Some antiques furnish a room. Others become the object everyone remembers.
Our upcoming 27 & 28 October 2026 auction in Mortsel, Antwerp presents a fascinating selection of decorative arts, antique and vintage collectibles, sculpture, clocks, porcelain, silver-toned tableware, musical instruments and statement interior pieces.
This is a collection filled with objects designed not simply to be useful, but to be admired.
At the centre stands a spectacular large gilt-framed mirror with an oval painted panel depicting cherubic figures, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of classical sculptures, decorative metalwork, porcelain, an ornate table lamp, clocks, violins and a richly detailed figurative tapestry.
For collectors, dealers, interior designers and anyone searching for something genuinely distinctive, this October auction offers an opportunity to discover objects with character, craftsmanship and history.
A Celebration of Decorative Arts
Decorative arts occupy a fascinating space between fine art and functional design.
A beautifully made clock tells time — but it can also be sculpture.
A vase may hold flowers — but its form, decoration and craftsmanship can transform it into an object worthy of collecting.
A mirror reflects a room — but an elaborate gilt frame can make the mirror itself the room’s focal point.
This October selection demonstrates that diversity beautifully.
Among the objects pictured are:
• An imposing ornate gilt-framed mirror with painted cherub decoration
• Classical and figurative sculptures
• A rearing horse sculpture
• A figure of Lady Justice with scales
• Decorative silver-toned tableware
• Elegant candlesticks
• An ornate porcelain pedestal and vase
• A sculptural female bust
• A colourful stained-glass or Tiffany-style table lamp
• Decorative mantel and table clocks
• Two violins presented in fitted cases
• A large figurative tapestry with elaborate floral surroundings
• Classical decorative metalwork and objets d’art
Each belongs to a different collecting tradition — yet together they illustrate the extraordinary variety found at auction.
A Mirror Designed to Command Attention
Few objects in this collection have the immediate impact of the large gilt-framed mirror.
The architectural frame is richly ornamented, with a painted oval scene occupying the upper section and a rectangular mirror below.
Floral and classical decorative motifs enhance the frame, while the warm gilt finish gives the piece a theatrical presence.
A mirror like this can function very differently depending on its surroundings.
In a traditional interior it can reinforce a sense of grandeur and historic character.
Placed in an otherwise contemporary room, however, it can become an extraordinary contrast piece.
Above a console.
In an entrance hall.
Over a fireplace.
Or simply displayed as a work of decorative art.
The best statement pieces do not merely fit into an interior — they define it.
Classical Sculpture & Symbolism
The collection also includes several fascinating sculptural objects.
One of the most recognisable subjects is Lady Justice, traditionally represented holding scales as a symbol of balance and fairness.
Nearby, a dynamic sculpture of a rearing horse captures movement and strength in a completely different way.
There are also figurative decorative objects and a striking female bust whose elaborate headpiece immediately draws attention.
For sculpture collectors, pieces such as these can work equally well within traditional collections and eclectic contemporary interiors.
They are objects that reward inspection from multiple angles — precisely the kind of pieces worth examining closely during our public viewing days.
Decorative Metalwork & Tableware
Another highlight is the elaborate silver-toned centrepiece positioned beneath the mirror.
Its complex naturalistic decoration, sculptural details and sweeping forms give it a highly ornamental character.
Decorative table pieces of this kind belong to a long tradition in which dining rooms and formal interiors were showcases for craftsmanship.
The auction also includes elegant candlesticks and other decorative metal objects that could appeal to collectors of:
antique silverware, silver-plated objects, decorative metalwork, tableware and European decorative arts.
As with all auction jewellery and metalwork, prospective buyers should consult the individual lot description for confirmed information regarding materials, marks, maker, age and condition.
Porcelain, Colour & Classical Interiors
The tall decorative pedestal and vase introduce another layer of colour into the collection.
With painted figurative decoration and deep blue accents, it provides the sort of visual impact associated with grand European interiors and decorative porcelain.
Collectors of antique porcelain, ceramics and decorative vases know that scale matters.
A substantial porcelain object can function almost like a sculpture, particularly when placed in an entrance hall, beside furniture or within a formal room.
Light as Decorative Art
Look to the right of the collection and another object immediately stands out:
A richly patterned stained-glass or Tiffany-style table lamp.
Decorative lamps of this kind are popular because their appearance changes completely when illuminated.
During the day, the coloured glass and metal framework become part of the room’s decoration.
At night, the light passing through the glass transforms the object into an atmospheric focal point.
For collectors of vintage lighting, Art Nouveau-inspired interiors and decorative lamps, pieces like this combine functionality with visual impact.
Antique & Vintage Clocks: Mechanical Art
Clocks have fascinated collectors for generations because they combine engineering with decoration.
Two striking examples can be seen within this collection, each designed as much to be displayed as to tell time.
Decorative clocks may appeal to collectors interested in:
• Antique mantel clocks
• Mechanical clocks
• Decorative timepieces
• Classical interiors
• Horology
• Estate collectibles
• European decorative arts
As with any mechanical object offered at auction, bidders should consult the individual condition report or lot description regarding movement, operation and originality.
Music, Craftsmanship & Collecting: Violins at Auction
At the bottom of the collection are two violins presented in cases.
For musicians and collectors, violins can be particularly fascinating auction discoveries.
Details such as construction, wood, varnish, internal labels, dimensions, workshop, origin, age and condition can all influence interest.
Photographs alone cannot establish these factors, making our public viewing particularly valuable for prospective bidders.
Whether intended as instruments, collector’s objects or decorative pieces, violins connect craftsmanship with musical history in a way few other objects can.
A Tapestry That Creates an Entire Scene
Perhaps the most visually narrative object in the collage is the large decorative tapestry.
It depicts figures surrounded by abundant foliage, flowers and animals, creating the impression of a richly populated historic garden.
Tapestries have long been used to introduce colour, texture and storytelling into interiors.
Unlike paintings, their woven surfaces absorb rather than reflect light, creating a softer visual effect.
Today, antique and vintage tapestries are increasingly used in both classical and contemporary interiors as large-scale statement wall pieces.
For collectors searching for antique tapestry, European wall tapestry, textile art, historic interior decoration or decorative wall art, this piece deserves a closer look.
Why Decorative Arts Remain So Collectible
Decorative arts are appealing because they allow collectors to live with history.
A sculpture can sit on a desk.
A clock can remain part of everyday life.
A tapestry can cover an otherwise empty wall.
A mirror can transform an entrance hall.
And an antique lamp can still illuminate a room generations after it was made.
These objects bridge the gap between collecting and living.
That makes them especially appealing to a new generation of buyers who may not want a completely traditional interior but do want unique objects with craftsmanship, patina and personality.
Looking for Antiques & Decorative Arts in Belgium?
Collectors discovering this auction may be searching for:
decorative arts auction Belgium, antiques auction Antwerp, antiques for sale Belgium, antique collectibles, European decorative arts, antique sculpture, bronze sculpture auction, antique clocks Belgium, antique mirror Belgium, gilt mirror, antique tapestry, vintage tapestry, antique porcelain, decorative porcelain, antique silverware, Tiffany style lamp, vintage lighting, antique violins, violins at auction, estate collectibles, objets d’art, online antique auction Belgium and Mortsel auction house.
These focused terms help buyers searching for individual categories discover the wider auction.
See the Details for Yourself
Objects such as these deserve to be viewed in person.
Scale, surface, colour, patina, texture and craftsmanship are difficult to communicate completely through photographs.
We therefore invite collectors, dealers and prospective buyers to visit during our upcoming public viewing days.
👀 VIEWING DAYS
Friday 23 October 2026
Saturday 24 October 2026
🔨 AUCTION DAYS
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Wednesday 28 October 2026
📍 Jordaens N.V. – Mortsel, Antwerp, Belgium
Please consult the individual catalogue entries for confirmed details regarding maker, period, dimensions, materials, markings, provenance and condition.
If You Could Choose Only One…
Would it be the monumental gilt mirror?
The Lady Justice sculpture?
The horse?
The ornate silver-toned centrepiece?
The porcelain pedestal?
The colourful lamp?
One of the clocks?
A violin?
Or the tapestry?
That is what makes an auction exciting — every collector notices something different.
Explore the full catalogue, save your favourite lots and visit us during the viewing days before bidding begins.
🏛️ Discover exceptional decorative objects
🔍 Examine your favourites in person
❤️ Save the lots that speak to you
🔨 Bid on 27 & 28 October
History does not have to live in a museum. Sometimes it can live beautifully in your home.
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