FGF Holdings

C. Maratta went to Rome in 1636 and became an apprentice in the Studio of Andrea Sacchi. Pope Alexander VII commissioned many paintings from him. Maratta’s paintings of the later 165...

This remarkable antique ceramic jug, likely from the late 18th century stands as a testament to symbolic craftsmanship and cultural interweaving. Its white-glazed body, adorned with intricate blue hand-painted motifs, showcases a rich tapestry of imagery: two armored knights flank a central coat of arms crowned by a noble eagle, evoking themes of protection, authority, and divine oversight. A sphinx, emblematic of riddles and ancient wisdom, is also depicted- a nod to the Jewish people’s historical sojourn in Egypt and the enduring significance of that epoch in Jewish memory. A goat as representative of the Devil to make Adam and Eve to sin and take a forbidden fruit in Paradise. Clusters of various fruits embellish the design, symbolizing abundance and the promise of the land. Prominently featured are two Stars of David, affirming a deep connection to Jewish identity and heritage. The jug’s sculpted handle, fashioned as a coiled snake descending toward a human face-possibly representing Adam-recalls the Genesis narrative of the fall, the serpent, and the origins of humanity. This interplay of symbols suggests a narrative arc of struggle, survival, and spiritual endurance, potentially representing the journey of the Jewish people from Eden through exile and beyond. The jug’s substantial capacity-holding up to five liters of liquid-indicates its intended use for wine or water, both integral to daily life and ritual. Its distinctive shape, featuring a wavy, ornamental opening, hints at Mediterranean origins, likely Spain or Italy, where such design elements were prevalent in ceramic art of the period. This stylistic attribute, coupled with the painted date of 1527, adds another layer to its historical context. The year 1527 holds significance in Jewish history. In that year, Hayyim ben David Schwartz, a notable Jewish printer, obtained permission to print Hebrew books...

A truly magnificent Italian Renaissance gold gilded hand carved frame. Amazing craftsmanship and a very good condition for its age. Painting which fits inside (painting opening), di...

An exceptional classical sterling silver straight lined art deco Menorah with eight candle holders, on the top in the center there is a pine cone which represents and symbolizes huma...

An outstanding 16th century Italian (Venetian ) solid walnut and partially polychromed frame. Beautifully hand carved birds and flowers, this style was typical for Venetian time of 1...

Adolf Schreyer is famous and most successful German painter orientalist, whose works were particularly sought after by aristocratic and upper-class buyers at the time. Towards the en...

It is an absolutely outstanding with very rare and original design Seder Plate, hand-crafted out of Bronze by famous art deco maker Koloman (Kolo) Moser who was one of the founders o...

..“Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”.. A truly wonderful and very intricate mirror with the original wood panel to hold the mirror in place in the back. The g...

This extremely rare 19th century Woman’s Ceremonial Skirt (Tapis) comes from South Sumatra, Indonesia. The skirt (Sarong) made out cotton dyed with natural brown, purple, mustard-yel...

This wonderful complete painted textile was probably made to be the final wrapping for a burial shroud. What is fascinating about the piece is that although it was used as a vestment...

This is an absolutely incredible rare and truly unique pre-expulsion Iberian Peninsula handwritten Esther Scroll, inked onto animal leather parchment (15th century, -laboratory tested with provenance) and comes together with two 18th century silver Torah Pointers. The Scroll, or Megillah, of Esther is one of five sacred books read from scrolls in synagogues on Jewish holidays. This Esther Scroll is one of the rarest and oldest to be known in the world. Torah Scrolls and Esther Scrolls from Pre-Expulsion Spain are very rare with only a small handful known to exist. These conclusions are based on both stylistic and scientific evidence and Carbon-14 dating. The Esther Scroll is kept in the 16th Century wooden Box (Box length is 64 cm, depth 39 cm and hight 30 cm) with two Silver Torah Pointers (each 50 cm long) resting on the 16th Century textile...

An exquisite and very rare 16th century renaissance Silk brocade fragments mounted and artistically displayed in the Glas case on the antique linen. Both fragments are greatly preserved and originated by its design from famous Palazzo Pitti in Florence. The ornaments contain flowers, jaguars, birds and Fleur De Lis- the symbol of royalty. The colours remain vibrant and parts of golden embroidery/ threads are in very good condition considering the age. Both fabric...