STANSTED MOUNTFICHET, U.K. – A rare Chinese “dragon” box fashioned from zitan, a cherished Asian wood, sold for $180,480 – more than 71 times its high estimate – on November 3 in England. It was the top prize in an Asian Art auction conducted by Sworders of Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

This Saturday, 4 November 2023 at 2pm, Stephen Soon, curator at MNP Coins, Banknotes, Antiques & Collectibles, will be hosting a virtual event highlighting the origins and significance of Straits Chinese culture, and how to thoughtfully build a collection of Peranakan artifacts.

Join via Facebook Live here as Stephen provides an overview of the emergence of the Straits Chinese community, formed through centuries of Chinese migration and assimilation in the Malay archipelago. Blending Chinese traditions with Malay influences gave rise to a distinct hybrid culture, customs and crafts.

Far right: Dato' Chng Huck Theng, BCAP Founder 2nd from right: Penang EXCO YB Wong Hon Wai Left: Stephen Soon, CEO of MNP Auctioneers & Best2Bid

Lion and Unicorn recently hosted a live auction of Lalique crystal on October 8, 2023. It was a continuation of Marie-Claude Lalique’s personal collection, which featured over 300 Lalique items of jewelry, vases, bowls, perfume bottles, plaques, figurines, drinkware, and more. Marie-Claude Lalique was the granddaughter of renowned glass artist René Jules Lalique. This exceptional assembly paid homage to Lalique’s legacy. Here are a few highlights from this sale.

For the first time in history, costumes, dresses, jewelry, behind-the-scenes production material, photographs, memorabilia, artifacts, and ephemera from legendary films produced by Warner Bros. were offered at public auction in September. All the lots were offered by the storied Hollywood studio of Warner Bros. in collaboration with Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) to honor Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary.

Legends: Hollywood & Royalty was a premium sale for the public to experience and relive timeless moments in pop culture history. This Hollywood memorabilia auction presented an exclusive collection of over 1,400 objects synonymous with Hollywood’s greatest legends and famous cultural figures, including Princess Diana. Also featured was property from Dennis Hopper, an acclaimed actor of the iconic films Easy Rider, Blue Velvet, Rebel Without a Cause, and Apocalypse Now. 

A recurring theme with late 16th century Northern European artists, here the ruin of Sodom and Gomorrah is brilliantly depicted in typical style by the great Jan Bruegel.