Chinese blue and white stem cup, possibly Ming Dynasty. Estimate: $800-$1,200AUD. Ravenswick image.
SYDNEY, Australia – Ravenswick, Sydney’s newest boutique auction house, has been given instructions to handle an important collection of Modernist sterling silver design by Cleto Murani. This first for Ravenswick, to be held on Easter Sunday, March 31, will consist of almost 100 examples and will split into 60 lots. LiveAuctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.
Cleto Murani and Associates was founded in 1972, with one objective in mind, to challenge and further study form and design for the avant-garde. A chance meeting with Carlo Scarpa in the 1970s, resulted in Murani’s move into precious metals, starting in flatware and moving across into a diverse group of household objects.
This collection, sourced from a private residence in Sydney, is the rebirth of these designs in the early 1990s when the company diversified into having a retail presence.
It encompasses many of the major examples and collaborative works with some of the biggest names in modern design, including;
- Pair of Cleto Murani sterling silver carafes, Mario Botto 15/99, original pouch and box 29.5cm high, combined weight 1,904 grams, estimate: $2,500-$3,500;
- Cleto Murani sterling silver gallery tray, Mario Bellini 22/99, original pouch and box, l62cm, approx 5000 grams, estimate: $5,000-$7,000;
- Cleto Murani sterling silver “Tarabuso” carafe, Riccardo Daliso 27/249 original pouch and box, original box and pouch, 31.5cm, 767 grams, estimate: $900-$1,200;
- Michael Graves Tea and Coffee Wares, from estimate: $300-$400;
- Paolo Pottoghesi, Carlo Scarpa designed Bachelor flatware services, some in stainless steel and other wares, estimate: $120-$220;
- Trays, tea services, candlesticks, pair of ice buckets, vases, water carafes, Murani silver-mounted bowls and more.
The auction will also include the collection of a South Sydney man, further objects from the Christine A. Anthony Collection, vintage watches, Chinese and Japanese works of art, Australian militaria and ephemera (consisting of signed theater posters and selected World War I ephemera from the collection of Kevin Palmer, director of the original London production of Oh, What a Lovely War).
Inquires may be made to Alex Renwick alex@ravenswick.com.au or phone 0411 308 884.
View the fully illustrated auction catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Chinese blue and white stem cup, possibly Ming Dynasty. Estimate: $800-$1,200AUD. Ravenswick image. Chinese bamboo mounted fan, possibly Republic period. Estimate: $250-$350AUD. Ravenswick image. An original carte de visite of the anthropologist NN Miklouho Maclay, 1886-1887. Estimate: $400-$600AUD. Ravenswick image. ‘The Oval’ cricket bat, Jack Hobbs’ first test match bat 1908. Hobbs is considered only second to Don Bradman as a batsman, and one of Wisden’s five greatest cricketers of all time. This first Ashes bat is very collectible. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000. Ravenswick image. Pair of Cleto Murani sterling slver carafes, Mario Botto 15/99, with original pouch and box. Ravenswick image.
