Cocks, now in his 80s, collected through most of his life. He worked as a lawyer for a property group but is best remembered 'on his bike' - cycling from dealers to auction houses in his quest for the best pieces. "His approach was academic," says auctioneer Toby Macalister, "he collected with his heart but mainly his head."
Prominent among a mass of Wedgwood lustre wares is a Fairyland Lustre vase 'Imps on a Bridge' (Lot 75 ) - a sought after item, examples of which have sold for as much as $US20,000, according to Mr Macalister. Dating from 1920 and 22cm high it is decorated with two fanciful panels showing mauve imps on a green bridge over a blue river. Minimum bid is $NZ3750 with an overall estimate of $NZ7500 to $NZ12,500.
Another Fairyland Lustre vase (Lot 52 ), has three panels separated by colourful trees, each panel showing oriental scenes of pagodas, boats and bridges on a blue ground. Gold rimmed, it is 22.5cm high and minimum bid is also $NZ3750.
The Wedgwood Flambe Daventry Lustre trumpet vase (Lot 110 ) has a red purple ground divided into four Chinoiserie panels. Dating from 1915-30 it carries a similar estimate to the other Wedgwood pieces.
The sale also includes a rare waisted Moorcroft vase with flared rim, decorated with white cartouches showing leaves and fruit on a green ground. (Lot 115 )
It is accompanied by a letter from John Moorcroft attesting to the rarity of the piece, which dates from 1914-15. Minimum bid is $NZ1500.
Oriental offerings include, an imperial oval plate decorated with applied gilded dragons chasing a pearl (Lot 118 ). Circa 1820 on a carved hardwood stand, it is 35cm in diameter.
