17th Century Decorative Objects

Leather trunk Spanish, 17th century Boiled Leather, wood and iron Measures: 22 x 53 x 32 cm. Provenance : - collection Metz-Noblat, Château de Clevant, France Rectangular trunk of the form and size of a small suitcase with wrought iron hinges and lock-plate. Wood, covered with leather, cut and embossed with every surface of the thick cow hide covered in interlace, zoomorphic features. The construction method is boiled leather, often referred to by its French translation cuir-bouilli: a process used to change flexible, vegetable-tanned leather into rigid, moulded objects. For shaping of the vegetable-tanned leather, heat and moisture were used, as indicated by the term boiled leather. No written medieval sources describing the production of decorated cuir bouilli objects survive, so knowledge of the process relies on the important studies of the Scottish leather historian John William Waterer. A large range of methods, materials and techniques could be used in various combinations. The vegetable-tanned leather, made supple with moisture and heat, was stuffed, shaped and nailed to the rigid wooden coffer support. The stuffing material was probably modeled beeswax or stearin wax. To shape the leather, to create its topography, « Cushions » were made by lacing a thread through an awl hole and attaching the flexible leather and stuffing to the rigid wooden support on the bottom. Then the decoration was done: lines were incised through the upper layer of the leather (epidermis) with different thicknesses of knives or needles. Contours were created with deep v-shaped cuts, decoration with thin incision and final details with a needle point. For the incision and pouncing stage, the leather was probably kept heated and moistened for suppleness. Once dry, the leather would be hard and rigid. the saturated leather is worked over a form, possibly even damp sand, with the pattern shaped using bone or wooden tools. Compare to metal, leather was lighter and it offered protection from cuts and punctures. Cuir bouilli objects were produced by specialist leather workers and needed skillful craftsmanship. The surface is filled with roundels shaped foliages enclosing animals, lions and peacocks. The foliate arabesques creating a vegetal connection tweet the animals create the impression of a lush verdant space . The vegetal pattern here employed in combination with geometrical pattern came from the pre-islamic artistic traditions of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires. An aspect of Islamic geometry Is the basic symmetrical repetition and mirroring of the shapes that create a sense of harmony. The decoration of this truck is inspired by the islamic « arabesque » a form of vegetal ornament composed of spirals, intertwining plants and abstract curvilinear motifs. An arabesque character is given to the birds of the decorations through extreme stylisation. This arabesque maintained the classical tradition of median symmetry, freedom in Detail and heterogeneity of ornament. The presence of the peacocks is a paradisiacal allusion: in popular Islamic literature they were among the original inhabitants of the garden of Paradise expelled with Adam and Eve. Peacock as a decorative motif may have originated in the West, despite their eastern provenance. There was an ancient belief that the flesh and feathers of peacock do not decay. This led to the peacock becoming a christian symbol for Christ’s resurrection. Renowned for their decorative wall hangings, seventeenth-century Spanish leatherworkers also produced utilitarian objects, such as this trunk. A similar trunk is on display at the Metropolitan museum of art ( 09.158.1). Related literature : Davies L. 2006. Cuir bouilli. Conservation of leather and related materials, 94-102, Oxford: elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann Grabar, Oleg. The Mediation of Ornament. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1992 Gabriela Germana Roquez, "El mueble en el Peru en el siglo XVIII...

Magnificent antique hand-carved wooden chest, decorated with intricate geometric motifs and inlays in light tones that contrast with the dark background. The design features stars, d...

very big and massive bronze door knocker, German or maybe Italian in origin, 16-17th century, amazing green original patina to the face, some scares and dings to the face which gives...

These monumental Chinese roof tiles were once installed as part of the elaborate roof of a Ming-dynasty temple or grand courtyard home. Dated to the 17th century or earlier, the scul...

Baroque After Francisco Ruiz Gijon Saint Francis of Assisi Polychrome and Parcel Gilt Carved Wood, Insert Glass Eyes Spain, Late 17th Century Francisc...

IMPERIAL EAGLE Italian, 17th Century sculpture in carved and gilded wood, based on a base decorated with plant motifs and masks with two claw and ball-...

A dutch tortoiseshell box with two engraved silver plaques Amsterdam, 1691, with maker's mark of Steven des Rousseaux (1654-1733) H. 5 cm Diam. 12.5 cm Note: Steven des ...

A large Chinese dish of rounded shape with a raised rim hand-painted in underglaze blue with birds and an insect in a pond with flowering blooms set...

A 17th century painted Armada chest with a finely engraved steel lock plate with Maidens, flowers, and a brass central boss. The outside is painted with a green background and floral...

A fine Indo-Portuguese inlaid teak wood figure of Nagini India, Goa, 17th century Measure: H. 55 cm (with stand, and with ring for wall hanging) The sculpture can be perceived as such but probably is one of four legs of an Indo-Portuguese contador...

17th Century (Baroque) pair of Italian carved and polychromed figures. Each statue is holding a torchere and are mounted on their original turned wooden faux marble column.  

17th Century Italian wood image of Christ carrying his cross to calvary mounted on a hand-painted black panel and framed with a modern gold gilded hand-finished wood frame.  

17th century Spanish pair of painted hand carved wooden cherubs.

Ancient terracotta hand painted sculpture realized in Italy in 17th Century. Very good condition, placed on a marbelized wooden base.

This exceptional white marble of the Sleeping Cupid sculpture, lying on a finely carved giltwood base, was created by the well known Florence artist Gioacchino Fortini, living in Flo...

Mexican cabinet. Made of tortoiseshell, pen-engraved and wood. Possible Oaxaca or Puebla, 17th century.

This rare and finely crafted pair of French 17th-century term caryatids is a stunning example of Baroque-era wood sculpture. Executed in molded and sculpted oak, the figures represen...

Italian painted and silvered torchère, turned stem on a carved tripod base. Can be electrified.

Exceptional, hand carved all the way around, 17th century, Carrara marble bust of Athena in a helmet surrounded by a laurel wreath. Fabulous expression,...

17th century Spanish reverse profile Cassetta frame with hand-painted faux-marble orange panels. Measures: Opening size 5 3/8" x 3 3/4".

17th century Crucifix Measures: Boxwood, 42 cm high x 8 x 14 The sculpture depicting the crucified Christ examined here represents a refined example of seventeenth-century cabinetry in boxwood. The figure of Christ, now dead on the cross, is part of a precious artistic choreography with the structure of the cross and its pedestal, both decorated with tortoiseshell mirrors, ivory threads to emphasize the structure of the cross and elements in ebonized and carved wood to highlight the architectural structure of the pedestal. The departure of Christ is evident from the lowered head, from the open hands...

A late 17th century marble sculpture of a saint, possibly Central Italian. Monogrammed on the marble base "F G F."

COUNTER CASH 17th Century Flemish in walnut wood with inlays, consisting of two drawers and a drawer. Signs of use. Dim.: 31.5 x 44 x 27 cm good state

Christ in Boxwood, France, late 16th-early 17th century Beautiful corpse of Christ with missing arms. He must have been on the Cross, arms in a horiz...

Rare Louis XIV period messenger box, Late 17th Early 18th century, in wood sheathed in black-tinted leather with a radiant sun motif. This solar decoration is certainly a reference t...

Amazing and very rare sandstone mortar with its wooden pestle, France, circa 1650-1750. Great eyecatcher. Wonderful weathered condition. H:11cm W:25,5cm D:cm h 27 b 6

Beautiful pair of cerulean angels sculpted in the round in a very lively position (the movement in the hair is remarkable), almost baroque. Very nice execution of the armour in the ...

Amazing 17th century hand forged iron candleholder. A wonderful example of primitive folk art. A perfect balance between utility and aesthetics. France, Spain, 17th century. Weathe...

Obscure, this antique wooden pot covered in tar is full of wabi-sabi charm. With a distinctive flat handle adorning one side, the pot has an asymmetrical form of an unconventional el...

A Kakiemon dish Edo Period (late 17th century) Color bursting from it Period; 1670- 1700 Provenance: From the collection of Phillip Allen (1938-2022) Phillip Allen was a much-loved...

The vases in this pair feature the striking combination of Kangxi era (circa 1700) porcelain with later 19th century French gilt bronze. This type of combination—of Chinese porcelain...

Early fine carved sculpture of a lying lion. Attributed to the circle of Alessandro Vittoria, located in northern Italy/ Venice. Original late Renaissance or early Baroque figure. T...

Originally gilded. as notice some traces of gilt residue. From the collection of Verna Harrah. Harra's Casinos.

Early 17th century Negoro lacquer footed bowl, Edo period (1603-1868) round bowl with tripod cabriole style legs. Negoro lacquer (monk's lacquer in red ...

This 17th century French Limestone Saint Sculpture demonstrates remarkable artistry, skilfully sculpted from French Limestone to ensure its aesthetic ...

17th century iron dog collar, museum mounted on rectangular giltwood base. With two rows of neoclassic ironwork. The 6" x 2.25" W collar is removable...

A wonderful and charming Italian 17th century patinated wood carved statue of an angel. The captivating angel is raised by a circular base and dress...

Spanish Colonial inlaid bone and faux tortoiseshell domed top box. Original hammered iron hinges. Circa 1680-1740. Excellent condition and very rare.

An antique carved sandstone head of a bear, mounted to a custom steel display stand. This sculpture is thought to have been part of a corbel in a grand ...

A sensational and extremely high quality pair of French 17th century Louis XIV period ormolu and rock crystal candelabras, circa 1680. Each eight arm girandole is raised by a circula...

A very nice Ko-Kutani Plate. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Period: 17th century Age: Pre-1800 Condition: Overall Condition Very good,...

17th century pair of Italian wooden pricket sticks.

Exquisite product is a polychromed, hand painted terracotta figure that beautifully depicts Baby Jesus. The attention to detail is evident in the figure's glass eyes, which add a lif...

Venus With Dolphin In Bronze 1600, small 17th-century Italian sculpture ending in a ferrule at the bottom. He holds a sphere in his right hand and with his left hand holds the dolphi...

This charming and unusual casket injects a romantic atmosphere into any interior. It has survived in impeccable condition with acceptable wear to the painted surface which signifies its age and use. It is a conversation piece, a piece of acting history, bought by Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier...

A very nice 17th c Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Period: 17th century Age: Pre-1800 Original/Reproduction: Condition: Overall Condit...

A wonderful and large turned lignum vitae wassail bowl, England circa 1680 Wassail bowls were first mentioned in the 13th century as a vessel in which rev...

Pair of 19th Framed Century carved lime wood sculptures depicting romantic scenes Swizerland 9.5"H x 8.25"W x 2.25"D framed 5.5" x 8.5"H unframed

Pair antique bronze patinated angel putti sconces. Italian late 17th century bronze putti with exceptional modeling seated on scrolled arms each ex...

We have received very rare and beautiful pottery. This is Japanese "Seto ware". Seto is a historic kiln in Aichi prefecture. (The red circle on the map is the Seto kiln) It is sai...

Stunning, solid white, Carrara marble lions head from a fountain in Florence featuring a flowing main and a fabulous patina. Mounted on a custom, iron base. The piece hails from the ...

An exceptional 17th century Marriage Trunk - Malle - from the Provence region of France. Soundly constructed from wood and clad in leather. Beautifully ...

Exquisite bronze pricket candlesticks, dating from the late 17th or early 18th century, are a magnificent testament to the enduring craftsmanship of the period. This rare and complet...

A stunning pair of 17th century Italian Baroque bonze candlesticks with beautifully turned stems. One is a traditional candlestick that holds ...

Porcelain decorated in Japan Edo , c. 1700 Saucer dish Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Type: Tea/Coffee Drinking: Bowls, Cups & Teapots Category: Blue & White ...

'Gold' Imari, decorated in gold and iron-red, with landscape scene. It has an interesting dent to the rim which was intentional. Not sure what the purpose is. Can be used as a Fruit...

17th Century Pair of Dutch Bronze Candlesticks. Very rare pair of Dutch Baroque heavy bronze cast candlesticks with a four-sided base, circa 1680. The very large square base is crea...

This is an engraving by Johann Georg Wille after the work of Godfried Schalcken. This is a genre scene. Representing a family is sitting around...

Baroque triton sculpture. Antique finely cast late 17th century gilt iron triton sea god sculpture with split tail astride the “rocks” on gilt painted...

Titled "Vulnerabilita" by Jean O'Reilly Barlow A 17th century Italian painting with a hand-carved 17th century arm. It is framed with 17...