18th Century and Earlier Decorative Objects

Beautiful handcarved giltwood bird ornament. Italy circa 1780-1820 . Weathered and small losses and old repairs Measurements include the wooden base. H:23cm W:41cm D:6,5cm

Ancient Geometric Pottery Vessel – A Timeless Artifact Discover the beauty of early craftsmanship with this remarkable 1st millennium B.C. (or later) earthenware vessel. Defined by i...

We are pleased to introduce a glazed ceramic vase from the Liao dynasty of China, dating from the 10th century, about 1,000 years ago. The Liao dynasty was established by the Qidan ...

Chinese export porcelain rim soup decorated in cobalt underglaze blue. The pattern centers on a blooming flower surrounded by scattered prunus boughs within the border of the dished ...

Hand painted porcelain, gilt-bronze mount (ormolu) This French Sèvres porcelain centrepiece dates from 1771 and is set in a gilt-bronze mo...

It is a very old jar in Japan. This is a pottery called Tokoname ware. Tokoname is a kiln located in Aichi prefecture, Japan. It is said to have originated around the 12th century. A...

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, ...

A clock and console table in the style of Louis XIV made by parisian cabinet maker Lessure who specilised in the reproduction of statues of horses. He ...

Pair of silver form George ll cast paktong candlesticks. The candle shaft rests on square base and fitted with a gadroon edged circular bobesh. Birmingham, England, circa 1750-60.

Japanned steel clock face with English roses in the spandrels and center with an Arabic numeral dial. The clock face retains its original steel ha...

Magnificent wood statue of St. Joseph, hand-carved of solid oak with intricate draped cloths and a beautiful, lifelike facial expression. A rare and exquisite work of 18th century re...

Fossil agate coral adorned with iridescent fossil ammonites. The grey piece of fossil agate coral is cut and polished and adorned with the iridescent...

English cast brass Queen Anne candlestick with a scalloped and corner cut base with seam casting. Birmingham, England, circa 1780.

A Louis XVI ormolu and marble portico clock, the enameled dial with Roman numerals, and subsidiary calendar and minute chapter rings, signed Gavelle L'Aine (1753-1802) The barrel-shaped case surmounted by a gilt bronze figure of a Guerrier, in martial attitude, flanked by chained black marble pillars...

A fine petrified wood specimen. Perfect for use on the bar or table as a trivet. An old collector's record indicates that it is a species of cherry from Mcdermitt, Oregon. ...

Lovely Chinese Porcelain Bencharong plate with flower petal decoration When Bencharong (Benjarong) is used to refer to porcelain it usually means a type of 18th and 19th centuries C...

This is a genuine Tyrannosaurus rex vertebra fragment showcasing a robust transverse process, unearthed from the famed Lance Formation of Wyoming. Dating to the Upper Cretaceous peri...

Sharing with you this unusual Dutch Decorated deep dish. The dish itself is a white porcelain plate from the Kangxi period, ca 1700-1720. With anhua flower decoration also. The pai...

This striking mantel clock is a fine example of the Empire style, a period characterized by its grandeur and inspiration from classical antiquity. The clock showcases a masterful com...

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 beautifully sculpted Thai/ Siam Southeast Asian bronze Buddha head on a custom wood stand. The Buddha's eyes are closed in serene meditation. This beautiful gem 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...

This exquisite pair of vases features Chinese porcelain from the Kangxi period, dating to the third quarter of the 17th century, elegantly mounted in gilt-bronze from the late 18th c...

Georgian Period Circa 1790 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea...

An impressive and most charming true pair of Italian 18th century Baroque st. faux painted marble and Giltwood statues. Both of the joyful statues are raised on hexagonal tapered fau...

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...

Pair of Italian Venetian 17-18th century giltwood carved and faux marble painted trimmed six branch floor torcheres (provenance: The Society of the Cincinnati...

Exceptional Louis XV vari-color gold and black enamel snuff box - featuring a bouquet of flowers with two attending butterflies to the top (all in yellow, white, rose and green gold)...

Magnificent Louis XIV period messenger box, late 17th and early 18th centuries. This pretty box is made of leather-covered wood decorated with copper nails forming diamonds on the to...

Al Thani collection, a Mughal Indian square white jade inkwell cover, circa 1800 Purchased from the Al Thani collection, Christies New York, Sal...

Italian 18th century Baroque gilt copper candlestick. Rare Italian Baroque candlestick from the third quarter of the 18th century. It is a gilded copper body with a dished top on a baluster stem with scrolls and rocaills on a triform base. This candlestick, for the quality and decoration, is very close to an altar set...

A large red iridescent ammonite fossil dating from the late cretaceous period (100.5 – 66 million years ago). This huge plancenticeras ammonite is approximately 16 inches tall and has an iridescent lustre that showcases a vibrant red hue. Once a living creature, this ammonite has developed its red iridescent lustre over millions of years of compression, transforming into a striking gemstone. A rare find. Provenance: From the fascinating collection of Gordon Walkden (1944-2022), emeritus Professor of Geology at Aberdeen University. Affectionally known as Aberdeen’s answer to Indiana Jones, Walkden contributed enormously to research through his papers and talks on British marbles, minerals and fossils...

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...

Beautiful and rare limestone mortar, France, circa 1750-1850. Great eyecatcher. Weathered and but in a good condition.

Unique and large pair of neoclassical altar candleholders with traces of their original silver and gold, Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs. Measurement ...

A fine Chinese shipwreck blue and white decorated large porcelain kendi, or pouring vessel, Transitional Period, late Ming or early Qing Dynasty, mid...

A 445-year-old late medieval 16th century heraldic encaustic tile of Flemish origin (unmarked). Made from terracotta and glazed, this 6-inch antique tile is an excellent collector’s ...

A large specimen mounted on metal display.

This huge leg bone of a theropod dinosaur was a rare Dinosarian find by any standards. It was discovered in the desert regions of North Africa and has now been conserved, cleaned, an...

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...

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...

A very nice and beautifully decorated dish with a scene of Flowers, The painting quality is very nice. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China...

Featuring multiple Landscape Scenes From our Collectables collection, we are delighted to introduce this Antique Papier Mache Snuff Box...

A Korean ceramic bottle form jar of Buncheong ware circa 15-16th century Joseon Dynasty. The surface of the jar features a celadon glaze and an elaborate incised design of large flor...

A fine example of an English tall clock with japanned case by clockmaker Phillip Avenell of Farnum (d. 1783). Avenell was part of the renowned and p...

Unusually large 18th century Swedish tall case clock. Dry scraped and retouched with great patination. ca 1770 Sweden.

Sharing with you this very nicely decorated plate. What you see is a Jingdezhen made porcelain dish from around 1720-1730. Later decorated with a Rare type of decoration in Red, Gree...

Nice, rare and beautiful colors in enamel in, Floral design, second half 18th century These wares and their specific characteristics of wild colour and thick enamel have all the cha...

A carved architectural marble fragment depicting a boars head, reclaimed from Pentney Abbey, Norfolk. Dating to circa 1680, this freestanding animal sculpture displays a striking st...

Here is a beautiful 18th Century Swedish Rococo style wooden longcase Mora clock with its original paint featuring green tones. This piece has mini...

A 18th century set presented in trapezoidal case made of light wood and inlaid with marquetry. The vanity case includes a gold wax case decorated with fl...

Very rare and hard to find in this complete condition with as many pieces (over 35), this "Gentleman's Necessaire", or campaign "Dressing Table Box" is English and circa 1795 as per the style, and confirmed by the 18th century silver marks on items enclosed. Campaign furniture, and accessories were made to tend to the day to day needs of those traveling, most often for the upper class, the military, and those in high socioeconomic standing. A very similar Campaign box belonging to the Duke of Wellington and now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, appears on page 141 (illustration #157 of "British Campaign Furniture" published in 2001 by Nicholas A. Brawer; the leading recognized historian on the subject. The furniture and accessories were designed to be easily unpacked and packed back up again, condensed and compact for minimum storage, and still fulfill luxury "needs" for the well to do. The flush inserted brass handles on this box were designed to minimize protrusions for easier transport when traveling. The necessaire contains a plethora of instruments, utensils, storage bottles, boxes, to contain pills, medicine, potions, soap, shaving needs, snuff, beverages, spirits, tea, coffee, fragrance, incense, toothpaste, ink, and anything else necessary or wanted to maintain appearance and the "Beau Brummell" type lifestyle desired by the aristocratic gentleman. These items were housed in; screw top miniature bone canisters, fine cut glass crystal vessels with silver and silver plated tops, multiple miniature vertical wooden pocket drawers, a carved wooden lidded soap dish; all "fitted" in a beautiful brass bound and hinged mahogany box. The dressing box is neatly divided into various sections to store these implements. The center front bottom drawer is independently accessed and opened by a key lock and likely utilized for personal effects, jewelry, money, and letter writing, and diary entries.; note the fitted interior, design, "cubbies", and sections (see image). NOTE: It would be advisable to NOT use the key to lock this drawer just in case it stays locked and does not reverse, thereby creating difficulty reopening the drawer. The box maintains it's original surface and there are no restorations to any of the wood or brass mounts. A non discernible script monogram on a brass plate adorns the top (see image). Worth noting is the copious provenance accompanying this piece; the original description tag from the British antiques dealer; the "condfdential" letter by purchaser to recipient "Horace" reviewing the Dressing Box attributes and description; and finally, the Customs form for entry into the United States with Santa Barbara it's ultimate destination and a valuation of 3 pounds; less than ten dollars at that time---- 1950!!!!! (see images). Dimensions: 11" wide  x 8 3/4" deep  x 5 1/2" high Contents: implements in red bag sewing hook with shell handle second smaller sewing hook with built in swivel tool to bone handle large metal tweezers rectangular bone device with center hole small hook with bone handle silver plate corkscrew...

An impressive, large single crystal point of smoky quartz with pleasing facets. The interior of the quartz crystal is interspersed with gorgeous black tourmaline in a variety of orie...

Spanish Faience charger with floral motifs. Talavera de la Reina-Puente del Arzobispo, Toledo. Spain, late 17th century. Hand painted in ochre, yellow, brown and blue with a central...

A very fine 19th century French Chinoiserie and gilt bronze inkwell with a decorated scene. Fine gilt bronze detail with a patinated Oriental figure in the center and inkpots with mo...

A late Louis XVI marble and ormolu portico clock, comprising a central drum-shaped clock with a sunburst pendulum, surmounted by the gilded figure of Athena wearing armour with a plu...

Antique French portico clock is crafted in Empire style during the reign of Napoleon in the 19th century. The Empire style gives the antique clock...

This exceptional Dutch Delft blue and white charger was crafted by the De Klaauw (The Claw) factory circa 1780. The entire surface is richly decorated in vibrant cobalt blue. The cen...

18th Century unique small neat antique rustic wooden tray / serving bowl with untouched original paint in beautiful English red. The tray is dated...

Native American, Southwestern United States, New Mexico, Southeast Arizona, and Northern Chihuahua region of Mexico, Mogollon culture, ca. 1050 to 1250 CE. A sizable example of a coi...

This is a handsome French Biot olive jar from the 18th century that has been hand thrown and glazed with a beautiful color of grayed lime color. It's the perfect size for a citrus tr...