Orchidelirium referred to a feverish obsession with collecting rare orchids in 19th century Britain. It combined science, status, imperial expansion and speculative economics. And this is where The Orchid Album (1882-1897) comes in. Edited by Robert Warner with botanical text by Benjamin Samuel Williams and illustrations by John Nugent Fitch, it emerged at the height of the orchid mania. Collectors wanted authoritative and visually rich documentation of the newest exotic species arriving from Brazil, India and Southeast Asia. The album became both a status symbol and a horticultural reference. Additionally, in a period before colour photography, the richly saturated chromolithographs were the closest to reality. Issued in parts over 15 years, many sets were broken up for their plates (framed and sold individually). Complete 11-volume runs are therefore scarce, driving auction premiums. Which is why the listing of this artifact of British imperial botany by Indian online auction house AstaGuru in their ‘Imperial Treasures’ auction (February 25-27) is of interest to rare-book collectors, botanical art buyers, interior designers and institutional libraries.
AstaGuru was most recently in the news for an artwork by Rabindranath Tagore selling for Rs 10.7 crore in December 2025 and setting a new auction record. ‘From Across the Dark’ was part of a “white-glove” auction, meaning all 87 lots were sold. As for ‘Imperial Treasures’, AstaGuru’s standalone interior auctions, they were introduced in 2021. “We can clearly see a steady rise in the demand for heirloom interiors as we continue to host more of this category,” explains Radhika Kerkar, Associate Director, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House. She adds that with cities developing quickly and spaces often looking similar, the individuality of antique pieces are much in demand. “We see strong interest in Satsuma ceramics, Baccarat and Murano manufacturing, as well as classic French furniture such as Louis XV pieces and even finely crafted Anglo-Indian furniture alongside European silver,” she continues. The heirloom interior category is a therefore a consistently expanding segment and Kerkar reveals that AstaGuru has garnered over ₹25 crores in total sales across its last three to four editions of Imperial Treasures. While The Orchid Album is estimated at ₹15,00,000-₹17,00,000, here are other rare collectibles from the 19th and 20th century at this auction that is conducted online at www.astaguru.com, from February 25 to 27.
Art Deco fruit bowls by Tiffany & Co
With the centenary of Art Deco being celebrated last year, lot number 88, featuring fruit bowls from 1940, is well-timed indeed. Designed as shallow circular dishes raised on sculptural pedestal bases, they showcase bold geometry and highlight Tiffany’s mastery of modern design.
Estimate: ₹33,00,000 – ₹35,00,000
Heriz carpet
Lot number 73 is a classic Heriz carpet. Heriz rugs are Persian carpets made in the Heris region of East Azerbaijan, northwest of Tabriz in Iran. This specimen was hand-knotted in the 19th century. In warm amber, it comes with the customary central medallion, in navy, and is surrounded by flowers and geometric shapes.
Estimate: ₹20,00,000 – ₹24,00,000
13-light crystal floor chandelier by Baccarat
Lot number 41 is an impressive crystal chandelier from Baccarat. Made in the 20th century, with 13 lights, its big stem in the middle and tulip-shaped candle holders are a reminder of the glamorous nights of old. It is decorated with sparkling pendants and drops.
Estimate: ₹25,00,000 – ₹30,00,000
French Malachite Mantel Clock by Jacquier, Paris
Lot number 18 is a clock from Jacquier in Paris. The Empire period mantel clock is executed in malachite and finely cast ormolu. The silvered brass dial, also signed Jacquier, is fitted with Roman numerals and a steel moon hand, and is set within a leaf-cast bezel decorated with rosettes. On the case is a gilt-bronze figure of Orpheus, wearing a laurel wreath and holding a lyre.
Estimate: ₹18,00,000 – ₹20,00,000
Pair Of Meiji-period Japanese Satsuma vases
Japanese earthenware pottery better known as Satsuma ware have a rich history. They are usually hand painted with enamel and fired gold accents, a meticulous process that goes back to the 1600s and still continues today. Lot number 83 has some fine vases from the Meiji period and decorated with pictures of the First Emperor and Empress. In soft ivory, with geometric shapes and gold highlights.
Estimate: ₹10,00,000 – ₹12,00,000
Published – February 27, 2026 07:43 pm IST
