15 items we love in Russell Kaplan's 2025 Summer Wunderkammer auction

Russell Kaplan's 2025 Summer Wunderkammer Auction comprises more than 6,700 lots divided across 15 themed sessions. To help you navigate the astonishing array of items on offer, our team visited the showroom in Ferndale and picked out a few of our favourites. Viewing sessions are open from Tue, Feb 26 – Sat, Mar 1, while live bidding runs from Thu, Feb 27 – Sun, Mar 9. Visit bidlive.rkauctioneers.co.za to register, browse, and bid online.

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 

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 
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. 

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.