Apothecary Counter-Top Gasogene Seltzer Dispenser, French, ca. 1900

This cast iron cabinet has all the little extras that make it fun. The doors on top open to reveal an original shelf. There is a working drawer, and ...

This exceptionally high quality lamp is candy for the eyes. The base is cast bronze with that dolphin like fantasy fish that appears on lamps, furniture and many other objects. The ...

We believe this to be the best letter opener we have ever offered, especially if art nouveau appeals to you. The quality of the casting is superb right down to the to include her ear...

This unusual bronze really caught our attention. The seated female warrior perched high atop a marble base is a rare look in antique bronzes. The bronze...

This letter opener, most likely done by the Bergmann Foundry is extremely rare. We have sold countless inkwells, bookends, lamps and other accessories for the desk, but the letter o...

A very nice original cast iron bank, which is a bank building. Not repainted, or touched up. That is most important to any collector. A neat little e...

This is a French Porcelain Apothecary Jar. It depicts a cylindrical lidded jar with white background hand painted in the front with a rectangular plaque with gold borders and the nam...

French Art Nouveau pewter vase, ca 1900 A French Art Nouveau vase, made of pewter in beautiful Art Nouveau scene of flowers, raised on 4 legs. A tapered, but rounded model with two ...

This vintage mortar and pestle from Shanxi, China was cast in iron with a floral relief. It was originally used in a traditional apothecary t...

Pair of early, very decorative, 20th century French apothecary bottles from ca 1930s with green metal tops. Both with the original labels: "Tinctura Cantharidis" and "TALCUM VENTÆ". ...

In traditional Chinese healing, medicine alone could not cure a person’s illness. A physician would strive to balance a patient's vital energy, their yin and yang, as a person is bel...

ABOUT IRIS The iris is a special and mysterious flower. Not only because of its striking appearance, but also from an artistic and historical point of view. It is also like a work of art, as though created by Mother Nature. The unique leaves of this plant not only create wonderful shadow casts, but also look as if they were painted by hand. It's no wonder that iris acts as the muse for countless artists, and can be seen in many famous works of art. The iris was first spotted in the time of Pharaoh Thutmose, in 1504 BC. He had the iris inscribed into the wall reliefs of a temple as a sign of his power, as well as decorating his sceptre with motifs of the flower. Since then, the iris has been a symbol of victory in Egypt. But the symbolism of the iris goes further than that. In Japan, the flower represents courage and is the symbol of the boys' festival. In Islamic cultures, the iris is a symbol of prosperity. In Europe, the flower was a popular weapon symbol in the Middle Ages and stood for chivalry. And in Christianity, the iris was seen as a symbol of the trinity because of its three-part flowers. With more than 300 varieties, the iris is now the most popular flower among growers and gardeners following the rose. Countless artists use the iris in their works and the flower is present in all eras. You can see the flower on furniture, vases, jewelry, fabrics, sculptures, coats of arms and much more. Did you know that the iris is also called the sword lily? It's not a coincidence that it used to symbolize physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by a weapon. We also see the flower in religious art, where it's often associated with Mary and Jesus. The iris is also associated with the Greek goddess Iris, where the flower symbolizes reconciliation and divine messages. This is also reflected in many paintings. Finally, the iris is also visible in Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings. This can be in a religious form, incorporated into an object or as a decorative flower. In the Art Nouveau art movement, the iris (along with other plants, such as the birch) was often used as an expression of feminine beauty. With its almost otherworldly appearance, the iris is perfectly suited to the Art Nouveau aesthetic and is featured in many well-known works of art. The poet of that era, Hermann Hesse...