CAMBRIDGE.- Over 600 lots of antiques and artworks will go under the hammer on the 29th and 30th July as part of the Cheffins Fine Sale at the firm’s salerooms in Cambridge. The sale will also include a comprehensive Asian art section, collectors’ items, clocks, rugs and porcelain.

The highlight of the Asian art section is a Chinese blue and white porcelain dragon dish from the Qianlong period, dating between 1736 and 1795. The piece was bought by the seller on Portobello Road in the 1950s and is estimated to reach between £5,000 - £7,000. Also, within the section is a pair of Chinese Doucai porcelain tea bowls, dating from the Daoguang period which have an estimate of £4,000 - £6,000. Amongst the Asian furniture, a Japanese Meji cabinet with elaborate decoration has an estimate of £2,000 - £3,000 and a gilt 17th century Japanese cabinet is estimated at £1,500 - £2,000.




Amongst the 150 paintings available, top lots include a work by Italian artist, Francesco Beda. Titled ‘The Suitor’, this picture dates back to the late 19th century and depicts an elegant historical genre scene with a Rococo interior, typical of Beda’s signature style and which catered to the tastes of the new bourgeoisie, making him one of the most fashionable painters of the period. This is expected to make between £12,000 and £15,000. Another painting set to draw interest from collectors is a work by Flemish artist, Gerard Thomas, dating back to the late 17th century which depicts an astronomer working in his studio. Born in Antwerp in 1663, Gerard Thomas studied alchemy which soon became a favourite subject of his work, this painting has an estimate of £3,000 - £5,000. Another painting which is set to draw interest is a shipping scene by John Wilson Carmichael, which is signed and dated 1852. This has an estimate of £6,000 - £8,000. Other paintings on offer include examples by Wilfrid Gabriel de Glehn, William Etty, Edward Ladell, a portrait by an artist in the circle of Thomas Hudson and a collection of drawings by Peter Scott.

The sale also includes a wide range of antique furniture, with highlights including a French ormolu kingwood commode, in the Louis XV style, signed Henry Dasson and dated 1884 which is set to sell for between £6,000 - £8,000. Also available are a pair of rare mid-18th century yew and mahogany armchairs which are estimated at £3,000 - £5,000 and an imposing 19th century French bronze table clock with the same estimate.

Martin Millard, Director, Cheffins comments: “The market for good quality antiques and art works has been particularly buoyant in recent weeks. We have seen huge spikes in the numbers of people registering to bid online, partly because there is still some nervousness around attending sales in person but also because buyers have had time during lockdown to discover the joys of searching for antiques and buying through auction. There is a discernible appetite for the best items available, and access to such lots has become as easy as ordering your weekly shop. This sale offers a diverse collection of goods, including a fascinating single owner collection of carvings, and we expect it to be well received.”