Far East Meets West End in East Anglia
There is a noticeable appetite in East Anglia for vintage textiles from the Far East. 18th and 19th Century Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Asian fabrics, needlework, garments and accessories such as wall hangings, kimonos, shoes and hats have sold very strongly to collectors in this region over recent months.
The next Vintage Fashion & Furnishings Sale on Saturday 16 June at Diss Auction Rooms will bring eastern delight for all those with a taste for the orient…and beyond. Private consignors with fascinating forebears have brought some exquisite pieces in for sale; exotic quality permeates the room. From Japan there are kimonos, including a wedding kimono; from India there are paisley silk and wool shawls, and large early 20th Century silk curtains, finely embroidered and applied with myriads of tiny circular mirrors on a dashing red ground: both dramatic and exotic; from Persia there are late 19th/ early 20th Century hand woven and embroidered loose linen panels and hangings; from Kashmir there is a stunning lady’s floor-length coat, all-over embroidered with flowering tendrils; from China there are wall-hangings and curtain panels, whilst other countries are represented by padded panels worked in metallic threads, a fine silk rug and many more textiles treats.
This colourful selection lines the room and provides a marvellous backdrop to the western fashions and accessories also included in the auction, setting off dressed mannequins and rails of garments. Not just any garments, however, and once again sale organiser Debra Brown has attracted some giants of the fashion world. Debra says “Taking centre stage is a Christina Valencia evening gown with shawl, a vintage Gucci red silk evening dress, some “state of the art” tailoring by Jean Muir, and a 1970’s Ossie Clark brown silk georgette dress”. Interior furnishings, of which there are some choice pieces, are headlined by some curtains by David Hicks, the pioneering interior designer in swinging 1960’s/’70’s London.
Debra says of the sale “It is a melting pot of design”. Come along to judge for yourself…
Viewing Thursday 14 June 2pm – 8pm, Friday 15 June 10am – 6pm and on morning of the sale from 8.30am. Catalogues and further details can be found at www.twgaze.co.uk
