Russell Kaplan Auctioneers' Wunderkammer auctions are a treasure trove of the unexpected. Think thousands of items spanning furniture, fashion, art, antiques, books, and collectables, with prices ranging from a few hundred rands to serious investment pieces.
The showroom in Ferndale is a feast for the eyes, packed with everything from vintage jewellery and rare artworks to quirky ceramics and grand Victorian armoires. We're always drawn to the colourful glassware and delicate Chinese porcelains but, when you visit, you'll see there's so much more to take in. Whether you're a seasoned collector, hunting for a statement piece, or simply curious, this auction is the perfect playground.
Summer Wunderkammer viewing sessions and live bidding
Bidding for Russell Kaplan's 2025 Summer Wunderkammer auction starts on Thu, Feb 27, with 15 themed sessions running until Sun, Mar 9.To view items before placing your bids, visit Russell Kaplan's showroom located on the lower level of Bram Fischer Centre (Corner Bram Fischer Drive in Ferndale, Randburg) on Tue, Feb 26 – Fri, Feb 28 from 09:30 – 16:00 and Sat, Mar 1 from 09:30 – 13:00.
You can also view the lots online to see what's on offer, register, and bid live via the user-friendly, interactive bidding space: bidlive.rkauctioneers.co.za.
Visiting Russell Kaplan's showroom
While it's one experience to browse the lots online, nothing comes close to seeing the items in person to give you a true sense of the scale, quality, and character of a piece. (If you're looking online only, do read the fine print and take note of an object's dimensions.)When we visited on Tue, Feb 25 for a preview, many of those in attendance seemed well versed on what was on offer and knew exactly what they were looking for. If you go with a plan in mind, the friendly showroom staff will help you navigate towards the object(s) of your desire. Every single space is filled with things to catch your eye – whether it be a pair of Chinese san-cai glazed tang-style horses, a local artwork by Solomon Omogboye, or a West German fibre-optic table lamp, and all the in-betweens.
As far as the 15 themed sessions go, each one is well catered for – not just by having a large number of lots, but thanks to a diverse selection of items under each category offering different styles, aesthetics, and variations on the theme. Items at the showroom are organised accordingly, and grouped into pleasing arrangements. It's similar to a living room demo model, giving you some insight into how the objects you're considering might fit into your own space.
Below are just a few of the many items our team is coveting as part of Russell Kaplan's 2025 Summer Wunderkammer auction. We encourage you to plan your visit to experience the magnificent collection in all its glory.
Session 1
ANTIQUE PAINTING AND PRINTS, BOTANICAL ART AND TRADITIONAL ART
The first session of the auction focuses on antique painting and prints, maps, botanical art, and traditional art. From art by Jean Walz to plenty of maps, flower paintings, and other art that remains unattributed – you're bound to love something that hangs up on the many walls at Russell Kaplan Auctioneers.
Our top pick: Red Cannas after Tretchikoff, photolithograph.
Session 1 takes place on Thu, Feb 27 from 09:00 – 18:00. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 2
CONTEMPORARY DECORATIVE ART AND TOWNSHIP ART
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
The second session of the auction looks at contemporary decorative art and township art. Think modern, visually striking artworks, designed to enhance spaces and narrative-driven pieces reflecting life in South African townships. These are often bold, expressive works full of culture and character.
Our top pick: Brendan Botha (South Africa, 1989 - ) Woman and Tree at Night.
Session 2 takes place on Fri, Feb 28 from 09:00 – 18:00. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 3
OBJECTS OF VERTU, SILVER, GLASSWARE, PORCELAIN AND COLLECTABLES
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
The third session looks at objects of vertu, silver, glassware, porcelain and collectables. If you are a collector of high-quality, historically significant, exquisitely designed pieces ranging from decorative objects, antique or vintage silverware or delicate porcelain – you'll love this. There are over 589 lots to look through!Our top pick: Rosenthal studio-line 'flash one' tea set by Dorothy Hafner circa 1980s.
Session 3 takes place on Sat, Mar 1 from 09:00 – 18:30. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 4
OBJECTS OF VERTU, SILVER, GLASSWARE, PORCELAIN AND COLLECTABLES
Once again, the fourth session features more objects of vertu, silver, glassware, porcelain and collectables, with over 727 lots on display.
Our top pick: Set of six Seletti Wears Toiletpaper fine porcelain plates.
Session 4 takes place on Sun, Mar 2 from 09:00 – 18:30. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 5
COLLECTABLES, CURIOSITIES, DECOR AND DESIGN
The fifth session showcases collectables, curiosities, decor and design. Here, find the weird, wonderful, and downright fabulous – quirky collectables, intriguing curiosities, and designer decor that’ll make your space as unique as you are.
Our top pick: Contemporary white faux leather swivel chair, 21st century.
Session 5 takes place on Mon, Mar 3 from 09:00 – 18:30. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 6
COLLECTABLES AND CURIOSITIES
Picking up where session five left off, the sixth session features more collectables and curiosities, with over 596 lots on display.
Our top pick: Twelve Le Creuset espresso cups and saucers.
Session 6 takes place on Tue, Mar 4 from 09:00 – 16:00. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 7
BOOKS
The seventh session is reserved exclusively for good book reads. Whether you're looking for something related to art history, something about your favourite artist, or simply some pages with beautiful imagery, there are 384 lots to skim through here.
Our top pick: William Kentridge: Flute, William Kentridge & Bronwyn Law-Viljoen 2007.
Session 7 takes place on Wed, Mar 5 from 09:00 – 15:00. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 8
CARPETS AND TEXTILES
The eighth session offers the best in carpets and textiles. If your floors at home are looking a little bare, how about a Persian rug, Chinese Woven carpet, Turkish silk runner, or a French-designed cotton carpet? Only 142 lots are on show here – so get your bids in quickly.
Our top pick: Turkish Hisar rug/wall hanging, with Topkapi Palace pattern.
Session 8 takes place on Wed, Mar 5 from 15:00 – 18:00, just after session 7. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 9
SILVER, COLLECTABLES, AND COSTUME JEWELLERY
The ninth session offers a selection of silver, collectable, and costume jewellery. You'll notice some beautiful silver pieces by Tiffany & Co, work by South African jewellery designer Margaret Richardson, and a bunch of rings that make popping the question to your special person seem like quite a good idea.
Our top pick: Sterling silver multiple gemstone ring.
Session 9 takes place on Thu, Mar 6 from 09:00 – 15:00. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 10
FINE WATCHES, POCKET WATCHES AND LUXURY PENS
The 10th session is for those who still find checking the time on their wrist handy and writing in a book useful. Here, look through 175 lots of fine watches, pocket watches and luxury pens.
Our top pick: Gents Pasha de Cartier watch, circa 1990s.
Session 10 takes place on Thu, Mar 6 from 15:00 – 18:00, just after session 9. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 11
FINE GOLD, ANTIQUE AND COLLECTABLE JEWELLERY
The eleventh session theme is fine gold, antique and collectable jewellery. Discover heirloom-worthy treasures, rare vintage finds or a bold statement ring. A classic gold piece never goes out of style.
Our top pick: 18K two-tone gold sapphire and diamond ring.
Session 11 takes place on Fri, Mar 7 from 09:00 – 16:00. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 12
VINTAGE & SHOES, BAGS AND ACCESSORIES
The 12th session is for the self-proclaimed fashionistas who love a good brand moment. The 263 lots include vintage Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Christian Dior – skip the retail, and buy something with more vintage quality.
Our top pick: Christian Dior 'Lady' handbag in pale grey.
Session 12 takes place on Fri, Mar 7 from 16:00 – 21:00, just after session 11. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 13
CLASSICAL AFRICAN & ASIAN ART AND CERAMICS
The 13th session takes you back to art: classical African and Asian art and ceramics, to be more specific. Here, expect to see art beyond local South African art, including art from West Africa, India, and China.
Our top pick: Esias Bosch Pot with Calligraphic Motif.
Session 13 takes place on Sat, Mar 8 from 09:00 – 13:00. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 14
MODERN AND POSTMODERN PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, PRINTS AND SCULPTURES
The second last session of this auction focuses on modern and postmodern paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. Visitors can expect a diverse collection of artworks showcasing innovative techniques, thought-provoking themes, and a mix of traditional and unconventional materials that reflect the artistic evolution of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Our top pick: Daniel (Stompie) Selibe (South Africa, 1974 - ).
Session 14 takes place on Sat, Mar 8 from 13:00 – 16:30. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
Session 15
ANTIQUE FURNITURE, MID CENTURY DESIGN, MIRRORS, LIGHT FITTINGS & COLLECTABLES
The 15th and final session of Russell Kaplan's 2025 Summer Wunderkamer Auction is on antique furniture, mid-century design, mirrors, light fittings and collectables. One of our favourite categories to browse, it includes a great many chairs, sofas, wardrobes, and chests of drawers in all the designs, patterns, and sizes imaginable.
Our top pick: French Art Deco 'Girod' walnut grandfather clock.
Session 15 takes place on Sun, Mar 9 from 09:00 – 19:00. View all items in this session and place your bids here.
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