15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects

A stunning intense brown amethyst druze formation with stalactites. The mineral sculpture is embellished by multiple stalactite formations, and gives the sensation of movement due ...

IMPORTANT GERMAN PIETÀ FROM THE 14th CENTURY ORIGIN: GERMANY, REGION DE COLOGNE PERIOD: BEGINNING IF THE 14th CENTURY, ca. 1330 Height: 98 cm Length: 45 cm Depth: 33 cm Polychromed linden wood Good condition of conservation Provenance : particular Alsatian collection The theme of the Pietà or Vesperbild appears in Germany at the end of the 13th century, reflecting the mysticism of the late Middle Ages. Although the theme does not exist in the Gospels, it was often mentioned in contemporary devotional literature. Indeed, during the first half of the 14th century, mystical thought and devotional practices changed under the impulse of a number of religious, among them Heinrich Suso and St Bridget. In his writings, Suso placed important emphasis on contemplation and meditation in the footsteps of Christ's martyrdom. This will have great impact in the field of art, especially in Germany and later in France. The emphasis will from now on be on grief, death is shown in a straightforward way. The wounds of Christ are gaping and bloody. The suffering of Christ and the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary are meditated upon. This piece demonstrates the interest of the faithful in these representations where pathos reigns. The virgin is represented seated in a frontal position. The bust is very elongated. She is wearing a red dress with a simple neckline and a blue mantel...

Exhibiting a rich patina, this petite Maya ceramic bowl dating back to c. 600-900 AD was crafted in the El Copador style. The El Copador style is a polych...

41.40 Gram Pretty Demantoid Garnet Specimen From Balochistan, Pakistan Weight: 41.40 Gram Dimension: 5.3 x 3.8 x 2.4 Cm Origin: Balochistan, Pakistan Demantoid is the green gemstone variety of the mineral andradite, a member of the garnet group of Minerals. Andradite is a calcium- and iron-rich garnet. The chemical formula is Ca₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃ with chromium substitution as the cause of the demantoid green color. Ferric iron is the cause of the yellow in the stone Demantoid was a popular gemstone during the Belle Époque period (1890-1915), especially in Art Nouveau jewelry. The Russian Czars...

Carved stone sculpture, Divinity, Khmer Art, 11th / 12th century. Sculpture of the head of a male deity in grey sandstone. Khmer art, Angkorian period. 11th or 12th century. Apprais...

This huge heart from Afghanistan has been hand-carved and hand-polished out of one piece of genuine, beautiful color lapis lazuli featuring the shimmer of p...

A Korean stoneware bowl from Goryeo dynasty circa 12th century. The conical form bowl with a small raised foot rim is covered in a celadon green glaze...

Apophyllite crystals of this scale are rarely seen. This piece has been beautifully mounted onto a mirrored steel base making it the perfect statement for any interior. Since 1986 D...

Indian Medieval Carved Wood Sculpture of Shakti Goddess Ca. 8th to 12th Century ...

Pair of Metal basket made by welded wire completed by a solid ring. Unknown manufacturer, France, Circa 1940 Materials: Metal In original condition, with minor wear consistent of...

Polished agate cathedral with a tangerine crystal point. Agate is characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness of color. These slabs are clas...

Salt-like, light turquoise color natural quartz sculpture with stand. Measures: 8.5” /L x 6.5” /D x 7” /H without stand.

A pair of terracotta/clay oil jugs. These are very old and well used with a hand rubbed finish. Perfect as interior décor. They have a wonderful soulful color and patina. Tallest ...

A antique Japanese late Edo Period lidded enamel jar. The jar has a globular shaped body. The exterior of the vase is adorned with medallions ...

Natural rock crystal sculpture with stand. Billion year old natural quartz sculpture, with various sized crystals growing from the surface. Measures: 13.75”/ L x 6”/ D x 5.5”/ H with...

79.04 Gram Beautiful Bi-Color Tourmaline Crystal From Afghanistan WEIGHT: 79.04 grams DIMENSIONS: 6.6 x 2.7 x 2.6 Cm ORIGIN: Afghanistan TREATMENT: None Tourmaline is an extr...

A stunning spherical shaped geode of a deep purple amethyst. The piece is of a wonderful example of a three dimensional geode with particularly thick agate border, revealing grey aga...

Since 1986 Dale Rogers has been sourcing the grandest fossils, crystals and minerals from around the world. Through his company he has been supplying leading interior designers and s...

This is a great piece of amethyst rock. A very decorative piece, this would make a lovely wedding or birthday gift. Amethyst is the birth stone for February. Purple amethyst has b...

These are three small lidded boxes from the Vietnamese period, specifically from the 15th century during the Le Dynasty. Each box features intricate floral designs in blue on a white...

This is a great piece of amethyst with larger than the typical size of crystals. A very decorative piece, this would make a lovely wedding or birthday gift. Amethyst is the birth s...

Chinese Celadon Funerary Jars (12th -13th Century) Vases with lids, bird finials and four cloud-forms in high relief. Clay: dense, dark grey; thinly potted. Glaze: rich, lustrous bl...

This petite hand-formed vessel bears a richly textured surface of worn red clay slip and dark smoke marks. Likely intended for everyday use, the simple bottle-form vessel reflects th...

This Gem grade, Amethyst Geode crystal Sculpture, resembles in shape and silhouette that of a shrouded woman holding a swaddled baby. And would work well in a Boho Chic Styled Interior. The Geode originates from Uruguay where they are mined from the same rock formation as their relatives just to the north across the border into southern Brazil, they are igneous (volcanic) in origin. Differentiated from its Brazilian relatives by it’s typically smaller crystal size and darker, deeper colour the Uruguayan amethyst...

This Neolithic jar originates from China 3500 BC and these funerary jars were placed in tombs and intended for use in the afterlife.

Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a wood stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this transluce...

A wonderful Han Dyansty (206 BC-200 AD) storage vessel. The circular body set upon three legs and fitted with a lid. The entirety covered in heavy leaded green glaze, imitating bronz...

Crinoids, also known as sea lilies, are members of the Echinodermata phylum along with starfish and sea urchins. This well preserved sea fossil is from Morocco. Crinoids have the app...

Cercle of Jacopo della Pila (Lombard, in Naples 1471-1502) Marble relief depicting a winged Cherub Naples, second half of15th century 40 x 57 x 12 cm Exquisitely carved, this relief portrays a winged cherub with cascading hair and delicate features. The cherub's plump, smooth countenance, rounded cheeks, outlined lips, and finely drawn nose emanate a sense of tenderness. The quadrangular module, is adorned with a carved frame. The relief ascends gradually, transitioning from the low relief of the wings to the high relief of the head. The rectangular frame and the subtly curved form of the artwork suggest that the relief likely adorned the upper part of an arch or a vaulted chapel. The type is that of the perspective room with a coffered ceiling decorated with figures of winged cherubs, which is found in various Neapolitan chapels of the 15th century. Coffered ceilings attest to the recovery of antiquity and the search for luxury in Renaissance architecture, first in Florence, then in Rome and Naples. The majority of the numerous family chapels and tombs built during the late fifteenth century in south of Italy employ the new formal vocabulary of the Florentine Renaissance in a self-confident manner that permitted a broad spectrum of variations. The escalating admiration for the classical world, coupled with the development of perspective, significantly contributed to the Renaissance endorsement of coffered ceilings. This artistic and constructive device drew inspiration from the intricate marble patterns observed in historical landmarks such as the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, the Pantheon, and the Basilica of Maxentius. A distilled product of both mathematical and artistic cultures, deeply scrutinizing the ancient world, the coffered ceiling plays a vital role in the perspective construction of space with its regular and directional geometry. The motif of the coffered ceiling decorated with cherubs in relief was introduced in Naples by Francesco Laurana in the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo. Laurana's impact on the art scene in the south of Italy was profound. The introduction of the winged cherub into the region's artistic vocabulary bridged the gap between the classical and the contemporary, creating a synthesis that resonated with both aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. His influence extended beyond the immediate visual appeal, shaping the cultural identity of the Renaissance in southern Italy. Although the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo cannot certainly be ascribed to a mature Renaissance style, it was precisely on this occasion that the sculptors who worked there could get to know and export throughout the Italian peninsula that type of "Florentine classicism" which, even in the 15th century Naples, was conditioned by the Burgundian culture imported into the Kingdom by Alfonso of Aragon himself, with artists called from Spain and Northern Europe. The coffered ceiling, with its geometric patterns and Laurana's winged cherubs nestled within, became a symbol of refinement and cultural sophistication. The relief sculptures, carefully integrated into the overall design, transformed the ceiling into a celestial realm, inviting viewers to contemplate the divine while immersed in the grandeur of the Renaissance space. Similar winged cherubs appears also in the Naples cathedral. Within the renowned Succorpo Chapel, a mesmerizing marble coffered ceiling adorned with cherubs epitomizes the splendor of the Neapolitan Renaissance. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surface of the marble coffered ceiling introduces an ethereal dimension, providing an immersive visual experience for observers. The geometric precision and the repeated patterns, reminiscent of classical motifs, establish a sense of harmony and balance that has become the hallmark of the Neapolitan interpretation of Florentine Renaissance aesthetics. Although probably intended to be admired from a distance, this cherub is intricately detailed and exquisitely rendered: the face and hair are elegantly outlined and the feathers are textured through juxtaposed lines. The marble, both figurative and decorative, adheres to the principles of balance and restrained ornamentation typical of the « Florentine Classicism ». Harmonious shapes and gracefully orchestrated curves , rooted in the classical repertoire, converge to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty. The surface displays the masterful use of a chisel to intricately carve the feathers and facial features, creating an almost abstract quality. This work is a testament to a sculptor of great skill and rich figurative knowledge, seamlessly blending classical firmness in contours with a refined treatment of the marble's surface. The combination of tradition and innovation point to a stylistic idiom from Lombardy, in particular we can find some comparaisons with the works of Jacopo della Pila, sculptor of Lombard origin working in Naples in the second half of the 15th century. He is documented there between 1471 and 1502, and is a protagonist of the Aragon Renaissance in the second half of the Quattrocento, together with the other great Northern sculptor active in the kingdom, Domenico Gagini. the first commission he received dates back to August 9, 1471, when Jacopo publicly committed to sculpting the funerary monument of Archbishop Nicola Piscicelli to be placed in the Cathedral of Salerno. The last known work is an altar ordered on July 29, 1502, by the noble Jacopo Rocco for the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples. Between these two chronological extremes (1471-1502), we must place the fervent activity of the artist, who had trained in Rome, perhaps under the guidance of Paolo Romano but also engaged in dialogue with other major artists of the city, especially Isaia da Pisa. He enriched his experience in Naples, initially drawing inspiration from the works of Domenico Gagini and later from the Tuscan masterpieces of Antonio Rossellino and Benedetto da Maiano destined for the church of Santa Maria di Monteoliveto. Jacopo della Pila's artistic personality is thus based on a complex interplay of influences, contributing to the definition of a highly personal style. Close comparaison can be made between our cherub and the winged angels reliefs...

Like a treasure chest, this striking geode section shows the incredible contrast between the rough volcanic stone (basalt) in which the geodes are found, and the radiant amethystine ...

15th Century Italian Renaissance Giltwood Carving . This magnificent 15th century Italian Renaissance gilt wood carving with a serpent is displayed ...

Natural amethyst crystal sculpture with multi peaks.

"Cauliflower" fossil agate coral adorned with natural-forming baroque pearls and shells. Fossil agate coral is Florida's state stone and is known for its unique formation that can take place over 20 million years. It's a natural gemstone that is created when prehistoric coral is gradually replaced with agate. This is a complete piece of fossil coral head...

An exquisite cut and polished partial amethyst geode with a circular shape. The front of the piece presents beautiful, vibrant, deep purple color amethyst with high peaked crystals. ...

This well preserved tooth is 40 to 34 million years old from the Late Eocene Period. Basilosaurus was first thought to be a reptile but was later identified as a genus of ancient cet...

An impressive half geode, this piece is composed of blue grey druze, with beautiful multiple stalactite formations. The edges of this beautiful mineralogical piece have been poli...

Roman clay fragment, this is the remains of the jar handle. This fragment was found in one of France's oldest ports, Fos-sur-Mer, not far from Arles whe...

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...

An impressive 80mm Carcharodontosaurus saharicus dinosaur tooth, known as the North African Tyrannosaurus rex for its formidable size. A noteworthy discovery from the Northern Africa...

Interesting object. A piece of fossilized wood. It has been polished and finished to all sides and edges. It has an almost bone-like grain structure. T...

Another formation of quartz pseudomorphs after anhydrite. The beautiful medley of quartz crystals formed over anhydrite crystals, which subsequently dissolved, leaving tan coloured q...

A beautiful blur of purple runs through this medley of rhomboidal quartz crystals. All preserved on a thin celatonite shell, left in its rough condition. This piece was legally and ...

A fragment of Terracotta statue displayed on wood block stand from ancient Indian continent dated to the Gupta period (4th-6th century). The head of the...

A mesmerizing Gupta Empire (mid-3rd century BCE - 543 AD) mounted terracotta torso of a standing Vishnu. Vishnu is the preserver god, which means he p...

A very nice vintage polished petrified wood paper weight, circa old! The piece is in very good condition with wonderful brown and tan colors and measures 4.5"W x 3.5"D x 3.75"H. Col...

Natural rock crystal sculpture with stand. 18 inch x 8 inch x 6 inch without stand.

A Ancient Greek Kylix vase. Campanian ancient Greek red terracotta stemless kylix (drinking cup) with two handles. from the Magna Grecia period. Made between the 350-300 BC in the G...

A really nice polished petrified wood sculpture, circa pre-history. Brightly colored tan, brown and cream tones with naturally formed patterns caused by fossilization over millions ...

1989 Gram Magnificent Aquamarine Specimen With Muscovite From Nagar, Pakistan Weight: Dimension: 16 x 15 x 10 Cm Origin: Nagar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan Province,...

20.68 Gram Pretty Demantoid Garnet Specimen Weight: 20.68 Gram Dimension: 2.2 x 2.9 x 2.7 Cm Origin: Belqeys Mountains ( Koh-e-Belgheys), Iran Color: Green Demantoid is the green gemstone variety of the mineral andradite, a member of the garnet group of Minerals. Andradite is a calcium- and iron-rich garnet. The chemical formula is Ca₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃ with chromium substitution as the cause of the demantoid green color. Ferric iron is the cause of the yellow in the stone Demantoid was a popular gemstone during the Belle Époque period (1890-1915), especially in Art Nouveau jewelry. The Russian Czars...

Several brownish quartz stalactites grace this small formation, the frontal one cut longitudinally to reveal a fiery interior. This piece was legally and ethically sourced directly ...

A visibly old pair of mold-formed terracota women kneeling, dating to the Majapahit Empire circa the 15th century. These were excavated amongst the shrines of Mount Penganggungan, Ea...

A well carved Indian white marble Jain temple relief fragment featuring an image of a Jina, circa 12th century, Rajasthan or Gujarat, India. The Tirthan...

Prehistoric Indonesian stone sculpture. Shape and holes formed from years of exposure to underwater currents.

A unique pair of Tang Dynasty Sancai Glazed slippers made to look like the flower brocade shoes that were popular during the period. Similar in style t...

A gorgeous highly polished rainbow obsidian paperweight, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good condition with wonderful colors and measures 6.25"W 4....

From Huanggang Mine, Kèshíkèténg Qí, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China Pink mangano calcite flower. The pink color of the calcite is caused by manganese ...

A large and dramatic Ban Chiang Culture burnished black pottery vessel with incised geometric designs, early period, circa 1200 - 800 BC, Khorat Plateau, Northe...