Inside Giftex 2026: 5 Decorative Arts Lots Everyone Will Chase

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There’s a certain thrill that only collectors understand. It’s that quiet rush you feel when a rare object appears, something with history, character, and just enough mystery to make you lean in a little closer. Auctions capture that feeling perfectly. And this March, that energy is set to peak at the upcoming Giftex A World of Collectibles Auction.

Scheduled for March 26–27, 2026, this much-anticipated online auction promises more than just a catalogue of objects.

It offers a curated experience. A glimpse into craftsmanship across eras. And for serious collectors, it’s a chance to compete for pieces that don’t come around often.

This auction preview focuses on one of the most exciting segments of the auction: Decorative Arts. It’s a category that blends beauty with function, and history with design. From ornate European influences to refined Asian artistry, this year’s selection feels particularly strong. Below is a closer look at five standout lots already generating quiet buzz among insiders and expected to spark fierce bidding on the floor.

The Allure of Decorative Arts

Decorative arts sit in an interesting space. They aren’t just meant to be admired. They were created to be used, lived with, and displayed. That dual purpose often makes them more personal than traditional fine art.

At Giftex this year, the category leans heavily into pieces that carry both visual richness and historical weight. Provenance, craftsmanship, and condition all play a role, but so does presence. These are objects that hold a room.

Top 5 Decorative Arts Lots to Watch

1. Lot 7: A Pair of Japanese Imari Vases

Imari ware has long held a special place in global decorative arts. Originating in Japan and widely exported to Europe from the 17th century onward, these pieces became symbols of refinement and cross-cultural taste.

This pair stands out immediately for its scale and visual intensity. Each vase is topped with a domed lid and features a rounded body densely decorated with narrative panels. The surface is alive with detail. Landscapes, architectural scenes, birds, gardens, and stylised florals unfold across irregular cartouches, all bordered by geometric and floral bands.

The palette is classic Imari. Iron red, deep cobalt blue, turquoise, and gold combine to create a rich, layered effect. Pairs like this are particularly desirable. Expect strong competition from collectors of Asian ceramics as well as designers looking for statement pieces.

Also Read: Timeless Elegance of Imari Porcelain

2. Lot 83: A 10-Light Crystal Chandelier by F & C Osler

Osler chandeliers are not just lighting fixtures. They are historical objects tied to luxury and empire. Produced in Birmingham during the 19th century, they famously illuminated royal courts and palaces across India.

This chandelier reflects that legacy. Built around a central stem, it extends into elegantly scrolling arms, each fitted with glass candle sleeves. Suspended crystal drops and faceted elements hang beneath, catching and scattering light in a way only hand-cut glass can.

Collectors understand the rarity here. Authentic Osler chandeliers don’t surface often, especially in this condition and scale. This lot is likely to attract institutional buyers as well as serious private collectors.

3. Lot 237: A Large Satsuma Koro

A Satsuma koro is more than an incense burner. It is a showcase of Japanese ceramic artistry.

This Satsuma Koro is notable for its monumental presence. Raised on four sculpted feet, the body is rounded and substantial, flanked by upright stylised handles. The domed lid is crowned with a striking turquoise guardian lion, or shishi, adding both symbolism and visual drama.

The surface decoration is dense and highly detailed. Painted in iron red, turquoise, cobalt blue, and gold, the design reflects the intricate enamel work associated with Satsuma ware. The characteristic ivory-toned crackle glaze provides a soft contrast to the vivid colours.

Pieces of this scale and complexity often become focal points in collections. Given its craftsmanship and visual impact, this lot is expected to draw significant attention.

4. Lot 191: A Marble Sculpture of Venus

Classical sculpture continues to hold timeless appeal, and this piece draws directly from ancient traditions.

The classical figure represents Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, inspired by earlier Greek depictions of Aphrodite. She is shown in the familiar pudica pose, modestly covering herself, a composition that has endured for centuries.

The sculpture captures a sense of softness despite the medium. The stance is graceful, and the presence of Cupid at her side adds narrative depth. These elements root the work firmly in the classical tradition while making it accessible to modern collectors.

Marble sculptures like this appeal to a wide audience. From traditional collectors to those designing elegant interiors, the demand remains steady. Expect competitive bidding, especially if the workmanship and condition hold up under inspection

5. Lot 112: A Brass and Porcelain Carriage Clock by Tiffany & Co.

Carriage clocks have always occupied a unique place in decorative arts. Portable yet refined, they combine engineering with artistry.

This Carriage clock by Tiffany & Co. stands out for its elegance and detail. The gilt brass case is complemented by a shaped geometric handle and bevelled glass panels, giving it both structure and lightness.

The porcelain dial is particularly striking. Roman numerals encircle a gilt chapter ring, while the center features delicate hand-painted decoration. Floral garlands, ribbons, and allegorical scenes bring the dial to life. A young musician with a lute and a lady at a spinning wheel adds a narrative charm rarely seen in more restrained designs.

Pieces from Tiffany & Co. carry strong brand recognition, which often translates into higher bidding interest. Combined with the artistic dial work, this clock is likely to attract both horology enthusiasts and decorative arts collectors.

What Makes This Auction Stand Out

While every auction has its highlights, this edition of Giftex feels especially curated. There’s a noticeable effort to present pieces that not only represent different regions and periods, but also speak to current collector tastes.

A few trends are clear:

• A growing interest in functional art
• Strong crossover appeal between traditional collectors and modern buyers
• Increased attention to craftsmanship over sheer age
• A preference for pieces that can integrate into contemporary interiors

These factors tend to push bidding higher, especially when multiple buyer profiles converge on the same lot.

Final Thoughts Before the Hammer Falls

Auctions like Giftex: A World of Collectibles Auction are as much about anticipation as they are about acquisition. The preview stage gives collectors a chance to study, compare, and quietly decide how far they’re willing to go.

The Decorative Arts category this year offers a mix that feels balanced yet exciting. There are safe bets, statement pieces, and a few lots that could surprise everyone once bidding begins.

From the vivid storytelling of Imari porcelain to the brilliance of Osler crystal, these lots reflect the range and richness of the category. Each piece offers something different. Some bring scale, others bring detail, and a few bring both.

What ties them together is presence. These are not quiet objects. They demand attention, and in an auction setting, that usually means competition.

As March 26–27 approaches, collectors will be studying these lots closely. Because once the bidding starts, hesitation can mean missing out on something truly exceptional.