Dear friends,

It is with great pleasure that we present to you the catalogue of our auction 146. A special auction, covering, as usual, a large number items of special quality, rarity and antiquity.

Of the various national pieces that should be highlighted, reference should be made to the precursor tureen that illustrates the cover: a Portuguese silver work of art, 17th/18th C. – oval shaped, with four feet and two handles, it is the oldest known in Portugal with such features (lot 261).

Reference also to the painting representing the “Holy Family” attributed to António Vieira (1590-1642) (Lot 157); to the Brazilian rosewood D. José King of Portugal side-table (lot 77); and to the oil by João Vaz (lot 174).

Among several other pieces of exceptional quality and national and international interest, we must emphasize, once again, the ones we use to designate as Arte Lusíada.

Portuguese command art pieces from the time of the Discoveries, from Africa to the Far East – the meeting and crossing of Portuguese Art and culture with art and culture, beliefs, traditions, styles and techniques of India (Indo-Portuguese art), Ceylon (Cingalo-Portuguese), China (Sino-Portuguese) or Japan (Namban Art) –  to name only some of the countries with which we connect more closely since the 16th century.

Some examples, starting with a real museum worthy piece: An “Armorial Sumpter Cloth” polychromatic silk embroidered linen, Gujarat, India, 16th/17th C., depicting the“Tree of Jesse” together with the coats of arms of four Portuguese noble families (lot 531).

“Our Lady handing the chasuble St. Ildefonso and other Saint”, ivory sculptural group, Hispano-Philippine, 17th C. (lot 505).

It is significant the offer of international pieces, as exemplified by the Cuzco school painting (lot 580) and the alabaster Flemish sculpture (lot 558).

A last reference, finally, in the area of memorabilia, to the curious collection of figures, in papier-mâché, representing in detail the uniforms of several regiments of the Imperial Guard and other Line Regiments of Napoleon III (lot 462).

Hoping to have the pleasure of receiving you soon,

Yours sincerely

Pedro Maria de Alvim                                                                  Miguel Cabral de Moncada