Among the highlights is Lot 142, a striking Japanese Kutani hand-painted double vase with well-sculpted figures. Standing 12½ in high, it is estimated at $2,000-$3,000. Executed in a medley of pleasing colors favored in Asian wares, an antique hand-painted and gilt Japanese Kutani porcelain bowl with dragon handles measures 14½in high by 18in wide and is expected to make $600-$800.

Additionally, the Asian porcelain section includes Chinese and Japanese blanc de chine. There are several figures of deities, such as Lot 146, a 22-inch-tall Chinese Quan Yin estimated at $200-$400. Some are being offered individually, while others have been lotted in small groups.

European decorative art is enhanced by Lot 321, a circa-1930 Otto Poertzel (German 1876-1963) dore bronze figure known as ‘Bat Dancer’ or ‘Butterfly Dancer.’ Signed on its base and standing 14 inches tall, it is entered in the auction with a $2,000-$3,000 estimate.

Just in time for holiday gift giving, the auction is brimming with fine and costume jewelry. Any gentleman would be delighted to find Lot 267 under the Christmas tree. Retaining its original box, the 14K gold wristwatch was made by the premier 5th Avenue name, Tiffany & Co. With an approximate weight of 537 grams, this estate watch is expected to make $2,000-$2,500.

A wide selection of fine and costume jewelry encompasses a range of forms, including pins, pendants, pearls, necklaces, earrings and cufflinks. Lot 317, a chic 14K gold brooch with rubies has a total weight of 12.9 grams and is estimated at $400-$600. On the costume side, collectors are sure to be dazzled by the immense trove of jewelry with colored stones.

Many fine pieces of silver have come to Sterling’s Dec. 10 auction from estates in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut tri-state area. An example is Lot 298, a heavily chased, repousse bun warmer with three hinged compartments. It is stamped “Sterling, J.V.H., G.E.S.G., Germany” and estimated at $1,200-$1,500.

A completely unique entry, Lot 268 is a signed Edgar Palmer plaster casting of Princeton University’s tiger mascot, which is offered together with Thomas Stapleton’s annotated circa-1937 architectural rendering for the tiger pedestal at Princeton’s Palmer Square. With impeccable provenance (direct descent through the Stapleton family), the lot is estimated at $1,000-$1,500.

All bidding in Sterling Associates’ auctions is conducted remotely, but the company is a brick-and-mortar establishment where anyone can inspect the goods. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

The Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014 auction will commence at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

For additional information on any item in the auction or to reserve a phone line, call 201-768-1140 or e-mail sterlingauction@optimum.net.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.co.

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View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE