Antique Resources

From the 1700s through the early 1800s, European aristocrats developed a fascination with ancient Egyptian culture and design that culminated in a full Egyptian Revival. Prominent figures such as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned rooms decorated with Egyptian motifs. This cultural moment reflects a fascination with a sophisticated civilization of great artists and pharaohs. The Regency era possessed very little knowledge of the Great Pyramids or hieroglyphics, a quality that lent Egyptian art interpretation a compelling air of mystique. This English Regency period gilt carving depicts a popular figure of borrowed Egyptian motif: the Sphinx. Recognized among educated circles as a symbol of brilliance in the ancient past, the Sphinx was well-known as a mythological creature who destroys those who failed to answer her riddle. Such a piece as this, excellent in detail and craftsmanship, may have once graced the mantle of a gentleman’s study or been exchanged as a gift between British scholars. The beautiful gold surface has been achieved by an artful combination of gilt and gesso; the art enthusiast will appreciate the intricate texture realized in the carving’s hair and tail as well as the delicate detailing of the saddle. Borrowing from the Egyptians, the Greeks had their own interpretation of the Sphinx. Greek mythology chronicled the Sphinx as being the daughter of Orthous and Chimera or Laius and attributed the riddles, which she proposed, as having been taught to her by the Muses. Crowned with a Grecian diadem and having a refined expression, she evokes an ancient yet reserved intellect. For the modern-day enthusiast of classical Greek art...

César Pattein (French 1850-1931, most Active 1882-1914). Born in Steenvoorde, in northern France, Pattein was raised among farmers and maintained a close connection to the rural regi...

This exquisite sconce is crafted by the legendary Murano glass studio, Barovier and Toso. The clear shade is decorated with "Bullicante", which in Italian literally means "full of bubbles". To get the controlled bubble effect, a metallic mold with spikes comes in contact with molten glass. The spikes create small holes on the surface of the glass, creating a pattern. After it’s been left to cool down for a few moments, the whole piece is submerged in molten glass again. This second layer completely covers the first one. The layering process is repeated several times. The holes previously impressed on the first layer are not covered, thus causing air to be trapped between the layers of glass in the desired pattern. It is finished off with a finial of gold aventurine, whereby the glass has gold inclusions. Aventurine, as its name suggests, is a decoration made by "aventitius" surface effects with flecks of gold, a 15th century technique. The result is this magnificent, exquisitely crafted, wall light, full of subtle texture and dynamism. Has been rewired to meet US electrical standards and uses one base light bulb with a maximum of sixty watts. We recommend using LED lights because they help preserve the antique fixture...

Giuseppe Pitto (Italian 1857 - 1928) is often known for his paintings depicting pretty women in Italian street markets. This exuberantly painted scene i...

This is an exquisite pair of French mid-19th century Louis XV Style Bergère armchairs. The style was a direct response to the previous Louis XIV style, which valued furniture that em...

This pair of mid-19th Century French Louis XVI giltwood bergère armchairs are versatile, classic, and comfortable. During the second half of...

This one-of-a-kind Austrian hiking staff has been handcrafted from solid oak. Oak is a relatively lightweight yet sturdy material, which lends itself perf...

Circa 1750 English Georgian II period mahogany armchair. The George II period was most noted for its intricate chairs. Like the other Georgian periods, this one was named after the monarch during the time. Under George II, mahogany became the predominant wood used for fine furniture. Many of the styles were symmetrical and had architectural curves, inspired by the Gothic. These works were very expensive and only the rich could afford and buy them. This specific armchair has a frame entirely carved from mahogany, which was a strong and durable wood that was also naturally water resistant and offers natural resistance against pests. The back of the chair has a splat design. Splats were an important element of eighteenth-century English chairs, offering support. It originated from the importation of Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...

This 18th century French Louis XV Period fauteuil avec des courbes chair has been excellently crafted. Gentle S-curves and naturalistic floral...

This is a finely carved 1760 English George III armchair. The George III period was named after the English monarch of the time. It was popular among the elite and mercantile class of people, due to its excellent material and intricate carvings. Due to the multiple King Georges, each George developed its own look. The George III period is also referred to as the Chippendale style. This period was often characterized by drawing on both the Rococo and Gothic styles. Pieces sported curves, arches, Chinese influences, and cabriole legs. This chair has been entirely carved out of mahogany; a premiere wood choice known for its durability, longevity, and rich coloring. The back has an elegant splat, a principal element of eighteenth-century English chairs. Splats are the center support for a chair’s open back and originated from the importation of Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...

Pair of mid-19th century French Régence style Fauteuils: full of French charm, this French Régence Style pair of armchairs have been updated with modern fabrics that are in keeping w...

This early 19th Century French Louis XVI walnut bergère armchair is versatile, classic, and comfortable. It was a chair designed in ...

Large Circa 1910 French Beaux-Arts gilt bronze chandelier. Finely cast French bronze chandelier in the fashion of Louis XV. This wonderful chandelier has a large cut crystal center b...

This rare and elegant Georgian Architect’s desk has a ratchet top, extending drawer front, as well as storage compartments. Architect desks, m...

This magnificent Circa 1910 Edwardian Satinwood hand-painted game table displays signs of fine craftsmanship and ingenuity. From the 17th to the 19th Century, card and board games were means to socialize and gamble large sums of money among the wealthy. Game tables are an example of specialized furniture beautifully crafted by a skilled cabinetmaker for such clients. When not in use, the envelope top has such an elegant hand-painted floral design and fine maple inlay that makes it too lovely to conceal by placing anything on top. Closed, it can decorate any hallway or entryway. On casters, the table can be easily moved from room to room, which makes it very versatile. The maple inlay detail continues the sides and drawers, showing no detail of elegance was spared. Once you swivel the top, it opens to a flat green felt surface for playing cards. It has a rosewood and satinwood parquetry chessboard and cribbage board that pulls out in the front with brass knobs. The interior is a mahogany drawer with compartments for the storage of play pieces. The chess pieces are ivory. The right side opens to a hidden compartment with a built-in tantalus accompanied by three fine crystal decanters, perfect for pouring a drink before a game. The left side is a dummy drawer to symmetrically continue the aesthetics of the design to its entirety. As a commissioned piece of work, this museum-quality piece is perfect for any collector or connoisseur of rare, one-of-a-kind antiques. Comes with three crystal decanters and game pieces shown are included: a complete ivory chess set...