Decorative Objects

A magnificent example of a gogotte formation composed of thick swirls and folds of sparkling sandstone. Discovered in the Oligocene sand dunes of Fontainebleau, France, formed circa 30 million years before present or later. The incredible, almost otherworldly appearance of gogottes may easily be mistaken for the work of a most talented artist. In fact, these sandstone sculptures are entirely natural in origin. They have been found in multiple locations but those from Fontainebleau, such as the present example, are the most remarkable. Thirty-five million years ago, a sea covered what is now the forest of Fontainebleau, and dunes of exceptionally fine and homogenous sand formed. As silica-rich water filtered through this sand, it turned into stone. The flow of water finely modelled the sandstone into the aesthetic concretions we now know as gogottes. These are rare and are only found sporadically several metres deep into the ground. They owe their sparkling white appearance to the extreme and unmatched purity of the Fontainebleau sand, sometimes reaching a composition of 99.9% silica. Each of them is unique – a masterpiece slowly fashioned by the hands of Nature. The intriguing name of “gogotte” was coined by French geologist Claude Guillemin (1923- 1994), who was inspired by the children’s book series Babar the Elephant. In one of the books, a group of monsters called Gogottes are shown hiding behind rocks. These rocks reminded Guillemin of the sandstone concretions...

Faience Ceramic Apothecary Medicinal Pot Jar, France 1960's Wonderful piece to add to any collection of this desirable French ceramic apothecary jars.

1 Arthur Umanoff Bowl, more Umanoff pieces available.

Assortment of blue and green Mdina glass vases, made in Malta in the 1960s and 70s under the direction of founder Michael Harris, an English artist who established the Mdina glasswor...

Opaline glass vase by Carlo Moretti, Italy, 1960.  Elegant Murano glass vase by Carlo Moretti made in Italy in the 1970s in white, orange and black opaline.  The price of shipping is...

Scandinavian modern white colored glass vases, Designed by Otto Brauer for Holmegaard Denmark, 1960s. Measure: height 24.5 cm

Massive Venetian abstract sculptures in solid walnut "Forcola (Oarlock)" by Giuseppe Carli, dated 1961. Carli is recognized as one of the leading "Remeri" of Venice, an elite group ...

Famous portable typewriter by Sottsass for Olivetti, Italy from the 1960s. Totally functional with some wear. 3 pieces available.  

An elegant pair of 24 karat gold and white fine porcelain candlesticks by the re known English firm of Royal Crown Derby. This elaborate design of adorned birds and peacocks is appli...

Stunning sunburst wall clock made of brass, metal and glass. One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. Electric, batt...

A stunning deep purple amethyst cluster with unusually high peaked crystals on metal stand. The polished frame shows mineral layers developing from the rough basalt, to the grey/blue...

German Fat Lava Vase with volcanic glaze finish in blue and black. 1960s.

Iconic cricket model telephone designed in 1965, winner of the 1967 compasso d'oro award, was exhibited at MOMA in New York in 1993. Item is in good conservative condition, present ...

Tang Dynasty Full Set Of Painted Pottery Zodiac Figures (TL tested) The Thermoluminescence Report (Item #185404) will accompany this sale. A Rare Set of Chinese Pottery Zodiac Figures from the Tang Dynasty painted with black and orange pigments. The conventional order of the twelve Chinese zodiac...

Giant Brass Nautical Clam Shell seashell on starfish base planter or sculpture. 13" wide x 10.5" tall x 10" deep. Very nice vintage condition, hand polished. Heavy with nice details ...

Egg on engraved tripod with octagonal folding photo holder for 6 photos inside, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated, with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and pure gold “pa...

POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD VIRGIN AND CHILD FROM THE 15TH CENTURY   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA, NUREMBERG REGION PERIOD: 15th CENTURY   Height: 94,6cm Width : 28 cm Depth : 18 cm   Lime wood Original Polychromy Good state of conservation     From 1430 onwards, sculpture underwent a profound stylistic renewal which continued until 1530, the so-called late Gothic period. In the Germanic countries, original sculptures flourished in an expressive and sensitive vein.
This renewal was inspired by the art of Nicholas of Leiden, who was active in Strasbourg in the 1460's. His style broke with the refined and delicate art of the international Gothic style in force throughout Europe around 1400. The figures became more authentic and realistic. The bodies became denser. Clothes are animated by deep, broken folds, the fabrics are heavy and have a great decorative value. In addition, the polychromy is intended to be illusionistic. The painting makes it possible to restore the texture of the materials, the richness of the textiles and the natural skin tone of the characters.   The dissemination of images through engraving and the great mobility of the artists led to the success of this style, which conquered the Upper Rhine, Swabian, Tyrolean and Franconian regions, contributing to the formation of a common stylistic identity in these regions. The economic boom in the flourishing German cities was conducive to the development of original production. Attracted by this prosperity, numerous workshops were set up in order to meet the orders of religious communities, the Church and the laity, including a clientele of middle-class rockers.      This precious Virgin and Child is depicted standing on a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of tall flowers. Her long wavy hair spreads over her shoulders, framing her beautiful oval face. Under fine eyebrows drawn with a brushstroke, her almond-shaped, slightly drooping eyes look at the Child with infinite softness. She is dressed in a long red dress with a rounded neckline, belted under the chest. The heavy fabric of her dress spreads out in broken folds at her feet. On her shoulders she wears a golden cloak. The drapery has deep folds. She holds out her right hand while she holds the Christ Child with her left.   Christ, with his well-defined hair, is naked. His cheeks are highlighted with red, he holds an apple in his left hand and with the other hand makes a sign of blessing towards the faithful.   Virgins with Child on a crescent moon were very popular in the second half of the 15th century, especially as the central subject of altarpieces in southern Germany and Austria. The crescent moon on which Mary is standing is reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse. Often equated with the Virgin Mary.    This episode is taken from the Book of Revelation (12:1-6)   1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ; 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. ; 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. ; 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven's stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. ; 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. ; 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.   Some theologians see in this woman a reference to the Virgin Mary and in the child, Jesus.    
This remarkable work is a very fine example of sculpture from Swabian workshops in the last decades of the 15th century. It presents all the characteristic stylistic elements: a highly girdled silhouette, an abundant drapery with angular folds, but also a great physical presence accentuated by the polychromy that restores the anatomical details. This group is made of a wooden log. The deep folds of the drapery highlight the movement of the Virgin holding the child.       Bibliography :   Sophie Guillot de Suduiraut, Dévotion et Séduction, Sculptures souabes des musées de France, vers 1460-1530, Paris musée du Louvre-Éditions somogy, 2015   “Revelation 12 -   Common English Bible...

Fabulous pair of porcelain staffordshire hunting dog figures sitting on grass cushions with gold trim. Underneath the protective felt pad is a hole which the company purposely made s...

"Guernica" : Bas-relief sculpture made of reinforced patinated plaster On the back two hooks to hang the sculpture on the wall Dated : 1967, Probably made for the 30th anniversar...

Genuine Spinosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth. Spinosaurus (meaning "spine lizard") is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in what now is North Africa, during the upper Albian to upper T...

Jacques Blin French ceramic vase with iconic sgrafitto decoration. The size is impressive and the color of the glazes are rare in a Jacques Blin vase. This example is light gray ten...

Wonderful Victorian-style bracelet cuff. All in sterling silver haute couture - iconic. This piece is not only a ready-to-wear creation but also the most dynamic piece of modern scul...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

Beautiful and unique ceramic piece that is evocative of the abstract themes of the 1960s. This rare piece by David Gil (1922-2002) is both minimalist and current. The abstract desi...

A highly collectable letter opener or paper knife made in gilded bronze and dating to c.1960; a scarce-find in the gold colour. The handle is in the form of a horse head, beautifu...

This is a small vintage single stem vase. A Scandinavian, art glass posy sleeve, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Attractive taper...

Colorful rainbow pencil cup made of Italian Alabaster Stone. It is a perfect home accessory for holding pencils, pens, scissors, etc. The bottom retains the original sticker that say...

Chinese Neolithic Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specificaly the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 year...

Magnificent cut glass picture frame with brass mount. Designed by Max Ingrand, manufactured by Fontana Arte in Italy in the 1960s. The two shiny green glasses are in excellent condit...

Bruno Munari early Galapagos picture frame for Danese, Italy 1961

Amazing cast iron midcentury sculpture / fireplace screen. Designed by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna, Sweden 1960s. Great original condition with signs of use and age. Stamped 'OH'...

Amazing Wiliam Spratling Dominoes set made of ebony wood and silver inlay. William Spratling (September 22, 1900–August 7, 1967) was an Americ...

Life-size Italian Glazed Terracotta Borzoi Russian Wolfhound Offered for sale is a stunning life-size Italian glazed terracotta Borzoi Russian Wolfhound. The Borzoi is sitting and ...

There is a long crack that has been repaired. Detailed images 14th and 15th. There is no water leakage, but please refrain from leaving water in it for more than two days. Also, be s...

Sommerso glass vase from Murano, Italy, 1960s Intact, small signs of aging. Submerged glass is obtained by immersing the glass being processed in crucibles with different colors. Th...

An outstanding Italian Greyhound statue in glazed and hand painted terracotta. Perfectly placed on a pedestal stylized as a cushion, lifelike ...

Saint Nazaire Sword, Late Bronze Age, circa 800-900 B.C. An exceptionally well preserved Bronze Age sword, with elegant, finely incised decorations,...

Italian desgn 1960s murano art glass green, yellow and transparent small vase. The presence of the original vintage label is a real rarity. Beautiful Murano glass vase, designed by F...

SAINT FLORIAN   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA PERIOD: END OF THE 15th CENTURY   Height : 100,5 cm Width : 34 cm Depth : 17 cm 
Polychromed lime wood Good state of conservation   
Sin...

Mid Century Brass and Copper Butterfly on Burl Stand

Frederic Weinberg Wall Clock with Black Body and Arms and Coral Balls. Working Condition. This is the larger harder to find version of this classic Clock...

This rare and elegant piece is a testament to Joe Colombo's visionary design and mastery of form. Crafted from Alexandrite glass, renowned for its ability to change color depending o...

Ptychopariida is a large, heterogeneous order of trilobite containing some of the most primitive species known. The earliest species occurred in the second half of the Lower Cambrian...

Mid-century Swedish Brutalist fire screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna. Capture attention with this extraordinary mid-century Swedish Brutal...

1 pair of Table lights from Vallauris France, color turquoise, the initials VF for VALLAURIS FRANCE is given on the bottom and a stamp FRANCE , size: 30cm height x 20cm diameter, Han...

Czechoslovakia Porcelain B & W Swan Figurine by Jaroslav Jezek Royal Dux 1960s in excellent original condiiton.

Made in Italy, 1960s. This ashtray / catchall is made in Murano glass. It is a "Tutti frutti" model. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can...

Vintage mid century Italian press moulded pottery cat figure with scrolling floral decor glaze, circa 1960's. Made by Pugi Ceramics. 21 1/2" high, 12" wide, 8" deep. Excellent condit...

Scandinavian Einar Barnes for P. S. Heggens Two Handled Teak Trash Can. Featuring a sculptural, molded Teak and Beech Plywood oval form, detailed vertical s...

A rare Royal Copenhagen Cigarette Jar/trinket in faience decorated by Norwegian Female artist/designer Marianne Johnson. It is decorated on all sides and...

Beautiful clam shell duck designed and made by Gabriella Binazzi, Italy circa 1970s. Clam Shell mounted on silver plated feet and decorated with silver plated ducks head.

Classic Aldo Londi Bitossi ceramic vase from the Rimini blue range. A gorgeous Mid-century modern retro classic, with really nice glazing, the colors are what makes these vases so sp...

This stunning piece of Pyrite from Peru, often referred to as "Fool's Gold," is a remarkable example of nature's craftsmanship. The specimen features a unique triangular shape that e...

Very pretty set of seven 1960s Italian Empoli Rossini and Stelvio Opalina Fiorentina cased glass vases, decanters and candy or apothecary jars. In sweet baby pink tone colours. A pretty mixture of different shades, shapes and styles and in clear and cased glass. Measurements from highest to lowest: Large blown apothecary jar with lid on clear base 39cm high, Ø 17cm (15.35"x6.69") High narrow blown glass pitcher with clear handle and base 37cm high, Ø9cm (14.57"x3.54" Pressed glass with motifs and milky white handle 30cm high, Ø16cm (11.81"x6.3") Bulbous blown pitcher with milky white handle 29cm high, Ø 15cm (11.42"x 5.91") High tazza bowl on turned clear base 28cm high, Ø 19cm (11"x7.49") Diabolo shaped vase 25cm high, Ø14cm (9.84"x5.51") Handblown lidded candy dish...

This wonderful vintage mini Miguel Berrocal puzzle element sculpture of the bust of a woman called Portrait de Michelle is comprised of 17 individual c...

The choirboys. Three choirboys singing, directed by a priest, this Capodimonte porcelain made on a kidney shaped base. Very nice Romantic scene, included a music box. Not working a...

Exquisitely crafted slim decorative briefcase designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal of Mexico. Taking advantage of the expertise provided by Mexican artisans, shoemaker founded Señal w...

A painted pottery figure of a prancing horse, with right leg raised and head turned towards the left, the head well modelled with crisp features below pricked ears, saddle painted wi...