milan. Their strikingly broad range of subject matter includes figure studies, historical and mythological narratives, landscapes, vedute, botanical drawings, motifs copied from or inspired by classical antiquity, and designs for painted compositions.

The 16th-century Italian painter and biographer Giorgio Vasari has been credited with formulating the concept of Renaissance art in his celebrated Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects (1550). He also invented the practice of systematically collecting Italian drawings in compiling his Libro dei disegni, a volume comprising examples by many of the artists whose biographies he authored. From Vasari's time until the present, such works—intimate glimpses of an artist's imagination and creative powers at work—have held a seductive allure and an intellectual appeal for collectors and connoisseurs alike. An Italian Journey offers a unique glimpse of the myriad riches of this exceptional collection, presented to the public for the first time.

Among the many treasures of the collection on view are a recently discovered, magnificent red chalk drawing of the head of Julius Caesar by Andrea del Sarto, the leading Florentine painter of the first decades of the 16th century; a luminous study by Correggio for the figure of Eve in his great masterpiece, the painted dome of the cathedral of Parma; a sprightly pen drawing by his younger contemporary Parmigianino—hailed in his day as the spirit of the divine Raphael reborn—for one of his most important painted portraits; brilliantly rendered colored studies by the Florentine artist Jacopo Ligozzi, one depicting, with poetry and scientific precision, a plant, and another an exotic Oriental theme; a powerful study of a recumbent nude man by the towering genius of Baroque Rome, Gianlorenzo Bernini, and of a fanciful ship by his contemporary, the sculptor Alessandro Algardi, made for the pope; a rich concentration of drawings by some of the leading Bolognese painters of the 17th century, notably Guercino (who is represented by three masterful studies), Guido Reni, and Domenichino; and fine examples by the great Venetian draftsmen of the 18th century, among them Canaletto, Guardi, Piranesi, and the greatest artistic luminary of the age, Giambattista Tiepolo.

An Italian Journey: Drawings from the Tobey Collection, Correggio to Tiepolo is organized by Linda Wolk-Simon, Curator, George R. Goldner, Drue Heinz Chairman, and Carmen C. Bambach, Curator, all of the Metropolitan Museum's Department of Drawings and Prints.

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (Venice 1696-1770 Madrid), A Family Group, Late 1750s. Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over black chalk. Sheet: 9 1/2 x 13 7/16 in. (24.1 x 34.2 cm) The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Promised Gift of David M. Tobey (TR.331.50.2007).

Andrea del Sarto (Italian, Florence 1486 - 1530 Florence), Study for the Head of Julius Caesar, ca. 1520-1521. Red chalk. Sheet: 8 7/16 x 7 1/4 in. (21.5 x 18.4 cm) The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Partial and Promised Gift of Mr. and Mrs. David M. Tobey, 2008 (2008.367).

Suzanne Belperron jewelry @ Christie's. Jewels: The Geneva Sale. 12 May 2010. Geneva

A set of art deco sapphire "Pont" jewellery, by Suzanne Belperron. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Comprising a pair of bombé clip brooches, each designed as six lines of calibré-cut sapphires, a pair of ear clips en suite, late 1930s, 2.8 x 2.5 cm each brooch, with French assay marks for platinum and gold. By Suzanne Belperron, with maker's mark for Groene et Darde (3). Est. CHF12,000 - CHF15,000 ($10,829 - $13,537) Price Realized CHF52,500 ($47,378)

A pair of art deco diamond ear clips, by Suzanne Belperron. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Each set with a pear-shaped diamond to the baguette-cut line and diamond part surround, circa 1935, 1.8 cm high, with French assay marks for platinum and gold. By Suzanne Belperron, with maker's mark for Groene et Darde. Est. CHF8,000 - CHF12,000 ($7,220 - $10,829) Price Realized CHF43,750 ($39,482)

An art deco diamond brooch, by Suzanne Belperron. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Designed as three graduated tiers of pavé-set diamonds with matt segmented bands between, to the baguette-cut diamond arrowhead terminal, circa 1935, 3.2 cm high, with French assay marks for platinum and gold. By Suzanne Belperron. Est. CHF6,500 - CHF8,500 ($5,866 - $7,671) Price Realized CHF35,000 ($31,585)

An art deco ruby "Pont" brooch, by Suzanne Belperron. photo Christie's Ltd 2010

Of bombé design, set with 6 lines of calibré-cut rubies, late 1930s, 2.5 x 2.5 cm, with French assay marks for platinum and gold. By Suzanne Belperron. Est. CHF4,200 - CHF6,200 ($3,790 - $5,595) Price Realized CHF27,500 ($24,817)

Christie's. Jewels: The Geneva Sale. 12 May 2010. Geneva - Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues www.christies.com

Huntington Acquires Newly Identified Portrait by Major French Artist of the 17th Century

Portrait of Jean de Thévenot by Philippe de Champaigne goes on view today

SAN MARINO, CA.- The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens has added to its holdings a newly identified painting by prominent 17th-century French painter Philippe de Champaigne (1602–1674). Selected for acquisition by The Huntington’s Art Collectors’ Council at its spring meeting, Portrait of Jean de Thévenot (1633–1667), painted between 1660 and 1663, had been misattributed to Dutch artist Gerbrand van den Eeckhout (1621–1674), but with the discovery in 1990 of a related painting in a private collection, it was established as a remarkable addition to Champaigne’s body of work. This year, with a comparison to an engraved portrait in a journal written by Orientalist and traveler Thévenot, the identity of the sitter was determined. The sitter was previously identified as French linguist and archeologist Antoine Galland (1646 –1715), to whom the picture, however, bears little resemblance.

Portrait of Jean de Thévenot goes on view today in the Huntington Art Gallery, providing an art historical bridge between works of 16th- and 18th-century European art. It will be a centerpiece in the gallery of 17th-century art to be reinstalled sometime next year. In the meantime, it will be on display in the upstairs gallery of Renaissance paintings and bronzes. It is a superb and visually captivating example of the work of one of France’s most important Baroque painters. Moreover, the identity of the sitter, a man of letters and science, resonates with other aspects of The Huntington and its mission.

“This painting is not only a superb example of an important artist’s distinctive style, it is a discovery, and as such is important for reasons of artistic and historical scholarship,” said John Murdoch, Hannah and Russel Kully Director of the Huntington Art Collections. “Furthermore, the representation of a man who was a botanist and scientist as well as a traveler and linguist is particularly apt for The Huntington, with its renowned botanical gardens and rich holdings of material on the history of science.”

The painting’s attribution to Champaigne resulted from the discovery of a painting in a French private collection of the same subject and composition. It was not unusual for the artist to make two copies of the same painting, with variations in size or composition. The subject was identified while it was in London by the striking resemblance of the sitter to the engraved portrait that serves as frontispiece to de Thévenot’s journal, which was written during his travels to the Middle East and published in 1664 as Relation d’un voyage fait au Levant. The Huntington Library owns an early English translation of this volume.

Measuring 23 ½ by 17 inches, Portrait of Jean de Thévenot depicts the subject in sumptuous Turkish costume, wearing a tasseled silk turban and sash and a cloak of gold threaded brocade. Thévenot wrote extensively about his journeys to Turkey and elsewhere and was a gifted linguist, natural scientist, and botanist. He stands before a large swath of drapery that partially conceals a pillar surmounted by a column with his left hand resting on the finely ornamented and jeweled hilt of a sword. This theatrical presentation creates a dramatic shift between the subject and the dreamy pink- and blue-hued structure in the distance. Composed of domes, the structure brings to mind Turkish architectural monuments of the 16th century such as the Sultanáhmet Mosque in Istanbul. Champaigne took obvious pleasure in rendering the lavish fabrics and almost translucent complexion of the striking and exotic figure.

“The intense observation of material detail—such as the veined and pinkish coloration of flesh and the textures of fabrics—recall Champaigne’s Flemish training, and the majestic solemnity brings to mind the classicism of Nicolas Poussin, with whom he collaborated,” said Catherine Hess, chief curator of European art at The Huntington. “However, in this case, Champaigne uses his own gravity and penetrating naturalism to depict a remarkably vivid, striking, and unusual subject.”

Philippe de Champaigne was a successful painter of religious subjects and the greatest portraitist of his time in France. After training in his native Flanders, Champaigne traveled to Paris in 1621 where he met the young Poussin (1594–1665), whose rational classicism was to have great impact on his style. Champaigne collaborated with Poussin on decoration for Marie de Medici’s Luxembourg Palace in Paris, and by 1627 he became the Queen Mother’s official painter. He gained the favor of King Louis XIII and of the king’s chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu, for whom he painted numerous portraits. In his last years he reserved his efforts for portraits of his family and friends as well as for religious subjects. Portrait of Jean de Thévenot is one of these late works.