M.S. Rau Bowls and Baskets

This exquisite pair of rosso antico marble and gilt bronze potpourri vases epitomize opulent artistry. A popular material for sculpture in ancient ...

This incredible enameled silver plate and crystal dish set by Elkington & Co. represents one of that venerable company's first efforts at produci...

A delightful French basket mounted in doré bronze which provides the framework for the six panels veneered in mother-of-pearl and set with French porcelain plaques...

Wedgwood began crafting pastille burners in the early nineteenth century, and this stunning dolphin burner is a gorgeous example of his innovative desi...

This important George III tazza is attributed to famed Scottish-Swedish architect Sir William Chambers. The magnificent piece features a base carved from statuary marble in the shape of a stylized dolphin, which relates to Chambers' extraordinary 18th-century architectural designs. A marvel of beauty and craftsmanship, the tazza is also inset with specimens of Derbyshire Blue John in both the plinth and bowl. Blue John is one of the most in-demand decorative stones in the world, and its inclusion in this piece elevates the tazza to a true Georgian masterpiece. Due to its popularity, the largest veins of Blue John had disappeared by the early 19th century, and only a small amount of the stone remains today. Because of its scarcity, most examples of Blue John furniture feature only small inset veneers. By contrast, this rare tazza features not one, but two substantial specimens of the stone. It represents some of the last ornamental wares created of such grand size and proportion, though other smaller examples still grace the stately British estates of Chatsworth, Hardwick, Kedleston and Haddon, among others. Not only does this tazza boast a highly rare material, but it was also designed by one of the most important architects and designers of the Georgian era. Sir William Chambers was a Scottish-Swedish architect based in London who was active during the reigns of Kings George II and George III. Celebrated for his combination of English Palladianism...

This exceptionally rare Ulúa marble bowl displays the lustrous white glow of the stone vessels that are native to the Ulúa river valley region of Honduras. With its alluring fluid flow of relief carvings around the entirety of its form, it exemplifies the remarkable ability of the ancient craftsmen. Ulúa artisans used simple stone tools to create magnificent marble bowls...

Leafy pendants adorn this fine cameo glass bowl by Daum, known for their singular pieces of art glass of the utmost quality. Daum has remained an impo...

One of Wedgwood’s most acclaimed “useful wares,” this fine jasper-dip pierced orange basket displays a brilliant cobalt blue and white checkerboard patte...

This richly decorated tray was created by celebrated French porcelain manufacturer Jacob Petit. Topped by an impressive gilt Chinese dragon, the piece is distinguished by finely hand-painted scenes depicting songbirds and floral arrangements against a green ground. The tray was originally designed to hold jewelry, with holes in the dragon's back for brooches and a scallop shell meant to hold a pocket watch...

This unique Italian hardstone centerpiece is a luxurious example of the Renaissance Revival style. The design is formed primarily from semiprecious s...