In this week's issue of the Auction Room Report – your insider guide to the auction world – our expert Kayleigh Davies selects her current favourite auctions. |
In this week's issue of the Auction Room Report – your insider guide to the auction world – our expert Kayleigh Davies selects her current favourite auctions. |
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NISAN KRISTIYANTO
Estimate: 300 GBP |
| BRACELET
Estimate: 1 200 GBP |
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BREAKFAST SET
Estimate: 80 GBP |
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The Palace Battistero Breakfast Set, designed by Alessandro Zambelli, is a perfect example of his innovative design work. This ceramic collection, produced by Seletti, transforms into a miniature Renaissance building when stacked. Cups, a milk jug, a sugar bowl, a biscuit jar and a tray cleverly become architectural elements. Zambelli is known for blending industrial design with artistic experimentation, and believes every object should have an "inner soul." This set is both practical as tableware and attractive and intriguing as a display, and I think reflects his unique vision.
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STUART DEVLIN
Estimate: 200 GBP |
| WALTER MATYSIAK
Estimate: 100 GBP |
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Moser are still retailing glassware from the Culbuto series in 2025, 90 years after it was first designed by Rudolf Eschler in 1935. I think that is testament to how timeless these minimalist glasses are. The spherical shape, rumoured to be inspired by a child’s toy, allows the glasses to rock without tipping.
They look simple in design, but require exceptional skill by the glassworkers working to Escher’s exact standards. I love the harlequin colours of this set, and the very stylish original box. |
| MOSER 'CULBUTO' GLASSES
Estimate: 200 GBP |
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| STORAGE JAR
Estimate: 120 GBP |
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A Deep Dive with Kayleigh Davies | |
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4349434. INDIAN GANJIFA GAME PLAYING CARDS AND BOXES, 19TH CENTURY. |
Games collide with art with Ganjifa. If you’re unfamiliar with it, and you probably are unless you’re one of the handful of older people in India who still play, it’s a card game with a rich history. Originating in Persia, Ganjifa gained popularity with the Mughal emperors in 16th century India, and then spread throughout the subcontinent, developing distinct regional styles along the way. Unlike Western cards, Ganjifa cards are commonly circular, though rectangular sets also enjoyed popularity at various times, offering diversity in form. Whatever their shape, these decks are renowned for their intricate hand-painted designs. Often depicting mythological figures, royal courts, or animals, these items are far more than just playing cards—they’re small masterpieces reflecting centuries of rich cultural heritage.
These sets at Ma San Auction were the property of the late Professor Anthony H. Christie – a Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at SOAS – and are truly remarkable examples. |
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Both are housed in beautifully crafted wooden boxes, painted with polychrome scenes of processions that give a taste of the artistry that will be on the cards inside. The boxes and cards give a window into the artistic traditions, social customs, narratives and aesthetics of 19th century India, and that’s why Ganjifa remains popular with collectors today, even if very few people still play. |
– Kayleigh Davies, toys and art glass expert
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A Deep Dive
with Kayleigh Davies |
4349434. INDIAN GANJIFA GAME PLAYING CARDS AND BOXES, 19TH CENTURY. |
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Games collide with art with Ganjifa. If you’re unfamiliar with it, and you probably are unless you’re one of the handful of older people in India who still play, it’s a card game with a rich history. Originating in Persia, Ganjifa gained popularity with the Mughal emperors in 16th century India, and then spread throughout the subcontinent, developing distinct regional styles along the way. Unlike Western cards, Ganjifa cards are commonly circular, though rectangular sets also enjoyed popularity at various times, offering diversity in form. Whatever their shape, these decks are renowned for their intricate hand-painted designs. Often depicting mythological figures, royal courts, or animals, these items are far more than just playing cards – they’re small masterpieces reflecting centuries of rich cultural heritage.
These sets at Ma San Auction were the property of the late Professor Anthony H. Christie – a Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at SOAS – and are truly remarkable examples. |
Both are housed in beautifully crafted wooden boxes, painted with polychrome scenes of processions that give a taste of the artistry that will be on the cards inside. The boxes and cards give a window into the artistic traditions, social customs, narratives and aesthetics of 19th century India, and that’s why Ganjifa remains popular with collectors today, even if very few people still play. |
– Kayleigh Davies, toys and art glass expert |
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