Auctions

Qing period embroidered satin throne-back cushion covers can be seen still in situ in a number of the buildings in the Forbidden City including the Hall of Supreme Principle and the Palace of Eternal Spring. Others are held by institutions and collectors throughout the world.

Early works by Harold Knight (1874-1961) are not seen very often at auction but a group of six appeared at Mellors & Kirk of Nottingham at the end of last year.

A collection of Chinese snuff bottles offered in two sessions stands out among an intriguing selection of Asia Week New York auctions and dealer shows.

During the Victorian era the Rev Henry Moule (1801-80) of Fordington in Dorset was doubtless considered something of a zealot.

Works also sold in Penzance but not for six figures help to understand this market

Mary Queen of Scots, Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley lots feature in Edinburgh auction

Two Soloman Island clubs were catalyst to amassing of more than 10,000 artefacts

Leading the sale held by Thomson Roddick (18% buyer’s premium) in Rosewell, Edinburgh, was a 7in (18cm) high Qing iron red bottle decorated with chilong dragons amid stylised clouds. It had apparently been rejected by ‘a more prestigious auctioneer’.

This porcelain beaker from the Baltic Service was the highlight of a timed online sale held by 1818 Auctioneers (22.5% buyer’s premium inc VAT) in Cumbria.

ATG’s pick of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com, featuring both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

A couple of dog portraits by leading Victorian canine painter John Emms (1844-1912) brought a flurry of bids at separate auctions held just a day apart.

A four-day US sale of comics and comic art produced some extraordinary results – with 4900 would-be buyers registered and every one of the 1333 lots sold to bring a premium-inclusive total of $23.76m (£17.34m).

A selection of 13 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.

The third and final part of the collection of 19th century silver trade tokens formed by John Akins was offered by Dix Noonan Webb (24% buyer’s premium) in London as part of its February 1-2 sale.

This silver-gilt chinoiserie garniture would not have looked out of place at the Brighton Pavilion.

Like other manufacturers, Doulton took great trouble with the wares submitted to international exhibitions.

An imposing silver gilt jug and basin by a master goldsmith of the Empire period is one of the highlights of Osenat’s L’Empire à Fontainebleau auction.