David Cahill was a well-known figure in the Irish antique world, and this month deVeres auction house will be presenting his private collection for sale. In addition to an eclectic selection of furniture from several eras, Chinese and English porcelain, paintings, collectables, silver and décor will appear in the catalogue. Amateur and seasoned collectors alike will appreciate Cahill’s unique taste in interior design and the rich provenance and history that his collection holds.
Persian rugs are renowned worldwide for their intricate designs and fine craftsmanship, and Kashan rugs in particular are prized for their high-quality materials and vibrant natural dyes. This pair of rugs dates from the early twentieth century and features the traditional colour scheme of red, blue, indigo and cream. Each has a central medallion pattern and a wide border filled with detailed floral and vegetal designs.
David Cahill had a great appreciation for Asian art and antiques and even spent several years living in Cambodia. One standout in the sale is this embossed nineteenth-century Chinese screen, decorated with chinoiserie landscapes on one side and botanical studies on the other. Folding screens are a lovely addition to any home, and you can use them to decorate a bare wall or divide a room.
Add Empire-style elegance to your home with this nineteenth-century library chair. The frame is mahogany and is decorated with Egyptian-inspired ormolu alloy designs along the sides, legs, and back. Each bust and strip of foliage is intricately detailed, and the gold colour is matched by the brocade and trim on the cushion.
Romantic Chinoiserie designs were hugely popular in Europe from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, and this Chinese Chippendale mirror is a beautiful example of the style. It’s divided into three sections and edged with a gold-coloured frame topped by a man playing a mandolin. Although the frame is ornate, the natural decorations are delicate enough that the mirror is well-suited to modern interiors.
One notable contemporary piece in the auction is this chandelier, done in an Art Deco style. Created by the Irish designer Louise Kennedy, the tiered luminary is hung with cut glass lustres. It features electric candles on the outer edge, but the chandelier is also illuminated from the interior to make the most of the lovely faceted glass.
In addition to large pieces of furniture and décor, there is a wide variety of small collectibles that will appear during the sale. One exquisite lot is this set of three English porcelain vases. Each vase is shaped like a Grecian urn with gilt handles and is profusely decorated with panels of flowers and gilt bands. The flowers are very delicately shaded and are impressive in their realism.
Live online bidding is open for all lots, and The David Cahill Collection sale will close on 27 April.
