Russian Silver-Gilt, Diamonds, Nephrite, and Guilloche Enamel Letter Opener

Placido Zuloaga, An extremely rare Spanish gold and silver damascened window frame, in the Alhambra / Islamic taste, circa 1880. The interior is lined and fitted with an orientalist artwork throughout. Signed PZ on the reverse. Placido Zuloaga was a renowned Spanish metalworker and damascene artist known for his exceptional skills in working with gold and silver and for creating intricate and ornate designs on metal surfaces using a technique called damascening. One of Zuloaga's works is this rare gold and silver damascened frame that he created in the late 19th century. The frame is decorated with intricate designs in silver and gold, creating a stunning contrast that is characteristic of Zuloaga's work. The frame is a remarkable example of Zuloaga's artistry and skill, as well as his mastery of the damascening technique. The technique involves inlaying silver or gold wire into the surface of the metal, creating intricate and detailed designs that are both beautiful and durable. Zuloaga's work was highly sought after during his lifetime and is still highly valued today. His pieces are considered to be some of the finest examples of damascene artistry in the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence metalworkers and artists today. His works are in private collections and in museums worldwide. Comparative Literature: James D. Lavin, The Art and Tradition of the Zuloagas, Spanish Damascene...

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...

Al Thani collection, a Mughal Indian square white jade inkwell cover, circa 1800 Purchased from the Al Thani collection, Christies New York, Sal...

An Exquisite Italian Silver-Gilt, Diamond, Rock Crystal, and Rhodochrosite Vanity Mirror, by Moba Italy. Circa 1950 Very fine and impressive vanity mirror made in solid sterling gi...

Shaped letter opener with rectangular base in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guillochè. Base cm. 7.5 x 15.5 long letter opener cm. 21. Weight ...

A letter opener knife with a patterned metal blade and a black wood and silver handle with two crowns. The end of the handle is decorated with a silver bull's head. The silver elements on the grip are set with colored diamonds and faceted ruby stones. There are engraved inscriptions of O. Voronkoff, USA on the rim of the handle. The knife comes with a pink rhodochrosite and silver stand. The blade is not silver. Collectible Knives...

A Russian Neoclassical paper knife or letter opener in the style of a Roman gladius sword. The blade is made of polished nephrite jade stone. Pink guilloche enamel handle with gilt a...

Russian letter opener designed by Leonid Kochergin. This is a very handsome luxurious desk letter-opener, created during the imperial Russian period in the city Saint Petersburg, be...