18th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects

Hand-carved in the 1600s, this wooden coat of arms cartouche depicts an ornate crest atop a shaped console with several charges. The cartouche is Dutch, considerably predating the fo...

A beautifully sculpted Thai/ Siam Southeast Asian bronze Buddha head on a custom wood stand. The Buddha's eyes are closed in serene meditation. The piece has a wonderful feel and heft to it. Very well well crafted with a gorgeous natural organic patina acquired over age. This bust/fragment likely belonged to a larger Buddha statue...

18th Century Absinthe infusion Albarello or Wet Drug Jar, Interesting Rare Jar. Historical Repairs. Circa 1760.

Paolo di Giovanni Sogliani (Florence 1455-1522) Processional Cross Florence, around 1515 Enameled, chiseled, engraved, stippled, and gilded copper; wooden core ; Inscription: "OPA...

A large and beautifully preserved fossilised leaf from the Green River formation, a site which has brought forth some of the best-preserved fossi...

Athenian Black-glaze perfume pot with inscription Athens, c. 425-400 B.C. Terracotta Measures: Height: 9cm; diameter across lip: 7.5cm; width including handle: 9cm This 5th Cen...

One of the coolest pieces I have gotten in the last months. Great decoration of two Literati in sitting position under a willow tree. Distant mountains are also visible, as is bamboo...

The wares of the Chelsea red anchor period (1752-1758), when this dish was made, are generally thought to be the finest work produced by the factory...

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...

An 18th century Swedish Mora clock is a tall, freestanding clock that originated in the Mora region of Sweden. It typically features a...

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...

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

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...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver and glass ladies inkstand; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This exceptional antique George III sterling silver desk Standish has a navette shaped form onto four bracket feet. This inkstand is encompassed with an applied thread decorated border, in addition to the contemporary engraved initials 'WW'. The rim of the body of the sterling silver inkstand is ornamented with a paralleling applied reed decorated border. The internal wirework style frame of the stand is divided into three rounded supports. Each internal compartment retains the original rounded glass bottles with cut glass ornamentation in addition to impressive scalloped bases. The ink, pen/quill and pounce bottles retain the original plain silver cylindrical mounts fitted with push fit hallmarked covers. The rim of each circular cover is encircled with applied moulded borders and bears the corresponding functional pierced decorated holes. This large silver ink Standish was crafted by the renowned London silversmiths Henry Chawner. Such original ladies examples, in perfect condition, are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. Condition This antique inkstand...

Frame. Carved and gilded wood. XVII century. Frame for tondo (the interior space is circular) made of carved and gilded wood, decorated with architectural reliefs of classicist infl...

A Very Rare and Important Marble Relief of the ‘Resurrection of Christ’ Attributed to the Master of the Mascoli Altar Marble Venice, Italy Second half of the 15th Century SIZE: ...

This is an attractive example from the Dongpo Ore Field of China. The best Dongpo fluorites are known for translucent crystals with great form and an attractive light green tone. This is a prime example featuring three sharp, cuboctahedral crystals in a saturated, seafoam green tone. The fluorites have multi-stepped faces along their sides and central faces that are smooth, acting like windows into the translucent crystals. The crystals’ lustrous sheen further highlights their intricate structure. They have formed atop a contrasting matrix (host-rock) of bladed, beige dolomite crystals. The dolomite is sharp and has formed in dense intergrown rosettes. Peeking out from under the dolomite and fluorites is a shimmering matrix of druzy, white quartz that frames the piece overall. The juxtaposition of textures, colors, and species makes the already colorful fluorite crystals...

Aragonite is a polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It is elementally identical to calcite but is considerably rarer due to the very specific geological conditions required for it...

A wonderful example of a 19th Century Sawankhalok jar from a Shipwreck off the Coast of the Indonesian Island of Batam. Batam was one of the most substantial and influential ports in...

Framed In Boxwood From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this exceptional Georgian Paper Scroll Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of e...

Historic genuine large ammonite, thousands of years old.

A fine and rare William & Mary long case or grandfather clock by London maker Daniel LeCompte. c.1690, London, the fine marquetry case having oval panels of birds and flowers, the movement signed Daniel LeCount (LeCompte) having a silver chapter ring and seconds dial, brass spandrels of cupids supporting a crown; including key, weights and pendulum. LeCompte was a French Huguenot...

Unique panel depicting a saint figure and Angels. Wonderful layers of its original color, France, circa 1650-1750 . Weathered, small losses. Treated against woodworm. Measurements in...

Pair of Louis XV ormolu candlesticks with porcelain flowers. Elegant tulip-form candle nozzles and varied puce and white and period soft ...

A Spanish strong box from the 18th century. This antique safe from is constructed or iron clad wood, and is handsomely adorn in domed iron nailhead trim throughout it's top, front, a...

An extremely rare, highly desirable, and sought-after model mid-18th century George III Chippendale period tea caddy. Original period metalwork. English, circa 1750. Why we like it...

Maiolica sugar bowl Antonio Ferretti Manufacture Lodi, Circa 1770-1780 Maiolica polychrome decorated “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire). It measures 3.54 x 4.52 x 3.54 in (9 x 11,5 x 9 cm) Weight: 0.394 lb (0.179 kg) State of conservation: small and slight chips on the edges. The small sugar bowl has a swollen and ribbed body resting on a flat base. The cap-shaped lid follows the rib of the container and is topped with a small knob in the shape of a two-colored fruit. The sugar bowl is painted “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire) with the characteristic floral motif of bunches and isolated semis. An example which closely corresponds to this one is kept at the Civic Museum in Lodi (G. Gregorietti, Maioliche di Lodi, Milano e Pavia, Catalogo della Mostra, Milano, 1964 n. 137). This decorative style represented a strong point of the Lodi factory, which established itself thanks to the vivid nature of the colors made possible by the introduction of a new technique perfected by Paul Hannong in Strasbourg and later introduced by Antonio Ferretti to Italy. The production process, called “piccolo fuoco” (third fire), allowed the use of a greater number of colors than in the past; in particular, the purple of Cassius, a red made from gold chloride, was introduced. Its use allowed for many more tones and shades, from pink to purple. The Ferretti family started their maiolica manufacturing business in Lodi in 1725. The forefather Simpliciano started the business by purchasing an ancient furnace in 1725 and, indeed, we have evidence of the full activity of the furnaces starting from April of the same year (Novasconi-Ferrari-Corvi, 1964, p. 26 n. 4). Simpliciano started a production of excellence also thanks to the ownership of clay quarries in Stradella, not far from Pavia. The production was so successful that in 1726 a decree of the Turin Chamber came to prohibit the importation of foreign ceramics, especially from Lodi, to protect internal production (G. Lise, La ceramica a Lodi, Lodi 1981, p. 59). In its initial stages, the manufacture produced maolicas painted with the “a gran fuoco” (double fire) technique, often in turquoise monochrome, with ornamentation derived from compositional modules in vogue in Rouen in France. This was also thanks to the collaboration of painters like Giorgio Giacinto Rossetti, who placed his name on the best specimens next to the initials of the factory. In 1748 Simpliciano made his will (Gelmini, 1995, p. 30) appointing his son Giuseppe Antonio (known as Antonio) as universal heir. After 1750, when Simpliciano passed away, Antonio was directly involved in the maiolica factory, increasing its fortunes and achieving a reputation on a European level. Particularly important was the aforementioned introduction in 1760 of the innovative “a piccolo fuoco” (third fire) processing, which, expanding the ornamental repertoire with Saxon-inspired floral themes, was able to commercially compete with the German porcelains that had one of its most renowned offerings in the naturalistic Deutsche Blumen. Antonio Ferretti understood and promoted this technique and this decoration, proposing it in a fresher and more corrective version, less linked to botanical tables, both with or without contour lines, as well as in purple or green monochrome. After efforts to introduce more industrial production techniques to the sector succeeded, even the Ferretti manufacture, in the last decade of the eighteenth century, started heading towards decline despite its attempts to adapt production to neoclassical tastes. In 1796 the Napoleonic battle for the conquest of the Lodi bridge over the Adda definitively compromised the furnaces. Production resumed, albeit in a rather stunted manner, until Antonio's death on 29 December 1810. (M. L. Gelmini, pp. 28-30, 38, 43 sgg., 130-136 (for Simpliciano); pp. 31 sgg., 45-47, 142-192 (for Antonio). Bibliography G. Gregorietti, Maioliche di Lodi Milano e Pavia Catalogo della Mostra, Milano, 1964 n. 137; C. Baroni, Storia delle ceramiche nel Lodigiano, in Archivio storico per la città e i comuni del circondario e della diocesi di Lodi, XXXIV (1915), pp. 118, 124, 142; XXXV (1916), pp. 5-8; C. Baroni, La maiolica antica di Lodi, in Archivio storico lombardo, LVIII (1931), pp. 453-455; L. Ciboldi, La maiolica lodigiana, in Archivio storico lodigiano, LXXX (1953), pp. 25 sgg.; S. Levy, Maioliche settecentesche lombarde e venete, Milano 1962, pp. 17 sgg.; A. Novasconi - S. Ferrari - S. Corvi, La ceramica lodigiana, Lodi 1964, ad Indicem; Maioliche di Lodi, Milano e Pavia (catal.), Milano 1964, p. 17; O. Ferrari - G. Scavizzi, Maioliche italiane del Seicento e del Settecento, Milano 1965, pp. 26 sgg.; G. C. Sciolla, Lodi. Museo civico, Bologna 1977, pp. 69-85 passim; G. Lise, La ceramica a Lodi, Lodi 1981; M. Vitali, in Storia dell'arte ceramica...

A small black ceramic figural stirrup vessel from Moche culture circa. 100-500 AD, located in nowadays Northern Coast of Peru. The hollow pot with the stirrup handle was sensitively molded and the surface burnished. The seated figure has his arms folded in front of his chest. He has prominently protruding ears and an expressive face. Provenance Available to the buyer: From an American collection. For a black burnished stirrup bottle, see item 1976.287.8, 64.228.35 in the collection of Metropolitan Musuem of Art, NYC. Many black portrait stirrup bottles are in the collection of Larco Musuem, Lima...

This breathtaking specimen comes from a distinctive group of fluorites that have affectionately been nicknamed, “tanzanite fluorite” for their gemlike aesthetics and color-shifting a...

This spectacular cross section of petrified cedar wood comes from Saddle Mountain, Washington. It is remarkably large with a wonderful and highly aesthetic shape, exhibiting vibrant ...

Mid 18th century Swedish pine chest decorated with labyrinth circa 1730. Rare and beautiful Swedish pine chest.   Traces of original paint to the outside with decorative metal strap...

18th Century Neapolitan Crib Figure Collection A rare collection of five museum quality late 18th / early 19th Century hand carved Neapolitan crib figures...

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...

Classic late 18th century silver tea caddy of oblong form, and featuring delicately hand engraved bands and swags around the sides, and ...

This is really very early and has incredible presence in person. Looks like many of the artifacts I've seen in the museums. It originated from the countryside of France and is a grea...

A Late 18th century Georgian Period Mahogany Oblong tea caddy having very attractive inlaid decoration to front and hinged top enclosing double lidded interior with original paper foil landing. This particular caddy is relatively plain and simple in design, but is lifted significantly with the attractive inlaid decoration. It remains in relatively good condition and had clearly been well loved throughout its life. Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves, but also to enable the owner to lock away those aforementioned valuable tea leaves, keeping them safe from the house staffs potential wandering hands. This 18th century tea caddy...

Quality 18th century antique Georgian banjo barometer having a swan neck pediment with a quality shaped figured mahogany case. It boasts an 11 inch silvered engraved dial with origin...

A painted turn of the 18th-19th Century Swedish Folk Art wood box, with original yellow paint on the exterior. The original ochre yellow color has be...

This very large and substantial antique wine bottle's exact origins are unknown, but it is presumed to be English or possibly Dutch and dating from the early 1700's. The bottle was hand blown and formed and uses a very thick deep olive green glass. The slightly bent neck has a very thick stem and top which leads to a large bulbous or flask shaped base. The front and back sides have been slightly flattened which was likely done for packing and stability during shipping. The capacity of this bottle has not been tested, but presumed to be in the 2 Imperial gallon...

Exceptional virgin and child in majesty or “Sedes Sapientiae”, throne of wisdom Origin: southwestern France. Period: late 12th - early 13th cen...

Late 18th Century George III English Box. Veneered in beautifully highly figured burled ash with small inlaid shield shapes. Made in England circa 1790. A beautifully crafted late 1...

A lacquer presentation box with mother-of-pearl inlays from Japanese Ryukyu Islands circa 17-18th century. The lidded box in rectangular form with rounded corner is a classic example...

Refined neoclassical clock in gilded bronze and marble base. The body consists of a classical depiction with a gilded bronze chariot and a swan's head, inside which sits a draped gir...

A beautiful Ammonite Fossil, this extinct invertebrates marine animal lived 160 million years ago, beautiful patina and shine of the stone, beautiful array of colors, very decorative...

A GILT-METAL MOUNTED SNUFF BOX Circa 1750, probably Saint-Cloud Modelled as a reclining monk, one hand supporting his bald head, the other holding a rosary and with a crutch at his s...

A gorgeous set of vintage Regency brass deer. A beautiful set of one buck and one doe. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate

An exceptionally rare Irish George III hand cut full lead crystal single tea caddy of rectangular outline with canted corners and outstanding quality, first quarter of the nineteenth century. The finely chased silver mounted rim and hinged cover, hand cut with three bands of lozenges on a plain ground, decorative star cut base underneath. Condition: Exceptional condition for such an early piece, with no losses or clouding inside, silver mounts are unmarked but test positive for silver. Wonderful age wear underneath on base. Lock is present but key does not turn. Back and front views are similar. Measures: Height: 5.25” (13.5cm). Width: 3.75” (9.5cm). Depth: 3” (7.5cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Stunning and rare Tea Caddy...

An antique Korean Buncheong stoneware vase from early Joseon Dynasty circa late 15th to early 16th century. The vase is of a classic pear form with a ...

Stamps, or sellos, such as this one were common during the pre-Columbian period in Mesoamerica and most popular during the Formative Period that spanned the years between 1200-800 B....

18th century Italian gilded fragment mounted on a golden, polished hematoid slab and adorned with tangerine quartz crystals. The piece is put together by Jean O'Reilly Barlow, the a...

PRESENTING A STUNNING little French Ring Box from the 18th Century, namely a French Louis XVI Brass and MOP Box with Miniature Portrait of Lady. Box inlaid wi...

Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791), "The Bather" or "The Nymph Bathing" (1757) Artistic Explanation: The Nymph Bathing is a masterpiece of 18th-century French sculpture, created...

A petite Chinese Ming dynasty green glazed terracotta court official figurine from the 15th or 16th century, with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its vibrant polychromy,...

1 Kg plus Gigantic Smoky Quartz From Kunar, Afghanistan Weight: 1 kg plus Dimension: 16.4 x 9.3 x 6.3 Cm Origin: Kunar, Afghanistan Smoky quartz is known for dispersing fear or n...

Striking elegant classical form Lovely thick lustrous patina Juxtapses with modern and contemporary interiors and collections Could be electrified as a floor standing lamp The pan wi...

A beautiful jar of piriform body, waisted neck, everted rim and integral rectangular-section with loop handles, circumferential bands of painted geometric motifs of hatched circles, ...

Oval porcelain vessel on a flat stand with slightly bulging walls, with two rocaille handles with asparagus bundles, the slightly outward-turned opening edge serving as a support for...

Gustavian Shaving Mirror in Mahogany – Sweden, Late 18th Century Charming small shaving mirror in mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni), made in Sweden during the late 18th century. Execut...