A BEAUTIFULLY worked Japanese gilt metal box, intricately decorated with a coastal scene, was the star attraction at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s October antiques sale.

The decorative piece had graced a bedside table and had been spotted by valuer Simon Rayner on a house call to a deceased estate in Taunton.

As he opened the bidding on the lot at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, he admitted it was his favourite piece in the auction.

His enthusiasm was shared by two phones and internet interest, which saw the bidding open at a substantial £1,700.

Brisk bidding soon eliminated the telephone lines and the internet emerged victorious and the bidder paid £3,620 – the top price of the day.

The craftsmanship of the piece was stunning, and could only truly be appreciated with the aid of a magnifying glass. Then the immense detail of the coastal scene with boats, a palace and deer in the landscape, could be properly admired.

The sale featured a good variety of ceramics and glass. Foremost amongst these items was a Victorian Staffordshire set of a seated gun dog and a pair of Staffordshire lop eared rabbits. Once again the internet edged out the competition and bought the trio for £1,100.

A commission bidder secured a pair of Italian Majolica vases, decorated with cherubs, for £400, just behind this were a pair of early creamware figures of seated giraffes, which sold for £350.

In the furniture section a French, Louis XVI style upholstered sofa with carved and painted frame sold for £1,000.

A pair of French gilt metal mounted Kingwood veneered occasional tables made £650.

Preparations are advanced for the next sale, which takes place on Thursday, November 7. This will include an extensive books and maps section.

For more information and to consign items to this sale contact Greenslade Taylor Hunt's saleroom on 01823 332525.