We love the dynamic Wunderkammer auctions at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers for their incredible range of eclectic pieces that number in the thousands. With items on sale ranging from furniture, fashion, art and antiques to books and collectable objects, it's always an opportunity to pick up something unusual you wouldn't ordinarily find elsewhere. And the prices range hugely, from a few hundred rands to artworks costing tens of thousands.
Visit the auction showroom and browse the brilliant collection of artworks by both lesser-known and famous names, unusual antiques, and gorgeous vintage jewellery. We always admire the abundance of colourful glassware, delicate Chinese porcelains, quirky ceramics, and grand Victorian armoires and chairs.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time homeowner looking for beautiful things to fill your house with, this auction is a super place to start. While you can view all the items online, it's a treat to visit the showroom and see how the thoughtfully curated settings give you a good idea of how certain pieces will look in your home.
BID ONLINE
View the auction and see what's on offer, register, and bid live via the user-friendly, interactive online bidding space on bidlive.rkauctioneers.co.za.
Auction catalogue and live bidding
The auction catalogue went live on Sun, Mar 1 for browsing and pre-bidding, with live bidding starting from Thu, Mar 5 at 09:00.
Visit the pre-auction showcase at the Russell Kaplan showroom
If you're in or around Joburg, you can see the items in person at Russell Kaplan's showroom before placing your bids. For anyone who loves being surrounded by beautiful objects with stories to tell, it's a treat. Kaplan and his team curate each piece with care, and the result feels less like a traditional auction house and more like stepping into the elegant apartment of a grand Parisian dame with a penchant for the unusual.
Formerly located on the lower level of the Bram Fischer Centre, the new and improved Ferndale showroom spans two beautifully displayed storeys. It’s a wonder to take in, whether you're a serious collector or just browsing for inspiration. One standout feature of the new space is the dedicated gallery section, which gives the artworks room to shine.
Daytime viewing: The showroom is open from Tue, Mar 3 – Fri, Mar 6 from 09:30 – 16:30 and Sat, Mar 7 from 09:30–13:00.
Sessions and times
During the auction, lots go at around 65 per hour, so check lot numbers for items you want to secure. Please check Russell Kaplan Auctioneers' site for any changes.SESSION 1
Antique Painting and Prints, Maps, Botanical Art, and Traditional European Art
Thu, Mar 5: 09:00 – 19:30
SESSION 2
Contemporary Decorative Art and Township Art
Fri, Mar 6: 09:00 – 19:00
SESSION 3
Objects of Vertu, Silver, Glassware, Porcelain and Collectables
Sat, Mar 7: 08:30 – 19:30
SESSION 4
Objects of Vertu, Silver, Glassware, Porcelain and Collectables
Sun, Mar 8: 08:30 – 19:30
SESSION 5
Homeware and Decor
Mon, Mar 9: 09:00 – 17:00
SESSION 6
Silver, Collectables and Costume Jewellery
Tue, Mar 10: 09:00 – 14:00
SESSION 7
Fine Gold, Antique and Collectable Jewellery
Tue, Mar 10: 14:00 – 19:00
SESSION 8
Fine Watches, Pocket Watches, Luxury Pens and Lighters
Wed, Mar 11: 08:00 – 13:00
SESSION 9
Designer Handbags and Fashion
Wed, Mar 11: 14:00 – 18:30
SESSION 10
Books
Thu, Mar 12: 09:00 – 14:00
SESSION 11
Carpets, Tapestries and Textiles
Thu, Mar 12: 14:00 – 19:00
SESSION 12
Interior Design and Furniture
Fri, Mar 13: 09:00 – 20:00
SESSION 13
Classical African & Asian Art and Ceramics
Sat, Mar 14: 09:00 – 14:30
SESSION 14
Modern and Postmodern Paintings, Drawings, Prints and Sculptures
Sat, Mar 14: 14:00 – 18:30
SESSION 15
Furniture part 1 – East Asian Furnishings
Sat, Mar 14: 18:30 – 20:00
SESSION 16
Furniture part 2 – Antique, Mid-Century, and Designer Furniture
Sat, Mar 15: 08:30 – 20:30
The Russell Kaplan showroom is located at 256 Oak Avenue, Corner Republic Road, Ferndale, Randburg.
How to bid in a Russell Kaplan auction
Pre-bids can be placed online in advance of the sale, and then the bidding is hosted live over several days. Registration to bid in the auction is open online at rkauctioneers.co.za where you can browse all the items going on sale.
Online pre-bids and live bids are treated equally so, rest assured if nobody bids over your pre-bid during the live session, the lot is yours. After submitting a successful bid you'll then receive your auction invoice by email so you can arrange payments and collection.
You can request further images of any items you might be interested in and consult directly with the Russell Kaplan team by emailing rka@global.co.za or send a WhatsApp to +27 83 675 8468.