FURNITURE & DECORATIVE ARTS

Koller’s history has been closely linked to the decorative arts since its founding in 1958. Furniture, silver, porcelain and sculpture are among our oldest core competencies, and many highly significant objects have been sold at Koller Auctions over the decades. The density and quality of the antique furnishings, decorative arts and collectors’ items on offer twice annually at Koller is practically unique in Europe.

Alongside furniture by ébénistes such as Charles Cressent, Abraham Roentgen, André-Charles Boulle, Bernard van Riesenburgh, and Johann Friedrich Spindler, Koller has also built a very strong reputation as one of the leading European auction houses for antique clocks, with works by famous clockmakers such as Berthoud, Deverberie, Breguet, Le Roy, Lepine and Jaquet-Droz.

Porcelain and faience have been an important part of Koller’s auctions since its founding, reflecting the long tradition of serious ceramic collecting in Switzerland. Many important collections of porcelain and faience have been offered by Koller. Works from Meissen, Sèvres, Strasbourg, Nymphenburg, Du Paquier, Zurich, as well as Italian Maiolica and creations from Imperial Russia are avidly sought after by a discerning buying public, sometimes attaining record prices.

Our silver auctions regularly include high quality collectibles from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The works offered come not only from Swiss makers but from also the world’s most historically important centres of silver production, including London, Augsburg, Paris, Moscow, St Petersburg, Turin and Nuremberg.

The Decorative Arts department regularly organises auctions of entire collections, with thoroughly researched dedicated catalogues that not only ensure a successful sale of the collection, but serve as a testimonial to the collector and a useful document for future collectors and researchers. Some examples are the porcelain collection of Dr Siegfried Ducret, the Nessi Collection of scientific instruments, and the Dr Sylvia Legrain Collection of antique Roman and Egyptian sculpture and artefacts.

Our Decorative Arts auctions take place in March and September. We accept consignments until mid-January for the March auctions and until mid-July for the September auctions.

Our specialists will be pleased to value your objects in view of a possible sale at auction.

THE BARTHOLONI VENUS

The embodiment of beauty, in pure marble

Allow us to take you on a milleniums-long journey, from ancient Greece and Rome to a luxurious villa on the shores of lake Geneva, following the journey of a sculpture of the Goddess of Love.

For subtitles, click 'CC' below the YouTube video. Additional languages can be selected via Settings ⚙.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

17 September 2026. Are you looking to sell furniture at our upcoming auction? Contact us for a free, non-binding appraisal.

ibid online only: 22 September 2026

Valuations / Consignments

If you wish to consign to one of our auctions, we will value your artworks free of charge. Please send us photos if possible, or call us. We will arrange an appointment to view your property at your home or in one of our offices in Zurich, Geneva, Florence, Munich or Düsseldorf. You will then receive our auction estimates so that you can make your decision.

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Contact

Stephan Koller

Head of department
Furniture & Decoration skoller@kollerauctions.com
+41 44 445 63 41

Flavio de Corso

Furniture & Decoration decorso@kollerauctions.com
+41 44 445 63 46

Lara Halter

Furniture & Decoration halter@kollerauctions.com
+41 44 445 63 45

Representatives

Koller Geneva

Cyril Himmer
geneva@kollerauctions.com
+41 22 311 03 85

Koller Munich

Fiona Seidler
muenchen@kollerauctions.com
+49 89 22 802 766

Koller Düsseldorf

Ulrike Gruben
duesseldorf@kollerauctions.com
+49 211 30 14 36 38

Koller Italy

Lapo Bacarelli
italia@kollerauctions.com
+39 366 994 1836

Koller China

Jing Li
beijing@kollerauctions.com
+86 135 2039 8057

DIE BARTHOLONI-VENUS

Die Verkörperung von Schönheit, aus reinem Marmor

Von der Antike Griechenlands und Roms bis zu einer luxuriösen Villa am Genfersee: Folgen Sie mit uns den Spuren einer Skulptur der Göttin der Liebe – auf einer Reise durch Jahrtausende.

Für Untertitel klicken Sie auf «CC» unter dem YouTube-Video. Weitere Sprachen wählen Sie über Einstellungen ⚙.

SELECTED RESULTS Furniture & Decoration

A MUMMY MASK

Egypt, probably from Fayum, Ptolemaic, ca. 3rd–1st c. BC.

Stuccoed and painted kartonage, in part gilt. The contours of the eyes and the eyelid line are inlaid with lapis lazuli, the pupils with glass and white or black enamel. A two-part stranded wig, parted at the front and falling down to the chest, with an Ankh knot on the back, the loops of which transition into a Uraeus serpent. A relief scarab with spread wings on the front of the crown-cap. Figurative and geometric decoration on the strands in three ranks; the lowest rank with four seated genies each holding the Uas scepter, above them the enthroned Osiris on the right strand, accompanied by the four sons of Horus: Hapi and Duamutef, and on the left strand Amset and Kebehsenuef. The strands end with a falcon crowned with a sun disk, holding the feather of the goddess Maat in its talons. The inside with a later, probably Arabic annotation.

H 45.5 cm, L 28.5 cm, D 27.5 cm.

Gilding and polychrome paintwork with losses. Cracks.

CHF 50 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A216 / 1001

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A MUMMY MASK

CHF 50 000

A MARBLE TORSO OF THE “BARTHOLONI” VENUS

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 2nd century AD. Knidian type, after the Hellenistic model by Praxiteles, “Aphrodite of Knidos” (ca. 350/340 BC).

Carrara marble, sculpted in the round. Venus, Goddess of love, stands naked, leaning slightly forward in a contrapposto pose with her weight on her right leg. Her left leg is extended and bent at the knee. Remains of the original support on the outside of the thigh. The right arm was originally lowered, with the hand, which is now missing, positioned above the pubic triangle. The left shoulder is slightly pulled back. An old engraved inventory number, 170, is visible on the support. Mounted on a later rotating base.

H without base 120 cm, H with base 184 cm.

Repairs. Cleaned. Rubbing and chipping. Fillings.

CHF 1.17 Mio. (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A216 / 1006*

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A MARBLE TORSO OF THE “BARTHOLONI” VENUS

CHF 1.17 Mio.

A MONUMENTAL COPTIC WALL HANGING

Coptic, Egypt, probably found in Sheikh Abadeh, ca. 5th–7th century AD.

Linen ground with polychrome wool threads. The upper depiction with three worshippers standing under round arches, their hands raised in prayer. The left and middle figures are probably female, wearing elaborate necklaces and earrings, the middle one also wearing elaborate hair ornaments. Above their heads are remnants of Greek inscriptions. Mosaic decoration on columns and arches. Below this is an image segment with a round medallion, probably a sun symbol, flanked by two birds, the left one probably an eagle, the right one a peacock. Below this is an image segment with five standing figures, the left and middle ones with wings, possibly representing angels, their hands also raised in prayer. The central figure has a halo and a staff. The figure on the far left also has a staff. Again with remnants of Greek titles. The lowest image zone shows leaping lions between trees. The four image zones are bordered by four horizontal strips with geometric, partly offset patterns. On the left and right, the four image zones are lined by two column-like vertical strips, with a head visible in each of the lower areas. An additional wide border with geometric meander band decoration frames the lower half of the scene. An additional lower strip shows a flock of birds, probably doves, with a stylized geometric garland of flowers.

Ca. 405 × 310 cm.

Various fragments joined together. Partially supplemented. Restorations. Tears.

CHF 646 400 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A216 / 1011*

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A MONUMENTAL COPTIC WALL HANGING

CHF 646 400

THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL - FORMERLY IN THE COLLECTION OF PRINCE EMANUEL OF LIECHTENSTEIN

Austria, Carinthia, Villach workshop, ca. 1480.

Carved wood, flattened on the back, painted, and in part gilt. The archangel stands in full armor in an expressive, dynamic pose with his sword raised, holding the Scale of Souls in his left hand. His cloak falls in soft, sweeping folds.

H 125 cm.

Paintwork partially restored. Wings, hands, and sword replaced. Chips on one of the weighing pans and on a fold in the garment. Figures on the Scale of Souls incomplete.

CHF 62 500 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A216 / 1013

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THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL - FORMERLY IN THE COLLECTION OF PRINCE EMANUEL OF LIECHTENSTEIN

CHF 62 500

RICHLY INLAID MINIATURE CABINET

Southern Germany, second half of the 16th century. The ivory inlays are partly based on engravings by Virgil Solis (1514–1562).

Wood partly ebonized and richly inlaid with floral and foliage motifs featuring birds, hunting scenes, royal equestrian figures, etc. in rectangular reserves framed by scrollwork. Rectangular body structured by pilasters and molded cornices on a straight molded frame. Hinged lid with prismatic top, opening onto a compartment and side drawer. The top is inlaid with a cityscape, hunters with their prey, falconers on horseback, hunting dogs, and bears, hares, and wild boars, horsemen with pistols, and a cavalry battle. The inside of the lid is decorated with tendrils and birds. Finely engraved, gilt lock plate. The front has double doors above a drawer. The doors show a royal couple on horseback. The drawer front has two hunting scenes (probably later additions), owls, and birds. The double doors open onto eight drawers arranged around a door, the inlay work of which matches the exterior; the door shows a king with a scepter. The side walls and the back wall show royal horsemen in the middle section, the upper friezes show birds, and the lower friezes show hunting scenes. The pilasters in the lower section feature a total of nine ancient heroes based on engravings by Virgil Solis with different coats of arms. Iron grips on the sides.

45 × 33 × 38.5 cm.

Losses, minor supplements, missing parts, and cracks.

CHF 75 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A216 / 1019

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RICHLY INLAID MINIATURE CABINET

CHF 75 000

GOLD/ENAMEL CLOCK “AU CERCLE TOURNANT” DESIGNED AS AN EGG

Replica of the so-called “Madonna Lily Clock Egg” by Carl Fabergé, made by Meister, Zürich, 1982. Marked EM and with gold stamp 750.

Gold 750 (468.53 g) in four shades on a transparent yellow enamel base, set with diamonds (in total 11.64 ct.). The egg rests on a short, indented central shaft and is supported by two acanthus leaf scrolls on either side. On a stepped rectangular base with feet designed as pine cones. Rich applied decoration in the form of vases, leaves and flower tendrils, the year 1899 and relief leaf friezes. The egg is crowned by a wreath of rose blossoms from which lilies grow, the calyxes crafted from quartzite, the pistils crafted in gold and diamonds. White rotating chapter ring, Roman hour numerals applied in silver with diamonds. The fixed hand is formed by an applied arrow and bow set with diamonds. Mechanical movement with balance wheel, spring winding via battery. With original leather-lined case.

9.5 × 5.5 × 27 cm.

CHF 106 250 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A216 / 1164*

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GOLD/ENAMEL CLOCK “AU CERCLE TOURNANT” DESIGNED AS AN EGG

CHF 106 250

A CYCLADIC MARBLE IDOL - FORMER COLLECTIONS OF SIR JACOB EPSTEIN (1880–1959) & CARLO MONZINO (1933–1996)

Early Cycladic, Early Spedos type, approx. 2600–2500 BC. Attributed to the “Karo” sculptor.

White marble with minimal pigment residue, known as “ghost paint.” Full-figured female idol. Harmonious, lyre-shaped head with a short, well-proportioned nose transitioning directly into a receding forehead and an ellipsoid chin. Relatively short neck, only slightly thickening toward the shoulders. The shoulders are markedly arched, with the shoulder line at the same height. The torso is stocky and compact with widely spaced, raised breasts. The hands are clasped under the chest, almost completely covering the abdomen. The left arm is crossed over the right, forming a slight diagonal. Narrow lower abdominal fold. Curvy, protruding hips, tucked in at the knees, slightly spread lower legs with spread feet. Deeply indented thigh cleft, at knee level and opening down to the ankles. Hinted, incised toes. Neck and back in a straight line with a notch from the spine to the thighs. Legs angled, positioned slightly in front of the torso. With a plexiglass stand and box.

H 17.8 cm, W 5.5 cm.

Restored breaks. Surface cleaned. Incrustations in places. Dark, punctiform deposits. Scratches on the hip.

CHF 225 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A214 / 1050

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A CYCLADIC MARBLE IDOL - FORMER COLLECTIONS OF SIR JACOB EPSTEIN (1880–1959) & CARLO MONZINO (1933–1996)

CHF 225 000

ISTORIATO PLATE WITH A FAMILY COAT-OF-ARMS - The Embden Collection

Renaissance, Venice, ca. 1570. Probably Orazio Fortezza (or Horacije Fortezza, Šibenik, ca. 1530–1596)

Brass, finely engraved and partially blackened. The lip features three medallions of Roman statesmen, with three battle scenes in cartouches between them, framed by tendrils with mythical creatures. In the center is a battle scene with soldiers and horsemen on horseback, three banners labeled SPQR and PON. Probably a depiction of the Battle of Pharsalus or a battle between Romans and Barbarians. In the middle is a coat of arms, probably of an Italian family (possibly Collalto).

Ø 50 cm.

Perforation in the rim, minor dents and scuffs.

CHF 43 750 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A214 / 1107*

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ISTORIATO PLATE WITH A FAMILY COAT-OF-ARMS - The Embden Collection

CHF 43 750

SAINT CHRISTOPHER WITH THE INFANT JESUS - The Embden Collection

Northern Germany/The Netherlands, ca.1580.

Boxwood, finely carved in the round. The saint is depicted wearing a turban, a buttoned and belted doublet, and a long cloak, leaning on a large branch as a staff, and standing in a body of water. The Christ Child with the globe is crouching on his shoulders, and the two are making eye contact. On an octagonal stepped base with two blank coat-of-arms cartouches on the front.

H 38 cm.

One hand of Saint Christopher with a break, the Christ Child's right arm is missing. Cracks and losses.

CHF 30 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A214 / 1113*

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SAINT CHRISTOPHER WITH THE INFANT JESUS - The Embden Collection

CHF 30 000

RELIC CHEST WITH SILVER MOUNT

Colonial work for Portugal or Spain, 16th/17th century.

Tortoiseshell and silver. Rectangular box with multi-curved hinged lid. Chased silver fittings with vine and animal decoration. Raised lock with birds and a lizard-like reptile as a clasp (no key). Side handles and central handle on the lid. Red wax seal on the reverse with the coat of arms of Cardinal Camillo Paolucci Merlini (1692–1763).

29.5 × 18.5 × 13.5 cm.

Losses, cracks, and supplements.

CHF 110 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.

A214 / 1135*

Details Image

RELIC CHEST WITH SILVER MOUNT

CHF 110 000

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