15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects

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...

Weight: 70.85 Carats Dimension: 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.7 Cm Origin: Africa Colour: Red Pink and Green Shape: Carving Quality: AAA Tourmaline helps to create a shield around a person or room t...

Molded of earthenware, this petite sculpture is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Such model figures were placed in tombs of individuals with high status to en...

Lustrous Topaz Crystal From Skardu, Pakistan Weight: 148.06 Gram Dim: 4.1 x 3.7 x 3.3 Color : Golden Origin : Skardu, Pakistan Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminium and fluor...

59.60 Carat Adorable Morganite Crystal From Kunar, Afghanistan Weight: 59.60 Carat Dimension: 1.5 x 3.7 x 1.8 Cm Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan With ...

A bold and expressive Gandharan carved gray schist column capital fragment, circa 2nd - 3rd century, ancient region of Gandhara. The fragment of a c...

91.22 Beautiful Indicolite Tourmaline Crystal From Kunar, Afghanistan Weight: 91.22 Gram Dimension: 5 x 3.2 x 3.1 Cm Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan Tourmaline is a crystalline silic...

20.81 Gram Indicolite Blue Tourmaline Crystal With Albite From Afghanistan Weight: 20.81 gram Dimension : 5 x 2.4 x 1.9 Cm Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan Tourmaline is a crystalline ...

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...

Weight: 22.17 Gram Dimension: 5.5 x 1.4 x 1.4 Cm Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan Colour: Pink and Green Tourmaline is a crystalline silicate mineral group in which boron is compounded wi...

Weight: 144.31 Gram Dimension: 9.6 x 3.5 x 2.9 Cm Origin: Afghanistan Colour: Black Tourmaline is a crystalline silicate mineral group in which boron is compounded with elements...

289.99 Gram Albite With Feldspar Specimen From Skardu, Pakistan Weight: 289.99 Gram Dimension: 7.8 x 8.8 x 5.8 Cm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Feldspar is the name given to a group o...

This miniature ceramic table is from Shanxi Province and may have been made to represent Mingqi, a type of ancient Chinese burial good. Mingqi were plac...

Elegant Aquamarine Specimen With Mother Rock From Nagar Valley, Pakistan WEIGHT: 72 gram DIMENSIONS: 4.7 x 3.3 x 3.1 Cm ORIGIN: Nagar Valley, Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan TREATMENT: No...

18.82 Gram Elegant Aquamarine Crystal Bunch From Skardu Valley , Pakistan Weight: 18.82 Gram Dimension: 3.9 x 3.7 x 2 Cm Origin: Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan P...

Two pieces of a pair of encrusted rare Cizao tradeware vessels from Fujian. These items were made for export to Southeast Asia. Southern Song to Yuan Dyn...

Terracotta, 14th-15th century (thermoluminescence test: Interexpert 388317 from March 18, 1988). Koma-Bulsa motifs (Ghana), including a concave hairstyle with braided frontal ornamen...

Molded of earthenware, this petite sculpture is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Such model figures were placed in tombs of individuals with high status to en...

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

A fossilized horse leg. Equus sp., Pleistocene, Florida, USA This set of fossil horse bones dates from an extinct equine. The inter-locking bones are eleg...

Elegant Aquamarine Specimen From Nagar Valley, Pakistan WEIGHT: 50 gram DIMENSIONS: 8.5 x 2.4 x 1.6 Cm ORIGIN: Nagar Valley, Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan TREATMENT: None Aquamar...

This beautiful and highly decorative pair of Costa Rican terracotta bowls are ovoid in shape and come from the Talamancan Mountains region. They are decorated stylized human faces in...

Weight: 316.67 Gram Dimension: 8.2 x 10.9 x 4.7 Cm Origin: Skardu Valley, Pakistan Feldspar is the name given to a group of minerals distinguished by the presence of alumina and sil...

17.40 Gram Pretty Bi Color Tourmaline Crystal From Kunar, Afghanistan Weight: 17.40 Gram Dimension: 3.7 x 1.8 x 1.4 Cm Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan Color: Seafoam and Green Tourma...

A large Bactrian marble staff circa late 3rd-2nd millennium BCE. The Bactrian culture was discovered by Soviet archeologists in the 1970s in Afghanistan. Also called the Oxus culture...

A very nicely decorated plate from the 15th/16th century. The dish is beautifully designed with flowers. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Chin...

Natural 3.70 Gram Beauteous Elongated Tri Color Tourmaline with Mica Weight : 3.70 grams Dimensions : 1 x 0.74 x 0.433 inches Origin : Afghanista...

Han Dynasty life size Terracotta sculpture of a dog. TL Tested Buried in a tomb for thousands of years; this mingqi companion has decided to come back and accompany the living. I’m actually taking a liking to this pup; most probably a fierce pit bull...

Incredible 20.30 Carat Bi Color Tourmaline Specimen From Kunar Afghanistan WEIGHT: 20.30 grams DIMENSION: 2.8 x 1.2 x 0.9 Cm ORIGIN : Kunar Afg...

Elegant Standing Court Dignitary with joined hands in blue robes and a bird headdress. Polychrome Traces. When China was unified again, first briefly ...

Bi Color Tourmaline Specimen From Kunar Afghanistan WEIGHT: 18.01 grams DIMENSION: 2.4 x 2.1 x 2.0 Cm ORIGIN : Kunar Afghanistan TREATMENT: Non...

Light Pink Tourmaline specimen Elongated on Quartz with Mica WEIGHT: 187.25 Carat DIMENSIONS : 2.7 x 4.5 x 3.4 cm ORIGIN: Kunar, Afghanistan TREATMENT None Tourmaline is an extr...

Beautiful Indicolite Tourmaline Specimen From Afghanistan Weight: 15.88 Gram Dim: 2.5 x 3.8 x 1.9 Cm Origin: Kunar , Afghanistan An indicolite tourmaline specimen is a rema...

Like scholars' rocks, petrified, or fossilized, wood is appreciated for its natural beauty. Sometimes called "Tree Jade," petrified wood is thought to bring peace and prosperity to its surroundings. Each log has its own unique patterns of fossilized moss, bark, and the scars of a lifetime. These facets bring to mind a fascinating combination of organic mortality and preserved permanence. We keep them in their raw, unworked state, using the logs in...

52.14 Gram Beautiful Aquamarine Specimen With Schorl Spray From Skardu, Pakistan Weight: 52.16 Gram Dimension: 6.1 x 4.5 x 4 Cm Origin: Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit Balti...

Amazing Boat Shape Green Onyx With Clock Weight: 526.38 gram Dim: 13.8 x 15.1 x 4.7 Cm Shape : Boat Origin: Pakistan Green onyx is a mesmerizing gemstone that captivates ...

Lustrous Pyrite Cube on Marl Matrix Rock Specimen from Spain Weight: 121.53 Gram DIM: 4.3 x 4.1 x 4.8 Cm Origin: Spain The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, also known as fool's gol...

A rare and large Christ of pity, or Christ in bonds. Jesus is sitting on a rock, stripped of his clothes, awaiting his execution. Monoxyle Ash wood carved in the round. Traces of po...

This miniature robe rack made out of glazed ceramic is called a mingqi or “spirit object.” Mingqi were buried in tombs and represented all of the things the ...

Despite inspired originally by the celadons from Song Dynasty in China, the development of celadon in Korean peninsula took its own course and reached the Zenith in the 11-12th century during Goryeo dynasty...

Dark grey Brazilian thick slice of agate mounted on a steel stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make th...

16.95 Gram Amazing Bi Color Tourmaline Crystal From Paprook Mine, Afghanistan Weight: 16.95 Gram Dimension: 5.4 x 1.3 x 1.1 Cm Origin: Paprook Mine, Afghanistan Tourmaline is a c...

Glamorous Window Quartz From Balochistan, Pakistan Weight: 74.91 Gram Dim: 6.4 x 3.5 x 2.2 Cm Origin : Balochistan, Pakistan Window Quartz is the name given to a natural Qu...

231.5 Gram Morganite Specimen attached With Green Tourmaline And Fluorite Weight: 231.5 Gram Dimension: 4.3 x 8.3 x 5 Cm Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan With its soft pinkish hue, mo...

Incredible Bi-Color Tourmaline Crystal From Afghanistan WEIGHT: 35.75 Carat DIMENSIONS: 3.9 x 1.9 x 1 Cm ORIGIN: Afghanistan COLOR: Pink And Green TREATMENT: None Tourmaline ...

A large, thousands of years old natural cave stalagmite specimen, ex. London Gallery, mounted on a granite base. Originating from a cave in China, this specimen is an excellent examp...

This Annamese ceramic plate features a central floral motif rendered in underglaze blue, complemented by delicate green-painted leaves—an innovative characteristic of Annamese ceramics of the time. The rim is adorned with swirling cloud patterns and additional stylized floral designs. The use of green overpainting, a distinctive element in Annamese ceramics, parallels similar examples documented in The Age of Discovery: Asian Ceramics Found Along the Maritime Silk Road, particularly on pages 59, 64, and 66 of the Annamese ship catalog. Such pieces were widely traded along the Maritime Silk Road, showcasing the rich cultural exchange between Vietnam and other regions. Year/Period : 15th century Region : North Vietnam, Vietnam Type : Dish Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship 1) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 2) Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Silk Route / National Maritime Museum of Korea * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...

24.45 Carat Adorable Bi Color Tourmaline Crystal From Kunar, Afghanistan Weight: 24.45 Carat Dimension: 3.3 x 1 x 0.8 Cm Origin: kunar, Afghanistan Tourmaline is a crystalline s...

Magnificent Aquamarine Crystal From Nagar Valley Gilgit, Pakistan WEIGHT: 69.32 gram DIMENSIONS: 9.4 x 2.1 x 1.7 Cm ORIGIN: Nagar Valley, Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan TREATMENT: No...

Beautiful Rare Vesuvianite Specimen From Kpk, Pakistan Weight: 151.25 Carat Dimension: 4.6 x 2.6 x 2.6 Cm Origin : loi Shilman, Warsaak, Zagi Matn, khyber Pukhtunkhuwa, Pakistan ...

A natural cabinet scale pyrite specimen. Originating from 5/15 level Wheal Jane Mine, Cornwall, this native British specimen has a lustrous exterior that catches the light beautiful...

Antique handmade African red slip ware vase. Circa 300-600 CE (AD), this beautiful handmade piece red slip ware pottery was handmade in North Africa. This pi...

Lady of the court Orange terracotta statue. Tang period Measures: H 20cm. L5cm. D 5cm 450€.

Natural lovely purple appetite bunch specimen from Pakistan WEIGHT: 29.70 grams DIMENSIONS: 2.4 x 1.7 x 1.4 Cm ORIGIN : Pakistan TREATMENT None The Fluorite meaning comes from the L...

Exceptional Gypsum ‘Blade’ Mineral Cluster from China. A very rare Gypsum specimen with a superb 'three-dimensional' gypsum blade cluster on the front ...

A terracotta bust "Ecce Homo" Florence, 15th century 53 x 44 x 31 cm

Incredible Natural Aquamarine Specimen From Nagar Valley, Pakistan WEIGHT: 128 gram DIMENSIONS: 11.8 x 2.8 x 2.5 Cm ORIGIN: Nagar Valley, Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan TREATMENT: No...

236.5 Gram Pretty Aquamarine Crystal On Feldspar From Shigar Valley, Pakistan Weight: 236.5 Gram Dimension: 7.2 x 8.2 x 5 Cm Origin: Shigar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit Baltist...

A superior grade of Malachite crystal series prepared in-house and presented on a brass stand series, created for luxe settings within your home. Green-banded Malachite crystallises ...

Tile end cap. Terracotta ridge cap. Han period. Diameter 15 cm. 590€.