Adam’s auction of Fine Jewellery and Watches in Dublin on December 3 includes several pieces by Fabergé.
Although the maker’s mark is obscured, this cabochon sapphire and diamond brooch above is attributed to senior workmaster Mikhail Perkhin, the self-taught goldsmith who learned his trade from rural craftsmen in the Olonets province but rose through the ranks to create more than half of the Imperial Easter eggs.
It has a provenance to Frederick James Merrilees, the son of the Anglo-Russian merchant who co-owned Moscow’s first and largest department store in the last days of the Russian Empire. Merrilees was guardian to a young girl he brought up as a friend and companion to his daughter from the age of eight to 18. This brooch was consigned by the granddaughter.
Estimate €1200-1800.
This unusual 18th century carved polychrome painted nutmeg grater above appears to make a barbed reference to the spice trade.
The 10½in (27cm) grater is topped by the articulated figure of a man wearing a tricorn hat. His trousers drop to expose his backside when bending down.
It is estimated at £800-1200 at Wilkinson’s in Doncaster on December 1.
The large-scale figure of a rotund tabby above was designed by Lisa Larson (b.1931) for Gustavsberg c.1965 as part of the Zoo range of stoneware animals.
Others in the series of 13 Larson models include a zebra, polar bear, giraffe, kangaroo and a walking cat with straight tail. Maxi-Katt stands just over 13in (34cm) high and was made in a number of colours from 1955-76.
It has an estimate of £600-800 as part of the design sale at Mallams Oxford on December 5-6.
