15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
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2,325
6,041
8,530
7,668
3,428
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Period: 15th Century and Earlier
Butterscotch Amber From Ukraine // 322 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Baltic Region
Amber is fossilized tree resin, which has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. This is an unusually large specimen of butterscotch ...
Category
Ukrainian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Amethyst Black Druze Quartz or “Black Galaxy Amethyst” on Metal Stand Decor
Located in London, GB
An exquisite black amethyst druzy quartz cluster with polished stalactites.
Rare and notoriously difficult to find, this stunning and unique black amethyst druzy quartz, is known...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Amethyst, Quartz, Agate
Gleaming Quartz Sphere with Golden Rutile
Located in London, GB
Immerse yourself in the splendour of this gleaming quartz sphere, featuring exquisite golden rutile inclusions from Brazil. The sphere's flawlessly polished surface enhances the intr...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Bronze
Dominican Amber // 15-25 MYO
Located in New York, NY
This large, translucent piece of amber is from the Dominican Republic and is an estimated 16 to 25 million years old. Amber is fossilized tree resin and is considered a mineraloid. T...
Category
Dominican Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Resin
Tang Dynasty Large And Important Pottery Horse TL Tested
Located in Dallas, TX
Large And Important Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) Pottery Horse TL Tested. China.
Ca. 618-907 AD A beautiful pottery figure of a horse. The animal is shown in a...
Category
Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Tang Dynasty Museum Fat Lady and Child TL Tested
Located in Dallas, TX
Tang Dynasty polychromed fat lady with child in arm. TL Tested
Terracotta, pottery with traces of orange and green paint
Sui to Tang Dynasty (581-618)
Measures: Height: 20.2 inches (51cm)
Width: 9.45 inches (24cm)
Guaranteed Authentic with corresponding TL Thermoluminescence Test conducted by Artemis Testing Lab Included in the sale of this item.
Condition: Excellent with loss to pinky and wear commensurate of age.
This rare and outstanding ceramic court attendant was made during what many consider to be China’s Golden Age, the T’ang Dynasty. It was at this point that China’s outstanding technological and aesthetic achievements opened to external influences, resulting in the introduction of numerous new forms of self-expression, coupled with internal innovation and considerable social freedom. The T’ang dynasty also saw the birth of the printed novel, significant musical and theatrical heritage and many of China’s best-known painters and artists. The T’ang Dynasty took control in 618 AD, when the Li family seized power from the last crumbling remnants of the preceding Sui Dynasty. This political and regal regime was long-lived, and lasted for almost 300 years. The imperial aspirations of the preceding periods and early T’ang leaders led to unprecedented wealth, resulting in considerable socioeconomic stability, the development of trade networks and vast urbanisation for China’s exploding population (estimated at around 50 million people in the 8th century AD). The T’ang rulers took cues from earlier periods, maintaining many of their administrative structures and systems intact. Even when dynastic and governmental institutions withdrew from management of the empire towards the end of the period – their authority undermined by localised rebellions and regional governors known as jiedushi –the systems were so well-established that they continued to operate regardless. The artworks created during this era are among China’s greatest cultural achievements. It was the greatest age for Chinese poetry...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Spectral Symphony: Multi-Colored Fluorite from the USA
Located in London, GB
Behold the dazzling beauty of this multi-colored fluorite specimen from the USA, featuring a rich palette of violet hues interspersed with transparent areas and edges adorned with a ...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Quartz
Petrified Conifer Wood from Arizona
Located in London, GB
A large section of a petrified conifer tree trunk, (Araucarioxylon arizonicum) from Northern Arizona, dating to the Triassic period, circa 225 million years ago.
Over hundreds of m...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz
Matched Pair Split Ammonite Fossil Set Mineral Specimen
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Matched Pair Split Ammonite fossil mineral specimens
Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old
Measures: 5 x 4.25 x 0.5 in. / 13 x 10 x 1.5 cm
Height on custom d...
Category
Malagasy Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Tang Dynasty Sancai Glazed Pottery Horse TL Tested
By Tang Dynasty
Located in Dallas, TX
Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) Sancai glazed pottery horse TL Tested
The cream-glazed horse is naturalistically modelled standing on a rectangular base, with the mane, tail and hooves highlighted in amber glaze. The head is gracefully curved to the left, with a green and amber glazed saddle and blanket and foliate-shaped plaques detailed with moulded toads suspending from the trappings.
Measures: Height: 14.24 Inches (36.2 cm)
Width: 15.5 Inches (39.35 cm)
Depth: 6 Inches (15.2 cm)
Provenance: An English private collection, acquired in Hong Kong in the 1980s
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this item along with a lucite base.
Condition; Excellent with one repair to right side saddle blanket. Some remaining frustrations throughout with areas of oxidation and a fine craquelure throughout. A formidable piece that presents beautifully.
Notes: The present sancai horse...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Ancient Apulian Magna Graecia Bell Krater, c. 350 BC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A finely crafted Ancient Apulian Magna Graecia Bell Krater, dating to c. 350 BC, used as a wine mixing bowl in classical antiquity. This red-figure pottery vessel features twin handl...
Category
Italian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Tang Dynasty Fat Lady Pottery Figure
Located in Dallas, TX
Tang Dynasty Terracotta sculpture of a fat lady
This stunning lady wears her hair in an elaborately styled coiffure. A remarkable amount of the original pigm...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Tang Dynasty Museum Quality TL Tested Terracotta Fat Lady Figure
Located in Dallas, TX
Tang Dynasty painted terracotta fat lady tomb figure
China. Tang Dynasty Circa 618-907
Modelled in the form of a classically dressed fat lady, this terraco...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Mantelliceras Fossil Ammonite On Steel Mount
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
The latest edition to arrive at THE FOSSIL STORE™ is our famous and exquisite series of Mantelliceras ammonites presented on our designed swivel mount. The newly prepared Mantellicer...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone, Stainless Steel
Exquisite 13th Century Rock Crystal and Gold Bowl in Superb Condition
Located in London, GB
Rock crystal vessels were highly demanded and valuable in Medieval times. Inventories from European royal houses and the highest aristocratic families detail the important and sophisticated collections of ewers and bowls. Rock crystal has also been used extensively in religious art. Fine European reliquaries were also made of Rock Crystal including gems, enamel and other precious materials. The work of rock crystal is very ancient. The materials has been worked and valued for its solidity and its purity: it has been believed to be water ice permanently frozen.
Our superb example is a gold-mounted rock crystal bowl with enamel.
The items origin is not clear and various features and characteristics may lead us to think of different origins and periods of creation.
A single piece of stone mounted with gold could be a Milanese work. Although the cut could be French as similar pieces belonged to the French royalty (especially the art lover Duc de Berry, (1340-1416)). French and Italian crystal cutters have been active at the same time and it is often difficult to differentiate their works.
Islamic art also influenced European artists. The famous Fatimid treasury provided examples of their sophistication and quality. The seven ewers carved for the Fatimid Imans (known as "The Magnificent Seven") display impressive quality of both rock crystal and enamelled mounts.
Even though not identical to works by French silversmith Jean-Valentin Morel who was appointed goldsmith to Queen Victoria in 1852 or Reinhold Vasters (1927-1909) another renown German goldsmith who embellished older rock crystal items, there are similarities between these works. Both reduce their use of colour to black and white on pure gold mounts. Moreover the black enamel design is quite similar. Also, no gems are included and no human figure is represented.
Sotherby's described our bowl as a "German Rock crystal bowl with later gold mounts, 15th century." Other items from the period from Germany or Austria are usually silver mounted and the decorations are more colourful and include gems or human figures but they have in common enamel motifs.
In our case, the gold foot, handles and rim could date from the 1900s. An expert has established the foot, handles and rim are pure gold. The goldsmith responsible for the improvement of the bowl is possibly the most famous Reinhold Vasters whose work has been displayed in the greatest museums such as the V&A in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The Rock Crystal bowl we have is gold mounted. The gold shows in enamelled details that are black and white. The gold handles are also enamelled with black acanthus-like leaves.
The enamelling method could be "champleve" or "painting metal". The metal that is usually preferred is copper but these techniques are also applied to gold.
The bowl itself could be from the 14th century. It's cut reminds of an estimated 14th century rock crystal ball bearing the Buoncompagni family arms...
Category
Italian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
24 Gram Brahin Meteorite Slice
Located in New York, NY
This meteorite was acquired from the Bethany Sciences collection and was once a part of the private collection of Meteorite Man Robert A. Haag. It includes an informational Certifica...
Category
Belarusian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Other
Tang Dynasty Large And Important Pottery Horse TL Tested
Located in Dallas, TX
Large And Important Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) Pottery Horse TL Tested. China.
Ca. 618-907 AD A beautiful pottery figure of a horse. The animal is shown in a...
Category
Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Agatised Geode Slice with Rare Central Calcite Formation and White Quartz
Located in London, GB
Bordered by a thick, blueish agate layer, this wonderful slice preserves an interior
of large white quartz crystals with a prominent centr...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Soledade Meteorite Slice // 389 Grams
Located in New York, NY
This hefty approximately over 4.5 billion year old Soledade iron meteorite slice features a prominent, unique iron nickel etching. This octahedrite was discovered in 1986 as a 68 kg ...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other, Iron, Nickel
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamps, Set of Four
Located in Bradenton, FL
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamps, Set of Four, used as an alternative to candles, dating back to 2nd century A.D. These small and compact oil lamps comm...
Category
Italian Classical Roman Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Greek Black Glazen Column Krater (4th Century BC)
Located in Soho, London, GB
Black Glazen Column Krater
mid-4th century BC, Apulia
With broad avoid body on a short echinus foot and thick mouth.
The two handles form loops around the...
Category
Italian Classical Greek Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Large Thai Ban Chiang Painted Pottery Vessel, Late Period, circa 300 BC
Located in Austin, TX
A massive Ban Chiang culture painted pottery vessel, circa 300 BC, Thailand.
The large storage jar painted with a bold spiral pattern in red ochre on a b...
Category
Thai Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Dish with Geometric Design, 15th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A heavily potted and richly glazed celadon dish, Longquan kilns, early Ming Dynasty, mid 15th century, China.
The large dish glazed in a deep olive cela...
Category
Chinese Ming Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Roman Marble Head of Sophocles
Located in London, GB
Roman Marble Head of Sophocles
Circa 1st-2nd Century
Marble
This fine Roman marble head preserves the proper left side of the face of a middle-aged man, with broad nose, soft lips, and bearded chin. The short beard and sideburns have been finely carved with a flat chisel, to render the soft, wavy strands of hair. The cheekbone, undereye, and nasolabial folds have been delicately modelled in the marble by a skilled hand. In a letter from 1975, the former director of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, suggested that the head could depict the Ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles.
Few figures in the Classical world stand aside Sophocles (c. 496-406 BC), inarguably the best known of the Athenian tragedians, in terms of the impact his works have had on the history of art and literature. The psychological depth he achieves in the seven of the 123 of his plays that have survived to the present day - most notably the three Theban plays: Antigone, Oedipus the King, and Oedipus at Colonus - not only inspired the Athenians, among whom Sophocles was honoured as a hero long after his death, but in our own time, have provoked landmark works on phychoanalysis and literary criticism, by thinkers like René Girard and, most famously, Sigmund Freud. In its masterful treatment of the marble this fragment sensitively captures the features of one of the most important playwrights of all time.
Height on stand: 7.9 inches (20 cm).
Provenance:
Collection of Danish sculptor Jens Adolf Jerichau...
Category
Classical Roman Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Amethyst Geode with Several Mineral Crystal Formations Inside
Located in London, GB
Resembling an infinity sign, this whole geode is a stunning and rich piece, full of mineralogical information. The outer layer is basalt, the interior amethyst crystals, and at the h...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Carved Sandstone Jain Family Group, 6th-7th Century, Uttar Pradesh, India
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and rare Indian carved sandstone stele of a Jain family group, Sarnath style, early Indian Medieval period, 6th-7th century, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Carved from a single block of buff sandstone, the stele features a Jain family group comprised of a father, mother, and two children. The family group is portrayed upon a lotus pedestal under a tall palm tree. The mother and father both seated in a relaxed pose known as lalitasana, or royal ease pose, a jovial expression on their faces. The mother holds the daughter in her lap. The younger son scampers mischievously up the trunk of the palm tree, his head turned to look back at his parents.
Above the family, nestled in a niche amongst the palm fronds, an image of a Jain Tirthankara...
Category
Indian Medieval Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Sandstone
Natural Gogotte Specimen Formation
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A Gogotte Formation
Of natural form, dating from the Oligocene period (30 Million years ago). Beguiling natural mineral formation, they are the result of calcium carbonate binding w...
Category
French Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
High Quality Half Amethyst Geode with Calcite Formation
Located in London, GB
A stunning half geode with an incredible amethyst and overlaid calcite formation at the bottom. The interior of the piece is a very deep cavity which presents very high-quality ameth...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Extremely Rare Roman Glass Fragment with Iridescent Patina – 1st–4th Century AD
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A remarkable and rare fragment of ancient Roman glass, dating from the 1st to 4th century AD. The glass is preserved in excellent condition and displays a stunning natural iridescent...
Category
Italian Classical Roman Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Exquisite Fluorite with Galena
Located in London, GB
This stunning piece of Fluorite with Galena, hailing from Tennessee, USA, is a magnificent addition to any collection. Its rich purple hues, accented by the metallic sheen of Galena,...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Bronze
Genuine Natural Spinosaurus Dinosaur Tooth
Located in New York, NY
Spinosaurus (meaning "spine lizard") is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in what now is North Africa, during the upper Albian to upper Turonian stages of the Cretaceous period...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Genuine Natural Seymchan Pallasite Meteorite Slab (211.7 grams)
Located in New York, NY
Brenham is a pallasite meteorite found near Haviland, a small town in Kiowa County, Kansas, United States. Pallasites are a type of stony–iron meteorite that when cut and polished sh...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other, Iron
15th Century Italian Renaissance Bronze Medallion
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Renaissance bronze medallion made by Master IOFF in the mid 15th century, showing the mythological scene of Ariadne on Naxos.
Made in the mid-15th ...
Category
Italian Renaissance Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Desert Rose Selenite Crystal Formation
Located in Miami, FL
‘Desert Rose’ selenite crystal
Formation desert roses are crystal clusters formed of gypsum barite and sand. It can take nature up to hundreds of th...
Category
African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Fossilized Wood Cross-Section
Located in London, GB
Fossilised wood fragment displaying vibrant streaks of browns, reds, blues and yellows. This is a magnificent example of the results of a fossilisation process known as permineralization.
In the right environment over great lengths of time, buried wood tissue permeated by minerals transported in water can transform into fossils.
This particular example has fossilised over a copper deposit, resulting in bright inclusions of copper minerals that manifest as impressive streaks of blue, yellow, green and red. This distinctive coloration is unique to Colla wood...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Genuine Natural Seymchan Pallasite Meteorite Slab (211.7 grams)
Located in New York, NY
Brenham is a pallasite meteorite found near Haviland, a small town in Kiowa County, Kansas, United States. Pallasites are a type of stony–iron meteorite that when cut and polished sh...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other, Iron
200 Gram Aquamarine Crystals Attached With Muscovite and Feldspar From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight: 200 Gram
Dimension: 8.1 x 6.6 x 6.8 Cm
Origin: Skardu Valley, Pakistan
Aquamarine is a pale-blue to light-green variety of beryl. The color of aquamarine can be changed by...
Category
Pakistani Adam Style Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
High Quality Deep Purple Amethyst with Calcite Surrounded by Quartz and Hematite
Located in London, GB
A stunning deep purple amethyst piece with calcite formation. From the rough basalt on the outside, to the high quality rich purple amethyst crystals inside and calcite formation, th...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Unusual Tang Dynasty Persian Horse Rider Statue, Silk Road Trader, TL Tested
Located in Greenwich, CT
A fine and unusual statue of standing horse with a Persian rider. Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) Silk Road trader from Persia, comes with Oxford authenticati...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
24 Gram Brahin Meteorite Slice
Located in New York, NY
This meteorite was acquired from the Bethany Sciences collection and was once a part of the private collection of Meteorite Man Robert A. Haag. It includes an informational Certifica...
Category
Belarusian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Other
Half Polished Amethyst Geode with Agate Border and Calcite Formation
Located in London, GB
A half polished geode with a thick agatised border. The inside covered by deep purple amethyst crystals and 2 beautiful calcite formations at the centre, one of them covered with a b...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Japanese antique pottery bowl/Tokoname ware/12th-13th century/excavated pottery
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a pottery called Tokoname ware.
Tokoname is a kiln located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Tokoname Kiln is marked with a red circle on the map).
It is said to have originated ar...
Category
Japanese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Ming dynasty Martaban 39 Inch Stoneware Storage Vase with Dragons
Located in Dallas, TX
Large Martaban Ming dynasty stoneware storage vase with dragons, 14th century. Beautiful Ochoa and yellow-brown glaze with decorated dragons and Ming clouds. Applied snail or dragon ...
Category
Chinese Ming Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Very old Japanese excavated earthenware/Wabi Sabi vase
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is earthenware excavated in Japan.
It has a very beautiful shape and is well balanced.
The color of the pottery is light brown because it is fired at a low temperature.
Dependin...
Category
Japanese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Chupicuaro Redware Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This standing effigy figure was crafted in 300 BC from the ancient Chupicuaro region of Mexico and was likely used as a ritual or burial offering. The ceramic works of the Chupicuaro...
Category
Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Greek Terracotta Female Head, C. 3rd - 2nd Century Bc
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Greek terracotta female head, c. 3rd - 2nd Century BC, her head slightly tilted to her left, features hair styled back in waves. Mounted on black wood base. Ex Royal Athena Galleri...
Category
Greek Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Stunning Brazilian Elestial Smokey Quartz
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous sculptural piece of elestial quartz. So-called elestial quartz originates from Brazil and is admired for its three-dimensional quality and transparent-smokey appearance. A...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz
Purple Half Geode Amethyst with Calcite Formations Shaped as Cathedral or Chapel
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning half geode with a shape often referred to by collectors as a “chapel” or “cathedral”, due to the elongated shape that occurred millions of years ago when trapped b...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Rare limonite formation with quartz
Located in London, GB
Intense yellow - orange limonite formation with inclusions of white quartz.
Origin: Benalmadena Trinidad Mine - Malaga - Spain
Category
Spanish Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Giant Diplomytus and Cockerellites Fish Fossil Plate
Located in New York, NY
This large fossil plate is incredibly unique, featuring a long Diplomystus dentatus along with two Cockerellites (Priscacara) liops, fossilized in its natural matrix. The entire piec...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Calycoceras Asiaticum Fossil Ammonite & Bronzed Stand
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
THE FOSSIL STORE AES Bronze stand series is an excellent example of a double-sided Calycoceras asiaticum ammonite measuring 205mm. Now transformed into ...
Category
British Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone, Bronze
Korean Goryeo Celadon Glazed Bottle Vase with Kintsugi Repair, 12th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A sublime Korean celadon glazed cup mouth bottle vase, Goryeo Dynasty, 12th century, Korea.
The elegant bottle vase, originally used to serve wine, features a gorgeous Goryeo celadon...
Category
Korean Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Monumental dynamic split geode
Located in London, GB
A very large split geode, the interior graced with the finest quality deep purple Uruguayan amethyst. The amethyst-lined stalactite walls of the ge...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Tomb Attendants with Zodiac Animals
Located in Dallas, TX
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Ming Dynasty.
A fabulous set of two mould-made, glazed ceramic zodiac figures. Each wearing long draping gowns of rich green, yellow and orange hues. Each figure ...
Category
Chinese Ming Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Small antique Japanese pottery vase/14th to 15th century/"Shigaraki ware"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is "Shigaraki ware".
Shigaraki is a historical kiln located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. (Shigaraki Kiln is marked with a red circle on the map.)
It is said to have originated in t...
Category
Japanese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Painted Pottery Jar, Majiayao Culture, Machang Period #1
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Neolithic Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specificaly the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 year...
Category
Chinese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Large Amethyst Formation with Calcite Towers
Located in London, GB
Two calcite “towers” grace the centre of this impressive piece, which also
has large peaked amethyst crystals and quartz and goethite covered calcites.
The exterior has been kept i...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Polychrome carved wood Virgin and Child from the 15th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
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...
Category
German Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
390 Gram Magnificent Aquamarine Specimen Bunch From Skardu, Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
390 Gram Magnificent Aquamarine Specimen Bunch From Skardu, Pakistan
Weight: 390 Gram
Dimension: 10 x 5.9 x 3.5 Cm
Origin: Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan Province, Pakistan
Aq...
Category
Pakistani Adam Style Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
Whole Ammonite Fossil, Mineral Specimen, Jurassic Cretaceous Period #S5C
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Madagascar
Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old
Dimensions: 9.25 × 8 × 2 in. / 23.5 × 20.5 × 5 cm
Weight: 5.55 lbs / 2.424 kg
In this example, the complex pa...
Category
Malagasy Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Precious Stone
Tang Dynasty Pottery Lokapala Tomb Figure
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful Chinese red clay pottery tomb figure from the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907). Guarding a dignitary or decorated soldier; these figures stood guard for over a thousand years surviving to decorate your home collection of ancient artistic and cultural artifacts. Original Polychromed red and gray paint pigments still present.
Chinese Buddhist guardian statues made of earthenware and pigments, from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), dated to the late 7th to first half of the 9th century.
The foreign facial features of this brilliantly sculpted guardian figure is evidence of the strong Western presence in Tang-dynasty China. Originating in the Lokapala deity of the Buddhist religion, which came to China from the West, this type of armored tomb guardian...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Small Cluster of Amethyst Stalactite Formations - Mineral Display piece
Located in London, GB
This piece comprises a stunning example of deep purple amethyst, elegantly displayed on a metal stand, with a naturally decorative multiple stalactite formation.
The polished borders of the formation allow one to appreciate the visible grey and brown agate, green celadonite and pink jasper...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Decorative Mounted Lapis Lazuli Section
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous slab of vibrant lapis lazuli. Lapis lazuli inclides lazurite (intense
blue), calcite (white veins) and pyrite (gold flecks). Prized since ancient
times, this is a wonder...
Category
Afghan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Amethyst Brown Druzy Quartz Stalactite Cluster Green Celadonite and White Quartz
Located in London, GB
An exquisite brown druzy quartz stalactite cluster.
The lower half of the geode is preserved, with the upper part removed to reveal the rar...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Quartz
Antique Large Quartz Crystal Cluster Specimen
Located in Rochester, NY
Very large quartz rock crystal cluster specimen with clear and semi-clear spire formations. Overall beautiful naturally aged antique condition. Look at all pictures and read conditio...
Category
Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz, Crystal
Mesmerizing Quartz Sphere with Golden Rutile Inclusions
Located in London, GB
Explore the extraordinary allure of this mesmerizing quartz sphere, featuring stunning golden rutile inclusions from Brazil. The perfectly polished surface accentuates the intricate ...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Bronze
Roman Marble Foot
Located in London, GB
Roman marble Fragment of a Right Foot with Sandal
Circa 1st - 2nd Century A.D.
An evocative Roman marble fragment, preserving the front portion of an over-lifesized sandalled foot. The toes, nails, and bridge of the foot have been sensitively carved. The outer sole of the sandal remains, with delicate, pointed straps joining between the first two toes in a diamond shape.
This fragment once belonged to Danish sculptor Jens Adolf Jerichau...
Category
Italian Classical Roman Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Canopus Jar "Asmet", 1069 - 664 B.C, Egypt
Located in Girona, Spain
Canopus Jar "Asmet",
With certificate of authenticity.
1069 - 664 B.C, Egypt.
Good condition.
Egyptian culture are "Canopus jars". These were vessels ...
Category
Egyptian Egyptian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Alabaster
Collection of 7 Small Natural Mineral Specimens
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A striking collection of 7 mineral specimens in natural form sourced from an ex British private collection.
Each presented on exclusive custom display plinths, this collection showc...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
An Outstanding, Highly Important Fossilised Tree
Located in Scorton, GB
A masterpiece of nature that will transform your space into a sanctuary of palaeontological expression. A remarkable piece of natural history that began its journey aeons ago, when a...
Category
Malagasy Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Egyptian Fragment of a Seated Man - Ancient Egypt, 26th Dynasty (664-525 BC)
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Egyptian Fragment of a Seated Man
Limestone - polychromy
Ancient Egypt, 26th Dynasty (664-525 BC)
Most likely from the tomb of Montw-m-H3t
Provenanc...
Category
Egyptian Egyptian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Horse and Rider, TL Tested
Located in Austin, TX
A charming Tang dynasty painted pottery figure of a horse and mounted noble rider. TL tested by Oxford Authentication.
The horse portrayed standing fours...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Fossil Marine Mosasaur of The Cretaceous Period
Located in Scorton, GB
A wonderful example of a Cretaceous mosasaur. The original Halisaurus arambourgi mosasaur mandibles and vertebrae, measuring 2.9ft, include a well-preserved, near-complete skull, low...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
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