18th Century and Earlier Animal Sculptures

Pair of 1870s English carved wood lions.

A charming true pair of Italian 18th century white carrara marble statuettes of lions. Each statue is raised by an oval terr...

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty hand-carved wooden temple corbels from the 18th or 19th century with deer and their young. Originally part of a temple wa...

Japanese Momoyama period rare early pair of Baku figures, carved in keyaki wood with an exquisite wood grain, 17th century, circa 1650. The elephant-like Baku is an imaginary and co...

Decorative 18th century wooden Phoenix bird with polychrome lacquer. From Henan Province, China. Untouched original condition. Measures: Height bird 21...

Pair of 18th century Italian gold-leaf fragment horse head sculptures. The pair is made of 18th century Italian water-gilt fragments mounted on scroll ...

Japanese Edo period pair of foo dogs in delicately carved wood. The dogs have uniquely expressive faces, one with open mouth, the other with closed mouth ...

Rare 18th century Whieldon-type creamware pottery cow, circa 1765. The rare press-moulded cow stands on a flat slab base with lobed edges. The cow is s...

Pair of Chinese Han dynasty horse heads Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) earthenware gray pottery Each approx.: 6.25 inches high. 6.5 inches wide. 2...

Pair of Ming dynasty fish roof tiles, circa 1600.

400-500 old Burmese sandstone elephant with beautifully detailed carvings. Very decorative with natural patina. Forehead with older repair From pagoda / te...

Pair of Chinese porcelain cats, circa 1750.

A recumbent Bactrian camel resting on folded legs, with remnants of white polychrome slip evident, terracotta, 618 AD to 906 AD. Measures: Height 10 in...

Decorative 18th century wooden phoenix bird with polychrome lacquer. From Henan Province, China. Untouched original condition. Measures: Height bird 22....

Depicting a well dressed farmer feeding two pigs at their trough.

Primitive architectural carved wood mounted Indian horse head A beautiful piece of folk architecture from the Indian continent, the horse head was usu...

Beautiful large Greek mythology white porcelain figural group with Europa en Zeus. I never came across such a large model and think it's impressive by size, details and color. ...

19th century French hand carved giltwood lion.

Each on hind legs one black and one white and a mirror form of the other.

18th century cast iron door knocker Property from esteemed interior designer Juan Montoya. Juan Montoya is one of the most acclaimed and prolif...

A wonderful pair of Ex Sotheby’s painted Polychrome equestrian horse and riders made from gray pottery, presents beautifully and guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA. Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches Condition: Possible professional restorations but not detectable. Provenance: Sotheby’s London. 16th November, 1999. Lot 12 (2 of 4 horsed in that lot) Sotheby’s New York, NY September 14, 2019. AVANTIQUES is dedicated to providing an exclusive curated collection of Fine Arts, Paintings, Bronzes, Asian treasures, Art Glass and Antiques. Our inventory represents time-tested investment quality items with everlasting decorative beauty. We look forward to your business and appreciate any reasonable offers. All of our curated items are vetted and guaranteed authentic and as described. Avantiques only deals in original antiques and never reproductions. We stand behind our treasures with a full money back return if the items are not as described. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

18th century Italian sculpture of an owl made of fragments including a sharks jaw. So interesting. A real conversation piece!

Hard porcelain bear modeled and painted in gray-brown and black Manufacture of Meissen, by Johann Gottlieb Kirchner and Johan Joachim Kaendler, 1735 It...

A pair of Empire gilt and patinated bronze chenets, French, 18th century each with a winged sphinx raised on a rectangular base with curved ends on acorn feet. Measures: Height 10.25 in. (26.03 cm.), width 11.5 in. (29.21 cm.), depth 3.5 in. (8.89 cm.) Provenance: Arthur James Galleries.

This little antique Tibetan equestrian figurine is distinguished not only by the remarkably detailed sculpture of a horse in a complete harness, but also by the high quality of the b...

Pair 18th C. Carved Marble Terracotta Figures Lions Sculptures Garden Statues LA . Rare large Pair of early 18th century carved marble terracotta Figures of regal lions, holding an i...

Rare, pair of 13th century, Romanesque, marble, recumbent lions Recumbent lions were popular in 11th-13th century Italian architecture with pairs ...

Wer are delighted to offer this exceptionally rare pair of King James 1st 1615 English Heraldic Lion Newel Finials with period Polychrome paint Where ...

A charming Tang dynasty painted pottery figure of a horse and mounted noble rider. TL tested by Oxford Authentication. The horse portrayed standing fours...

A wonderful pair of Ex Sotheby’s painted Polychrome Equestrian Horse and Riders made from gray pottery, Presents beautifully and guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA. Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches Condition: Possible professional restorations but not detectable. Provenance: Sotheby’s London. 16th November, 1999. Lot 12 (2 of 4 horses in that lot). Sotheby’s New York, NY September 14, 2019. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the Empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

A big hand carved painted stag sculpture in wood, early 18th century. Pre-owned by a collector. This sculpture are one of a kind. The stag deer are a symbol of spiritual authority, a deer stag is here depicted in all its magnificent elegance. Wooden sculpture of a life-size deer stag laying upon a rectangular platform base. The symbol of the stag: The deer’s antlers are one of the characteristics that have made it the figure of a spiritual superiority, according to some. Like a crown, the antlers grow beyond its body, bringing it closer to the sky and making it sacred. In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority. During a deer’s life the antlers fall off and grow again and the animal is also a symbol of reGeneration. In the Christian imagination, the deer is a symbol of piety, devotion and of God taking care of his children: men. The legend of Saint Eustace...

A antique English prattware model of a cockerel or rooster. With mottled decoration in ochres and yellow. The base bears an old partial D. M. ...

Each with cute expressions seated on a plinth base. Provenance, Manheim Antiques. Drue Heinz.

Pair of silvered brass Anglo Indian guarding lion sculptures or bookends.  

Set of three prehistoric ammonite fossil, unmounted. Measurements: Big amonite: Depth *4.5in Width *5.5in Height *1.6in Medium amonite: Depth *4.1in Width *5.1in Height *1.6in...

An evocative Chinese Tang dynasty (618 to 906 AD) sancai glazed pottery model of a braying camel. The camel is well modeled, standing foursquare upon a rectangular plinth, neck raised, head thrown back, and mouth open in either a defiant, or triumphant, bray. Although sancai means "three color", this particular camel is glazed with only two colors - mostly in amber, with patches of straw glaze mimicking the large patches of fur along the camel's legs, humps, head and neck. TL tested...

Japanese Momoyama period carved wooden Shinto temple entry figures in the form of royal lion dogs seated in traditional pose. The pieces have had some co...

A magnificent and large early Tang dynasty (618-906 AD) model of a prancing or dancing horse, circa 7th century. The majestic animal is caught mid-motion, one leg raised, head grace...

We are thrilled to offer this exceptional pair of creamware lions, each elegantly resting on a tall base adorned with sumptuous swags of dark blue "curtains" with gleaming yellow tassels and trim. Crafted in France, these figures are unparalleled and truly a masterpiece of 18th-century creamware. They date back to the late 18th century, circa 1790. Each lion's head and mane is exquisitely painted with vibrant yellow and lined in striking midnight brown. Their mouths are painted in delicate pink, adding an extra touch of charm. Not only are these lions a sight to behold, but they will also bring a touch of humor to your home. Their jovial expressions make it impossible not to laugh along with them. Leisurely resting on cushions draped with rich fabric and tassels, these friendly lions exude a very French attitude, seamlessly blending formality and friendliness. Placed on a mantel, they would undoubtedly be the focal point of any room, commanding attention, and admiration from all who see them. These lions are genuinely a one-of-a-kind treasure that is not to be missed. Dimensions: 6.5 inches tall x 6.75 inches long x 4.5 inches wide Condition: Excellent Price: $3200 Background of creamware Creamware is the name given to a type of earthenware pottery initially made from white clays from Dorset and Devonshire combined with an amount of calcined flint. Creamware was first produced in England sometime before 1740. Foremost of the pioneers of creamware in the Staffordshire Potteries was Thomas Whieldon. The young Josiah Wedgwood partnered with Thomas Whieldon from 1754-1759. When Wedgwood left to set up his own business, he immediately directed his efforts to developing creamware. Around the same time, in the mid-18th century, French potters developed their creamware known in France as "Faience Fine...

Prehistoric ammonite fossil.

This hand carved Chinese wooden horse is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Depicting the pleasures of daily life, míngqì f...

WHY WE LOVE IT: His Pekingese imperial attitude!                                                                                               In their native China, Pekingese could ...

According to Japanese folklore the fox, or kitsune, can assume human form to protect and trick humble country folk. Dating to the 18th century, this fox protects its own pup. Carved ...

Extraordinary wine-cooler in the form of a beautifully sculpted, gilt and polychromed Swan of impressive stature, makes certainly the conversation-piece of the party. The white paint...

A magnificent pair of giltwood lions. The two animals call to mind England's Coronation chair, commissioned by King Edward I to contain the Stone of Scon...

Exceptional pair of aigles of the 16th century of Italy Superbe pair of wooden sculpted aigles from the Italian Renaissance. Very Fine and delicate sculpture The pair of eagles se...

18th century Chinese bronze duck incense burner, Qing period Please note that one foot is missing, broken off, see detailed image.  

Fine Costa Rican Jade Axe God, Guanacaste-Nicoya region, ca. A.D. 1-1500 Of celt form depicting the mythical part human- part avian figure, with circular eyes...

Sculpture in bronze lost-wax casting,. Origin from a Como private house in circa 1970.

Primitive early carved wood goat. Original hand painted patina. Does have some minor cracking and chips. See images.

This large 18th century figure of a dramatic and animated Griffon was made in Italy in the mid-18th century. Carved in great detail then gessoed, painted and gilded the figure stands...

Pre-Columbian Jade COSTA Rican Avian Effigy pendant Atlantic Watershed 500AD- 1500AD Measures: Length 9.75 inches Width 1.15 inches Depth .75 inch Very nice COSTA Rican jade (axe god...

WHY WE LOVE THEM: They're majestic! We are pleased to offer this pair of large antique Luneville lions made in France circa 1800. These exceptional lio...

This is a very rare large antique hand carved, polychromed and gilt eagle. Unbelievable workmanship went into making this wooden bird of prey sculpture...

Each with a different flying dragon raised on a scrolling base ending in a flaming urn.

Nicoya Ceremonial Basalt Stone Seat in Shape of a Jaguar. Published in the Arizona Museum. This large and finely carved example of Costa Rican skill and craftsmanship is in the form of a jaguar which may have been a lineage or clan symbol - as also was the crocodile - according to 16th-century Spanish conquistadors. There are so many features that make this masterpiece so unique. The most realistic depiction is the face with its head captured in a pose that is threatening and fierce. Sculptors in ancient Central America developed elaborate metate forms that were associated with high status and wealth. They were commonly placed within graves of prominent individuals. Certain ancient rituals must have incorporated this activity and required special metates to be created for this purpose. It may have also served as a throne for the ruler, for whom the assurance of the fertility of his land and people would have been paramount. Even today, stone metates...

Portugese Faience Hen Tureen, Rato Factory, circa 1765.