By Sunny Chandiramani, Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House
Building a collection of antiques and vintage objects is an extremely enriching experience. With the high value attached to rare antiques that have stood the test of time, building such a collection is no less than exploring facets of global cultural history. To start with, there are some quintessentially important collectibles that one must acquire to introduce elements of different time periods, craftsmanship, and cultures when building an antique collection.
Antique Furniture: Antique furniture never goes out of style and is without a doubt a treasure trove of elegance. The legacy of antique and vintage furniture in India springs from a cultural synthesis of the East and West, owing to our country’s colonial past. The English left an indelible mark on the furniture style in India. An exquisite blend of English design and Indian craftsmanship, the furniture pieces were usually made in a distinct yet functional style. Anglo-Indian furniture is best known for its decorative qualities and its intricate wood-carving techniques. The inlays are often made using a variety of precious materials like ebony, while the surface of the furniture is always plush and smooth. They were generally made from exotic hardwood, rosewood, Sheesham and teak wood, and often carved with highly detailed foliate designs.
Ceramics: Ceramics have always been a preferred object of decorative arts. Sought after by collectors across the globe, antique ceramics celebrate the craftsmanship of different cultures and add a touch of traditional sophistication to a collection. Some of the most coveted ceramics creations originate from the Asian continent. One of the earliest Asian artworks to be introduced to the western world, Chinese porcelain, boasts of a rich and complex history tracing back to centuries ago in China. Owing to the refined texture and beautiful meticulous decoration, Chinaware was regarded as an object of great rarity and luxury. Japan also has a rich artistic heritage and the practice of ceramic arts has been quintessential to Japanese culture over the course of time. Traditionally known as ‘Yakimono’ meaning “fired thing” or “burned thing,” ceramics from Japan include a wide range of objects spanning from aesthetic sculptures to utility ware to decorative pieces of profound beauty. Of the various types and styles of ceramics originating in Japan, Satsuma and Imari have carved a special identity owing to their timeless beauty and uniqueness.
The popularity of porcelain was not limited to the eastern world alone. Many western countries specialized in ceramics as well. Some of the most luxurious offerings of eighteenth-century European ceramic art come from French manufacturer Sèvres. Sèvres which is highly sought-after amongst collectors of antiques held the special status of Manufacture Royale with royal patronage and financial support from King Louis XV and his consort Madame de Pompadour who inspired the brand’s extremely popular Rose Pompadour hue created with pink ground pigments. The Sèvres factory was a place of artistic and technical developments and housed some of the most notable artists of the time, who specialized in naturalistic paintings of birds and flowers along with figurative depictions of everyday life.
Crystal Objects: An important accessory for an inimitable collection, crystal and glass objects are an essential aspect of curating an enviable vintage collection. Ranging from chandeliers to floor lamps and decorative items with artistic designs, these items put a dazzling spotlight on the thoughtful setting of a place. Vintage crystal ware by British manufacturer F & C Osler and French company Baccarat are especially popular. Famed as the best glassmakers across the world, the firm created the purest and most delicate quality crystal chandeliers, massive glass structures, including tables and thrones, fountains and furniture.
Persian Carpets: An important hallmark of the Iranian culture; the carpets & rugs created in the region have fascinated royals and connoisseurs since time immemorial. Renowned for their intricate designs, rich colours and inimitable craftsmanship, the story of these carpets can be traced back to 539 B.C when Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and introduced the art of carpet-making in Persia. Since then, carpets have been an invaluable asset and an immutable part of Iranian culture. Having found their way as regal pieces of antique collections, Persian textiles are instantly recognizable owing to their opulent presence. Authentic antique Persian rugs are rare to find which makes them a desirable product in the auction market.
Fine Silver: A classic element that’s ageless, fine silver has always remained a fixture in affluent and aristocratic households. Fine silver was extensively used by the members of royalty, and many silver manufacturing companies received royal warrants to create a host of fine silver items. These include Edward & John Barnard, London, Gustave Keller, Paris, Robbe & Berking, among others. Whether for practical use or decorative purposes, antique fine silver objects add a glittering touch to any collection.
Vintage Clock: Vintage clocks personify technology and innovation through history. They perfectly complement the rustic beauty of antique furniture. Steeped in a rugged old-world charm, vintage clocks are also a fascination among timepiece aficionados.
Creating a historic and beautiful collection of antiques takes time and consideration. While one may know what they want, it is also imperative that such rare collectibles are acquired by reputed sources to ensure the authenticity of the piece.
