Decorative Art

There were many massive English country house sales in the 20th century but the largest by volume was the contents sale at Lowther Castle during April, May and June 1947.

Corporate collection of British American Tobacco includes choice antique items related to the habit

The small German beakers known as monatsbecher (‘month beakers’) were made in sets of a dozen: one for each month of the year.

While mustard pots and caddy spoons made up much of the silver smallwork in Anderson & Garland’s (25% buyer’s premium) silver sale on November 28 (see ATG No 2619), it did also contain one notable example of a Dutch miniature.

Small is considered beautiful in many sectors but increasingly so when it comes to collecting traditional antiques with space often at a premium.

A design for a swan-shaped pendant suspended by a gracefully curved neck and bearing a scene of two more swans is among the highlights at an exhibition on the drawings and sketches of René Lalique (1860-1945).

This silver and enamel vase by Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927), the great master of Japanese cloisonné, sold to an English collector for £11,000 at Halls (24% buyer’s premium).

Sixth instalment of single-owner collection on offer in west London features wonderful workshops

Although originally trained as a goldsmith, Dirck Van Rijswijck (1596-1679) developed his own characteristic style using less rarefied material.

On December 8 Beaussant-Lefèvre is holding a sale that will feature a number of examples of Gallé glass including this early piece.

Porcelain from short-lived Staffordshire firm comes from collector and dealer who revived the market

A 43-lot private collection of Pilkington’s ceramics from Manchester opened Tennants’ (24/22% buyer’s premium) sale of 20th century design held in Leyburn on October 7.

Archaic and Contemporary works are often considered suitable bedfellows in the world of modern collecting, and buyers may find both at Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch’s next exhibition.

Vintage Cornishware collectors and dealers have been warned to be aware of possible fakes on the market following the conviction of a couple for fraud.

A royal armorial goblet by William Beilby – among the most celebrated pieces of glass ever produced in Britain – sold for a record £140,000 at Bonhams.