Ten pieces, including an avocado with a cutaway section, are pictured here. Naturalistically modelled and painted, and labelled in French, they were consigned for sale from a vendor whose family had owned a plantation in the West Indies. Such a provenance suggested a Caribbean origin, but both the buyer (a private collector) and underbidder (a local dealer) were confident that they were Oriental and early 19th century. They sold for £2000.
The unexpected highlight of the auctioneers' June 21-22 sale had been a Chinese Export pattern vegetable tureen and stand decorated with a Tobacco Leaf pattern of red, puce, green and blue hibiscus and passion flowers.
Measuring 14in (35cm) across it was of typical octagonal form with blue rabbits' head handles and a scroll knop to the cover that had a 19th century stapled repair. No matter. The very low £80-150 estimate guaranteed plenty of interest and two bidders saw it to £2300 - still a relatively modest price for this piece.
From the same house came a 19th century oak pedestal desk profusely carved with neo-gothic motifs that had been consigned from the home of a rector. Its quality told with a bid of £2650 from the local trade.
