Kilkenny auction in Laois from Garden of Eden

Exquisite furniture, dramatic taxidermy, one-off pieces of art must-have sculptures and Japanese curiosities form part of the sale in Laois of the contents of the historic Eden Hall in north Kilkenny.

A sales day conducted by Sheppard’s Irish Auction House, Durrow on at their auction rooms on Tuesday, January 31 also features timeless pieces from other important clients of Sheppard’s.

Some of the highlights feature an iconic period furniture including a stylish, never-out-of-fashion, Victorian mahogany hall table which has has an estimate of €400 - €600.

"The serpentine demi-lune shaped top is on a conforming frieze with drawer, raised on turned legs supported on a platform base, terminating on bun feet," say Sheppards.

The Auctioneer also believe a large 19th-century rococo brass fire fender with leaf scroll open work raised on a gadrooned base should at lease reach its lower estimate of €1,200 on February 1.

A large green toleware log barrel which might adorn any fireplace. The oval shaped item with a pierced brass rim is raised on
claw feet and has an estimate of €200 - €300.

What Sheppards say is a trio of hot lots is completed a 19th-century brass and cast iron fire basket with moulded fluted pillars and vase-shaped finials for €800.

Also for sale is a dramatic snake and ferret taxidermy has an estimate of €400 - €600. A stunning 19th-century Anglo-Indian tortoise shell and ivory box on raised claw feeet has been valued at €150 to €250.

A 19th-century mahogany library table with a moulded edged oval-shaped top above a series of drawers, raised on an acanthus leaf carved stem and scroll-legged pod is expected to reach up to €1,800.

A really cool and handsome copper saucepan and lid could be yours for between €50 and €80. The late 19th-century brass
mounted Kingwood desk with a sliding tooled leather inset below a raised back with panelled doors is expected to make between €1,500 and €2,500.

A pair of stylish Japanese Meiji bronze vase stemmed table lamps and shades, each of baluster ribbed form, with raised ornithological decoration; both signed will be sold with an estimate of between €800 and €1,200.

While a signed seascape oil on canvas by Japp Becrec is valueed at between €100 and €150.

Among the other eye catching lots are a set of four 19th-century Sheffield candlesticks, each with an oval candle bowl, raised on a lyre stem and oval paterae foot.

An interesting 18th-century cast iron door knocker in the form of a cherub scroll is estimate of €200 – €300.

Lot 1 is a gorgeous George III period mahogany occasional table with oval-shaped top, above a brushing slide and a conforming frieze raised on square tapered legs. Estimate €400 - €600.

A really attractive 19th-century hide upholstered library chair raised on turned and fluted legs to the fore has an estimate of
between €400 - €600.

The sale takes place on Tuesday, January 31 and Wednesday, February 1. Before you bid Sheppards invite you to come to Laois from January 28 to 30 for the preview (10.30am to 5pm daily) or view the lots online at www.sheppards.ie