Auctioneers

The desire by top museums to buy works by under-represented groups, including women and minority ethnic artists, has led to two new auction records in the US.

The bright blue iridescent feathers of the kingfisher have been used to decorate objects and jewellery and items of personal adornment for over 2000 years in China, where the birds are also known as jade or jadeite birds.

Auction firms in France followed a more traditional course in 2023 according to the latest figures.

Works by Glasgow Girl Bessie MacNicol (1869-1904) – who died in childbirth aged 34 – are represented in many public collections, especially in Scotland.

The precise and sensitive portraiture of Allan Ramsay (1713-84) earned him widespread acclaim, aided by his prodigious intellect and social flair.

An original watercolour of the 'Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry fetched nearly 10 times its low estimate, selling for a record £240,000 hammer.

Regional firms report that while big buyers remain active the middle level is challenging

The novelty silver mounted glass claret jugs made in the form of birds and animals in the later Victorian era by goldsmith firms such as Alexander Crichton and Sampson Mordan were very popular in the later part of the 19th century.

In Ireland, Adam’s of Dublin held 32 auctions over the course of 2023, raising a hammer total of €13.8m (£12m) which was up from €12.6m in 2022.

Jewellery, watches and luxury goods have become a key battleground in the regions. A persistently strong market has brought competition from specialist departments and the arrival of new designated auction firms based in and around the London area.

Entertainment memorabilia specialist auction house Propstore held some of the most successful sales of 2023.

Scottish Colourist likened the French port to Iona – but with more time to paint given the weather