Hans Stoltenberg-Lerche

Vintage Gucci set of magnifying glass and letter opener made of solid brass / Made in Italy Original mark on the item / comes in original box length 4.7 inches / magnifying glass dia...

A stunning Art Nouveau era art glass vase produced in Austria or Bohemia. Possibly by Loetz. The vase or cache pot is sculpted bronze decorated with foliage legs and great owl form h...

A very fine vintage letter opener by Asprey of Bond Street, London. The letter opener looks never to have been used. Made from a combination of polished steel, partly gilded to cre...

Pair of Art Nouveau bronze vases having a shaped vase with engraved shaped handles raised on a circular base. Good antique condition consistent with age and use.

Vintage Leather and Brass Desk Set Brass Letter Opener and Scissors 1940s. Italian desk set scissors and letter opener with leather black pouch. Classic and traditional luxury desk l...

Gorgeous patinated bronze art nouveau vase with maiden & floral design by Francesco Flora, circa 1910s. The vase has wonderful detail and is in very go...

An attractive Japanese Art Nouveau silver overlaid bronze vase, late Meiji period, early 20th century, Japan. A tall and elegant bronze vase of q...

This tall vase of baluster form is made of silver-plated pewter and it is the embodiment of the charm, allure, and sophistication of the French Art Nouveau style. The vase is made an...

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...

An antique desk letter opener made in Thailand. This is an exceptional antique letter opener created for exportation in Thailand, back in the 1900. The sculptural letter opener has ...

A Bronze Vase, chiseled and partially gilt bronze en relief decorated with grasshoppers and wheat axes. The best of French Art Nouveau, Christofle et Cie...

1978 Fish Figural Metal Letter Opener, Austria This charming fish-shaped letter opener is a delightful example of late-20th-century design. Made of metal with a warm, aged patina, i...