15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
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6,148
8,480
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Period: 15th Century and Earlier
Quartz “Japan-Law” Twin, Gunyahang Quartz Mine, Makalu, Nepal
Located in New York, NY
Quartz “Japan-Law” Twin
Gunyahang Quartz Mine, Makalu, Sankhuwasabha District, P1 Koshi Pradesh, Nepal
7.6cm tall x 18cm wide
Twinning in crystals is a fascinating characteristic....
Category
Nepalese Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Deep Purple Amethyst with Calcite and Polished Agate
Located in London, GB
Stunning geode cluster of an intense deep purple colour amethyst crystals. A big calcite stand-out from the crystals, covered with a blanket of black hematite.
This piece was lega...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Rare Japanese antique pottery jar/13th century/Kamakura period/Excavated pottery
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We would like to introduce you to some fascinating pots excavated in Japan.
This is a pot fired in an ancient Japanese kiln called Tokoname ware.
Tokoname is a kiln located in Aichi...
Category
Japanese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
French Gothic Stone Sculpture – 14th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Possibly a Noblewoman
Elegant stone sculpture from 14th-century Gothic France, possibly representing a noble lady. The bust features finely carved details in the attire, with attent...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
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
Mantelliceras Fossil Ammonite On Steel Mount
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
CONDITION REPORT
Specimen: Mantelliceras Ammonite
Provenance: Anti-Atlas Mountain Range, Agadir Region, Morocco, NWA
Chronostratigraphy: Upper Cretaceous, ~135 Ma
Specimen Dimension...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone, Stainless Steel
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
Genuine Cluster Trilobite (Ptychopariida) Fossil on Matrix
Located in New York, NY
This incredible cluster of trilobites is found in it's original matrix and displays 4 complete or partial fossils throughout. This cluster comes with an acrylic stand so you can prop...
Category
Moroccan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Cement, Other
Pre-Columbian Ceramic Head Fragment
Located in Chicago, IL
This intriguing head fragment was once attached to a pre-Columbian bust or full effigy figurine. Earthenware figurines like this were made in great abundance throughout Mesoamerican history, serving a wide variety of purposes and functions from religious rituals to burial offerings.
Figurines like this commemorated important people and events across Mesoamerica, portraying individuals of different rank and status such as soldiers, merchants, bureaucrats, and occasionally divinities. This figure is adorned with an elaborate headdress, or coiffure, and ear spools...
Category
Central American Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Small Korean Celadon Ceramic Vase with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Korean ceramic celadon bottle vase with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 12th century. The vase has a classic baluster form with a slightly flared mouth...
Category
Korean Archaistic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Polished Golden Crystal Quartz Geode with Baroque Pearl
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
A rare large polished quartz geode with cream and golden hues and naturally forming crystal druzy formations.
This specimen is from the Appalachian region of Kentucky. This was dug by hand and includes golden druzy crystal formations. This is a particularly large geode specimen...
Category
American Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
Northern Wei Dynasty Painted Terracotta Horse Torso, 386–534 A.D. or Later
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
A sculptural terracotta horse from the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 A.D.), featuring the head and torso rendered in a dynamic, upright pose. The surface is richly decorated with swi...
Category
Chinese Primitive Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
15th Century Corpus Christi Wood Sculpture
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare late 15th century or early 16th century Gothic Corpus Christi wood sculpture. Probably North German or South Sweden. This large Christ sculpture...
Category
German Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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
Nayarit Chinesco-Style Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This seated effigy figure was crafted in 300 BC to 300 AD from the ancient Nayarit region of Mexico and was likely used as a ritual or burial offering. The ceramic works of the Chine...
Category
Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Assembled Chinese Late Yuan / Early Ming Dynasty Bronze Garniture
Located in Austin, TX
Consisting of a large baluster vase (H: 14.25") with arrow handles and a near pair of smaller baluster vases with mythical beast loop handles.
The large vase, of yuhuchunping form, ...
Category
Chinese Ming Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
Fossil Dinosaur Tibia Leg Bone of Spinosaurus
Located in Scorton, GB
A Fossil Spinosaurus Dinosaur Tibia 2.3ft leg section in surmounted bronze AES stand.
Unearthed in the continental intercalaire, this 2.3-foot Spinosaurus tibia section highlights a ...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Giant Muonionalusta Meteorite '86 lbs' on Custom Metal Stand
Located in New York, NY
Truly a museum quality piece, this giant meteorite is a completely solid, natural Muonionalusta Meteorite sliced & polished which boasts its be...
Category
Scandinavian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Large Natural Quartz Crystal
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous large quartz crystal sits on a bed of rough crystalline matrix.
A large piece is wonderfully sculptural.
This piece was legally and ethically sourced.
Place of ori...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz
Blue and Violet Tourmaline Crystal Specimen - Paprok, Afghanistan
Located in Edison, NJ
This striking tourmaline crystal has a mesmerizing blue color, a robust size, and sharp form. Upon first glance, the piece appears to have a dark, almost black cap, but when lit, its...
Category
Afghan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Tourmaline
Collection of 5 Natural Specimen Quartz Points
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A varied collection of 5 natural quartz points, each presented on an exclusive small display base.
This group contains five excellent clear quartz specimens of different sizes, hand...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Prehistoric Ammonite Fossil or Natural Specimen
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Prehistoric fossilized ammonite is likely from Madagascar and thousands of years old. This fossil is free standing and could be used as a unique design element as a natural specimen...
Category
Malagasy Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Exceptional & Rare Large Mounted Meteorite Slice
Located in London, GB
Rare Seymchan meteorites featuring the Wittmannstätten pattern are highly prized among collectors and meteorite enthusiasts due to their unique appearance and scientific significance...
Category
Russian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron, Nickel
Dryosaurus Altus Dinosaur Femur Fossil // 150 Million Years Old
Located in New York, NY
This is the well preserved and fully intact fossilized femur of a Dryosaurus altus, found in Emery County, Utah within the famous fossil-rich Morrison Formation spanning much of the ...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
$1,050 Sale Price
30% Off
Amethyst shell-like geode
Located in London, GB
Beautiful section of an amethyst geode, unusually thin in cross section and resembling a shell with gorgeous deep purple amethyst lining.
Origin : Artigas, Uruguay
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
Japanese Beautiful Antique Pottery/Sue Pottery/Around 9th Century/Excavated Vase
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people.
And we introduce the unique items that only we can do, the route of purchasing in Japan, the experience value so far, and the ...
Category
Japanese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
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
$22,000
Very old Japanese pottery Jar "Sueki"/beautiful natural glaze/Excavated item
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Sue pottery is called "sueki" in Japanese.
Earthenware that was baked at low temperatures is now being baked at high temperatures due to the development of kiln technology.
It is a l...
Category
Japanese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Blackware Jar – Warring States Period
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Chinese Blackware Jar – Warring States Period China, 475–221 B.C.
A finely hand-built blackware jar from the Warring States period, notable for its elegant simplicity and timeworn pr...
Category
Chinese Primitive Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery, Terracotta
Large Grey Druzy Quartz Keokuk Geode
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Geode from the Keokuk, Iowa area containing a variety of minerals with a quartz druzy interior. It took around 240 million years to create the beautiful quartz crystals covering the interior walls of the Keokuk geode...
Category
American Organic Modern Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal
$1,237 Sale Price
25% Off
Small Lilac Amethyst Geode with Calcite
Located in London, GB
This small geode of lilac coloured amethystine quartz with several rhombohedral
calcites at the front and red druze / blackish goethite accents.
This piece was legally and ethica...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Antique Large Ammonite on Handcrafted Iron Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Large Ammonite, Solid Stone Featuring Fascinating Ridged Surface on Handcrafted Iron Stand, Weigh: 132 lbs.
Dimensions: 23"W X 4"D X 24.5"H
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Metal, Iron
Pre Columbian Terracotta Chimu Vessel Pottery
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Pre-Columbian terracotta Chimu vessel pottery - explore the rich history of ancient artistry with this unique artifact as an enduring testament to the artistic value of the ancient C...
Category
Peruvian Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Pottery
Whole Ammonite Fossil with Druzy Chambers Jurassic Cretaceous #Z9A
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Madagascar
Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old
Dimensions: 7.75 × 6.5 × 1.75 in./ 19.5 × 16.5 × 4.5 cm
Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz/ 1.366 kg
Height on custom display...
Category
Malagasy Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Precious Stone
Whole Ammonite Fossil with Crystals, Mineral Specimen Jurassic Cretaceous #T7G
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Madagascar
Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old
Dimensions: 7.5 × 5.5 × 1.25 in./ 19 × 14 × 3 cm
Weight: 1 lb 9 oz/ 710 gm
In this example, the complex patte...
Category
Malagasy Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Precious Stone
BrittleStar Fossil Specimen, 443 to 485 Million Years Old, Ordovician Period
Located in Warrenton, OR
BrittleStar Fossil Specimen, 443 to 485 Million Years Old, Ordovician Period
This is a stunning starfish fossil specimen that will make a very nice display. The brittlestar is clearl...
Category
Moroccan Organic Modern Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell, Organic Material
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
White Quartz Cluster with Honey Coloured Calcites
Located in London, GB
A substantial formation with a thick lining of large white quartz crystals
that contrast beautifully with the two honey coloured calcites ...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
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
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. This remarkable piece of natural history that began its journey millions of ye...
Category
Malagasy Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Pyrite crystal sphere
Located in London, GB
This beautiful pyrite sphere from Peru shines with a golden metallic
surface and has crystals of different sizes all around it. Some parts of the
sphere are open, allowing you to loo...
Category
Peruvian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Pyrite
$5,200
A Large 'Longquan' Celadon Dish, Ming Dynasty, 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
The heavily potted dish is molded in the central roundel below the fluted cavetto and the everted rim with lipped edge, and is covered overall with a glaze of sea-green color, except for the unglazed ring on the base. The wood stand is not included with the item.
Period: Ming Dynasty (1368~1644)
Region: Longquan, China
Medium: Celadon
Type: Dish
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) Christies NEW YORK 22–23 MAR 2018 - Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Lot 722
2) Sotheby's Paris 11 December 2020 - Arts d'Asie - Lot 8
(Price realised : 4,032 EUR / Type : Closely related)
3) Christies LONDON 21–28 MAY 2020 - The Art of China - Lot 31
(Price realised : 5,250 GBP / Type : Closely related)
* Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon
Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty typically exhibits a more robust and heavier stoneware body compared to its Song Dynasty predecessors. The Ming era saw an evolution in celadon glaze, achieving a wider spectrum of green hues, from olive to bluish-greens. Ming celadons...
Category
Hong Kong Ming Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Celadon
Green, Blue Malachite and Chrysocolla Stalactite Slice Mineral Specimen- DRC
Located in Edison, NJ
Of all the incredible malachite specimens recovered from the Katanga Copper Crescent of the DRC, there is only one known incidence of a stalactite composed of chrysocolla with stunning malachite "eyes" and azurite rings...
Category
Congolese Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Malachite, Multi-gemstone
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
Blue Fluorite Crystal Mineral Specimen, Yaogangxian Mine, China
Located in Edison, NJ
The Yaogangxian mine (whose name translates to, “Jade-Mountain god”) is located within a 4 x 2.5 km expanse of a tungsten-tin (W-Sn) deposit in the Hunan Province of China. Although the deposit has been mined since 1914 for ore, it has only recently been a source of collectible mineral specimens. Despite being among the newer finds in the mineral collecting world, YGX fluorites have distinguished themselves with their enchanting water-color blues, lilacs, and purples and propensity for good form.
This is a sculptural example made up of several cubic fluorite crystals...
Category
Chinese Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Islamic Glazed Pottery Bowl with Kufic Calligraphy Nishapur Ware Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
An earthenware pottery bowl in conical shape supported by a short foot ring covered in white slip and decorated with black slip paint of calligraphy in Kufic script. This type of bowl is identified as Nishapur ware circa 10-11th century (in nowadays Iran). It was made either in Samanid Dynasty (819–999) or the successive Ghaznavid Empire (977–1186) before the Mongol invasion. The white glaze on the vessel's exterior was thinly applied, resulting in areas with streaks of opaque yellowing. The black slip paint was used to decorate the bowl in flowing Kufic script before a transparent top glaze was applied. The writing, consisting of cursive strokes in bell shape, is likely an Arabic Maxim.
Under UV examination, the bowl shows some professionally restoration as described in condition. It comes with a custom-made acrylic stand as shown.
Provenance: From an American collection, thereby descent. Purchased from Yacobs Gallery, London England, July 1998. Two digital copy the original hand-written documents...
Category
Persian Islamic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese antique pottery, rare Shigaraki ware vase/ Withered grayish white vase
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a Shigaraki ware ceramic piece, crafted in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Shigaraki ware originates from the Shigaraki region and dates back as far as the 8th century. It is one of...
Category
Japanese Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Northern Wei Terrecotta Attendant - TL Tested
Located in Dallas, TX
Circa 386-534 ADA well defined Chinese Northern Wei Terracotta Attendant Statue.
The Figure is depicted standing with his hands along the body, wearin...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Nayarit Pottery Fertility Female Figure With Child
By Nayarit Culture
Located in Dallas, TX
Nayarit Fertility Female Figure With Child
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit,
Ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE.
A seated terracotta female figure from the shaft tomb tradition, shown cradli...
Category
Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Ancient Egyptian Faience Ushabti Figure, c. 700-30 B.C.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An impressive Ancient Egyptian Faience Ushabti figure, belonging to the c. 700-30 B.C. It consists of a molded pottery having a green glazed surface. The figure is wearing a royal wi...
Category
Egyptian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Large Dark Purple Amethyst Geode, Uruguay
Located in NICE, FR
Elevate your space with this striking Amethyst Geode—an extraordinary natural specimen showcasing deep purple druzy crystals. This captivating piece is a perfect harmony of geologica...
Category
Uruguayan Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Amethyst
Very Large Exquisite Pyritized Ammonite Pair (Speetoniceras sp.)
Located in New York, NY
Ammonites are an extinct group of marine cephalopods, resembling the modern nautilus. These fascinating creatures had a soft body with tentacles that emerged from a hollow, chambered...
Category
Russian Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone, Pyrite
Very Rare Casket Minnekästchen or Box, Germany or Italy, 15th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Wooden coffret, call minnekästchen, engraved with a dog, a hare and foliage with
polychromy remains. During the Middle Age, the hare is a symbol of fertility, joy and represents the Christ...
Category
European Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
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
15th Century Burgundian Low-Relief Depicting Scenes of the Nativity
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Provenance : In the same private collection for several generations, Burgundy.
The canonical Gospels describe briefly the episode of the Nativity. It comprises three parts :
• The Preludes : the Journey to Bethlehem, the Census
• The Nativity
• The Announce to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi
Only the Gospel according to Matthew (2, 1-12) speaks about the Adoration of the Magi. Staying vague about their number it does say they brought the newborn gold, incense and myrrh. The apocryphals, the fathers of the Church and many other authors have filled in the gaps of the evangelic tale. The sobriety and symbolic of the story have been a huge inspiration to artists. Although one of the oldest depictions of the Adoration of the Magi dates from the 2nd century the theme became very popular in Christian art during the late 14th century. One of the reasons explaining this success is that it celebrates both the Virgin and Christ at the same time.
This important walnut panel is carved in a strong relief and depicts the different steps of the story of Jesus’ birth.
On the left, the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph from Bethlehem are depicted behind a trough. On the thatch roof appears the star that would guide the magi to the place of birth of Jesus.
Mary is wearing a veil and is seating on a bed. She holds her baby at arm’s length to present him to the magi. Saint Joseph is by her side. The old man is holding a cane in his left hand while from the right hand he seems to uncover himself to greet the visitors.
A woman assists to the scene.
In front of the holy family the three magi stand behind one another to pay their homage to the newborn.
The first magi has a pointed beard. He is already kneeling out of deference and has placed his crown to his feet. He gives the baby a hanap filled with gold coins. This is Melchior as the legend describes him with white hair and a long beard.
Caspar, the second magi bears a cup of incense. He is looking at the third magi and with his right hand he points to the star that has guided them there. He has a short beard and wears crakow shoes, breeches and a wide sleeved doublet.
Finally Balthazar, the elegant last magi proceeds proudly towards the holy family with his one hand on the saber’s hilt and the other holding a cup. He brings the divine child the myrrh. He probably just dismounted as the horse can be seen behind him.
The scene is set in a very detailed and narrative decor. In the right part of the panel the shepherd receive the announce of Jesus’ birth. An angel comes down from heaven with a scroll bearing the good news in his hands. The herding dog sleeps peacefully while sheeps graze. At the top of the cliff we notice the gilded sheeps enclosure.
The panel’s moulded frame is carved with a foliated decor. In it’s centre appears a coat-of-arms. It is the alliance of the three magi’s arms. Indeed as it was common for legendary figures the three of them received imaginaries coat-of-arms. Thus, on a field of azure stands a star for Melchior, a crescent for Caspar and a pennon for Balthazar.
This high-relief panel is undeniably the work of a very skilled and imaginative artist. This key moment in the New Testament is transposed to a contemporary environment thanks to the figures’ clothing and the rural daily life scene. This way the universal dimension of the episode is highlighted allowing a better understanding for the contemporaries.
The sculptor has represented the episodes of the Adoration of the Magi and the Announce to the Shepherd with great talent and numerous details giving life to a picturesque and narrative scene. The important traces of polychromy give those already very animated scenes a stronger pictorial power and a rich dynamism.
Because of the picturesque and familiar realism so dear to the artists of the late Medieval era, of the didactic function of this type of panel as well as the quality of the sculpture this piece is an astounding example of Burgundian art of the 15th century.
Literature
Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...
Category
French Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Gandharan Stucco Head of a Bodhisattva, Region of Hadda, 3rd-5th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A striking Gandharan molded stucco head of a male Bodhisattva, tentatively identified as Manjushri, ancient region of Gandhara, probably Hadda or surrounding area, 3rd-5th century.
The Bodhisattva is sculpted of stucco in an idealized manner as a youthful male, with soft and kind features, a benign expression on his face. He wears an elaborate pleated turban wrapped around his head, with two sweeping lobes at the front.
His turban secured on one side by a small image of a roaring lion. The lion may be read as a reference to Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who is often depicted as riding or subduing a roaring lion, a metaphor for taming the wild thoughts of the mind.
Manjushri gazes outwards in a beatific manner from almond shaped eyes, a gentle smile on his lips. The eyes at different levels when looking at the sculpture head on, indicating the original placement of the head was meant to be viewed at an angle.
Remnants of pigments to the eyes, nose, mouth and ears.
Mounted on a custom black metal stand.
Hadda was an important center of Buddhist learning in the early history of Greco Buddhist Gandhara, and at one time may have housed a bone relic of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. The sculpture and architecture of Hadda followed Hellenistic artistic conventions faithfully, leading some scholars to believe the distinct Greco Buddhist style of Gandhara was first developed in Hadda before spreading to the rest of the region.
The kingdom of Gandhara was situated at a crossroads of trade and cultures. Being one of the last remnants of Alexander the Great's Empire, the inhabitants of the Greco-Bactrian Buddhist kingdom preserved Greek culture and heritage for centuries after the decline of the Greek Empire...
Category
Afghan Hellenistic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Stucco
Ancient Marble Portrait Bust of a Bearded Man possibly Lucius Verus
Located in London, GB
This impressive bust is depicted with head turned slightly to the right and gaze lifted. His eyes are articulated, with the pupils indicated with a drill, giving the face a striking realism. The shoulders are draped with a cloak. Straight brows sit beneath a mass of thickly curling hair, which continues to a full beard. It is worked with great skill, evident in the heavy drill work articulating and highlighting the voluminous curls, and the highly polished surfaces, giving the appearance of soft skin. The contrast between these textures gives a chiaroscuro affect which is one of the main traits of the best Antonine busts.
Roman marble portraits reached their apotheosis of craftmanship and technique under the Antonine emperors, as is evidenced in this masterful bust. The evolution of the style may be traced back to the emperor Hadrian, who was the first emperor to wear a full beard. The articulation of pupils and iris appears on busts of his lover Antinous, a novelty which continued in later Antonine portraits, such as this one. The features of this bust point to a possible identification of Emperor Lucius Verus...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
25.54 Gram 99 Million Year Old Burmese Amber Medley
Located in New York, NY
This genuine Burmese amber specimen dates back approximately 99 million years. Pieces like these are sometimes called a menagerie and this one contains s...
Category
Burmese Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
$840 Sale Price
30% Off
Korean Celadon Ceramic Long Neck Bottle Vase with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean ceramic celadon bottle vase with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 12th century. With an elongated neck that continues dow...
Category
Korean Archaistic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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