Watches, rugs, furniture, art, porcelain, books and more. Close to 350 objects are going under the hammer at PFK auctions on May 22. While encompassing a broad range of categories and styles, PFK’s collection also promises bargain value. Whether you’re looking to furnish your home, find the perfect gift, or simply wanting to treat yourself, there’s no need to empty your bank account, or search high and low, when the treasure you’re looking for is gathered together here.
Among one of the most intriguing lots on offer is this Chinese Qianlong mark and period bronze mirror, which is cast with three panels of verse. It is 74 cm in diameter and sold together with an Edwardian oak frame with engraved brass plaque attached to the top.
The piece is well cast and PFK Auctions speculate that it may have been imperial or a contemporary copy of one in Qianlong’s collection. This suggests it was either a gift from a nobleman of Huzhou (an East Midlands coastal district) to the Emperor, or the other way around. During the 1750s, Qianlong made a number of expeditions to ensure the Yellow River and coastal water tables were under control – flooding was a problem as it interfered with the transport of grain and other supplies. Qianlong gave gifts to those regional officials he felt were making the best effort in maintaining their flood defences. Traditionally, mirrors were often given as gifts. By the mid-18th century, glass mirrors largely replaced bronze examples with the exception of decorative or symbolic ones, which this one clearly is.
Going back even further is this 15th-century Swabian (South German) painted and carved pine figure of Saint Sebastian. Saint Sebastian was an early Christian saint and martyr. According to traditional belief, he was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. He was initially tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows, though this did not kill him. Here, he is depicted with puncture wounds to the rib cage and lower stomach.
Another important figure in history is William Shakespeare, not only a poet, playwright and actor, but also someone who influenced the English language – his works contributed to standardising English language rules and grammar in the 17th and 18th centuries. Here are The Plays of William Shakespeare, volumes 2-8, 10 & 12, printed by T. Bensley, Fleet Street, for Vernor & Hood, 1800, in three quarter maroon leather binding. The lot also contains a carved walnut book trough.
Another English classic, though considerably more contemporary, is AA Milne’s Winnie The Pooh. This first edition, illustrated by E.H. Shepard, was published in 1926 by Methuen.
A striking image of a boat on rocky water with overcast sky starting to loom overhead, this gouache by E. L. Greaves in fact depicts the sailing vessel Glenfalloch of Greenock. Here, the vessel is under sail and flying H Bros pennant, commanded by John Sauk, Maryport. The work is signed, measures 47 x 72 cm and is presented in a later guilt frame.
We round out PFK Auctions’ small sampling of treasures with a 1920s panelled mahogany pedestal desk. It has nine fitted drawers, a blue leather cloth top, and measures 152 cm wide x 92 cm deep x 76 cm high. A grand and impressive desk in good condition, it would make a fitting statement in any study or scholarly abode.
Plenty more striking pieces can be found in PFK Auctions’ catalogue. As a reminder, the Cumbria auction house’s monthly sale will take place on 22 May, specifically at 10am.
Find more treasures from PFK Auctions here
