13 novembre 2015

Spectacular Black Opal, Corcoran Opal Field, Lightning Ridge, Australia. Estimate US$ 40,000 - 50,000 '€37,000 - 46,000). Photo Bonhams. A classic for the region, predominating in firey reds and full vividness of its multi-color play-of-color. This gem possess true black potch as well as some play-of-color to the reverse side as well. Weighing approximately 8.14 carats and measuring 18.98 x 12.83 x 5.08mm Bonhams. THE WORLD OF OPALS, 23 Nov 2015 15:00 PST - LOS ANGELES

Superb Contra Luz Fire Opal. A Published Gemstone, Magdelena, Jalisco, Mexico. Estimate US$ 40,000 - 50,000 '€37,000 - 46,000). Photo Bonhams. Perhaps the finest contra luz opal to appear at public auction, the present example has been contour polished to follow the lines of the original rough to fully reveal its inner beauty. A deep, rich mandarin orange in body color, the spectral colors appear in bands of green, yellow, orange and crimson red--completely reminiscent of an aurora borealis phenomenon. This is an... [Lire la suite]

Spectacular Black Opal, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. Estimate US$ 50,000 - 70,000 (€46,000 - 65,000). Photo Bonhams. A thick, plump and delectable specimen of opal fashioned as a high-domed cabochon. Dominated by reddish-orange flashes of color, interspersed with electric blue and purple and splashes of green. With some play-of-color on the reverse, the stone retains some semi-black potch to the reverse as well which enhances the vibrancy of the colors.Weighing approximately 47.15 carats and measuring... [Lire la suite]

Guinness Book of World Records: Largest Recorded Black Opal Specimen--"The Sea of Opal", Joe's Run, Grawin Field, near Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia. Carved and polished by Christine Rousel. Estimate US$ 150,000 - 250,000 (€140,000 - 230,000). Photo Bonhams. Found over 10 years ago in Grawin Field, the present specimen of seam opal was left as close as possible to the natural state in which it was found. Cut and polished by the artist who was then Australia's foremost opal carver, the late... [Lire la suite]

Premier American collection
of twelve lightning ridge black opals, Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia . Estimate US$ 600,000 - 800,000 (€560,000 - 740,000). Photo Bonhams. Comprising a free-form black opal, weighing approximately 11.07 carats; an oval black opal, weighing approximately 12.12 carats; an oval black opal, weighing approximately 13.0 carats; a free-form semi-black, weighing approximately 14.0 carats; a free-form black opal, weighing approximately 14.12 carats, an oval black opal, weighing... [Lire la suite]

A large pale blue vase, 18th century. Estimate £5,000 - 8,000 (€7,100 - 11,000). Photo Bonhams. Of ovoid form with everted rim, the short straight neck incised with scrolling design above hatched and ruyi-head bands at the shoulder, the body finely carved with scrolling lotus above waves, 31.6cm high Provenance: A private Scottish collection. Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 18 Nov 2015 11:00 GMT - EDINBURGH

An unusual large enamelled yixing teapot and cover, circa 1820, signed Shao Yuanhua. Estimate £5,000 - 8,000 (€7,100 - 11,000). Photo Bonhams. The globular body and domed cover decorated in famille rose and gilt enamels with two large floral sprays within a reserve on a ground of dense scrolling foliage, two stamped marks to underside, 34cm long Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 18 Nov 2015 11:00 GMT - EDINBURGH

A rare famille verte double spouted teapot, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Estimate £700 - 900 (€990 - 1,300). Photo Bonhams. Of moulded melon form with further petals at shoulder, enamelled with sprays of red flowers, raised bracket handle and moulded cover, the interior divided into two compartments (restoration), 16cm high Notes: Bearing a paper label from 'Hancock, 37 Bury Street, St. James', SW1'. For a similar example decorated in underglaze blue, see the Indianapolis Museum of Art, accession no.... [Lire la suite]

A wucai 'dragon and phoenix' bowl, Qianlong seal mark and of the period. Estimate £3,000 - 5,000 (€4,200 - 7,100). Photo Bonhams. Finely enamelled with a green five-clawed dragon and a red five-clawed dragon alternating between two downwards-flying phoenix amid foliate and blossoming tendrils, all beneath a band containing the Eight Buddhist Emblems below the rim, (glued repair), 13.1cm diameter Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 18 Nov 2015 11:00 GMT - EDINBURGH

Emerald and diamond brooch, second half of the 19th century. Estimate 10,000 — 11,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby's Set with three graduated cushion-shaped diamonds, within a foliate surround of circular-cut diamonds, suspending five emerald drops, later brooch pin to reverse. FORMERLY IN THE COLLECTION OF ADMIRAL STEPAN MAKAROV Sotheby's. Fine Jewels, London, 1 dec. 2015, 10:00 AM