20th Century Mounted Objects

Hand-crafted sculpture specimen of natural red coral branches mounted on 18th century gilt wood fragment base. 11.5 inches in height. Perfect for your "Cabinet of Curiosities".

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...

A fine and substantial 18k gold, amethyst and natural pearl pendant. The pendant modelled in gold as a crown is of the very highest quality, the gem is set with five imposing oval fa...

This is a stately pair of Italian black variegated marble obelisks .

Fabulous African buschbuck antelope horns mounted on a lucite base. This would look wonderful displayed on a bookcase or desk and would make a handsome addition to any study. DIME...

This Faux Bamboo shoe Horn, has been made in France Circa 1970. It is made in faux bamboo, metal, brass and horn.

Massive natural specimen of red coral reef. Color is a natural ruby red Flat underside for easy display. This specimen is a great size for displaying in any decor.

French Lion Mask Fountain Head Sculpture, Mounted on Iron Stand. Lion head has great attention to detail featuring a nice flowing mane. White in color with a fabulous patina. Has han...

Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7315 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its ...

Architectural Brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 87cm/34.25" Lenght: 190cm/74.80".  

Large asymmetrical architectural ceramic tile wall art sculpture. Beautiful color glazes of turquoise, red and blue. Hangs on 2 D rings on bac...

Beautiful antique carved marble relief depicting flowering grapevine, mounted in later giltwood frame supplied by Saxon & Clemons of the D&D Building in New York City, circa 1960s.

A decorative 6-inch heraldic blue lustre tile by Pilkington, circa 1915, impressed with a single ‘P’ to the reverse. Decorated with a beautiful lustre glaze, this antique English tile...

Brutalist steel sculpture on wood base. This incredible sculpture is not signed. We looked all over and cannot find a signature. Wood base is 8.25" wide, 4" deep and 10" high. S...

Decorative fresh water turtle shell professionally mounted on solid brass base, the shell is cleaned and seal with clear protective satin finish. And the back is upholstered with fi...

Vintage Chinese opera theatre headdress in turquoise, silver, and gold colors with faux white pearls and rubine red and multi-color pom-poms, early 20th cen...

Beautiful spider sea shell professionally mounted on a natural coral base. Artistically embedded with citrine and Quartz crystal pieces that make a beautiful object of art for displa...

Italian white/cream glazed ceramic table centrepiece, with a relief of assorted fruits on a lower body in the form of a raised oval bowl. Italy, 20th century.

This round stone disc originated in Shanxi province as an early 20th-century threshing wheel. Secured to a wooden axel that ran through the center, the stone was rolled across stalks...

Black enameled iron indoor / outdoor wall relief sculpture, circa 1980's easy to mount cool design that blends well with mid Century contemporary Boho home decor.

Ceremonial Thai headdress usually worn for wedding or religious ceremonies. Hand-crafted in Thailand. Gilt Thai Ceremonial Headdress circa ...

This is a porcelain plaque of the Holy Virgin Mary. It depicts an oval shaped medallion adorned in the center by a high relief profile of the Virgin Mary. Around the medallion is pie...

Italian white/cream glazed ceramic table centrepiece, with a relief of assorted fruits on a lower body in the form of a raised oval bowl. Italy, 20th century.

Amazing in design and execution, this Art Deco compote features three charming birds supporting a polychromed fruit bowl or sculpture. This bowl, acquired in a collectors home in Bel...

A pair of faux elephant tusk bookends or decorative ornaments for your desk, dresser or in front of your entrance hall mirror. They are constructe...

Unique and highly decorative pair of hand-carved bookends. At the beginning of the 20th century, the more skilled Dutch artisans started traveling around the globe to various coloni...

Vallauris wall mounted decoration tiles handcrafted and signed. Beautiful decor of summer flowers glazed tiles in bright colors orange, yellow, blue, gray and red, all signed by Vall...

Amazing antique expertly hand-carved wood block that has been used in printing production. Stained dark black with ink, this now rustic piece shows signs of years of handling, while ...

This is an authentic antique Dogon door lock from the early 20th century, originating from the Dogon tribe of Mali. Beautiful hand-carved from wood, this piece is adorned with intri...

Glass sculpture attributed to Fontana Arte. The white marks are imperfections. Thank you

An Exquisite 14K Gold, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Semi Precious Stone Mounted Rhodonite Camel. Possibly by Verdura, circa 1970, Italy. A very good quality and unusual gold mounted jeweled object...

Stunning stainless steel “swirl” floor sculpture by Curtis Jere. Swirl sits atop a painted black steel base and swivels, allowing the perfect placement. Pictured with Milo Baughman f...

Large hand-crafted sculpture specimen of natural red coral branches mounted on 18th century wooden painted gold gilt fragment base.

Traditional metal hand bell bottle opener, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautif...

American maritime copper and brass deep sea divers helmet with the original three glass cross hatched windows, latching bonnet, air line intake ...

A really nice looking small brass on quartz base sailboat sculpture by DeMoot, circa 1970s. The sculpture is in good vintage condition with a nice patina and measures 4"W x 2.5"D x 9...

Impressive antique and top quality hand crafted eleven light chandelier with a fabulous fable creature 'Orge'. An ogre (in English) is a deformed human-like creature and bad spirit ...

Traditional Chinese ceramic fish form roof tile terminal, glazed in green and marigold yellow & mounted on a mahogany footed stand. China, 20th ce...

Richters German Anchor blocks building toys / Der Geschickte Baumeister Made in Rudolstadt, Germany, circa 1900. Wooden box with printed paper labe...

An early 20th century carved wood support beam from central Asia, custom mounted on iron stand. This antique wooden support beam was once a lintel which adorns the upper doorway of a...

Cast Mermaid Boot Scraper/ Remover. Easy to handle the arms remove boots or can be used as a boot scraper. Great as a decorative piece or may be used as intended. Beautiful patina an...

This vintage chrome plated Curtis Jere wall sculpture is from the 1970s. It is not signed that we can see. It is authentic. It is a combination of 5 sea creatures we call sea urchins...

Beautiful and elegant large copper colored clam shell presented on a lucite stand. The shell measures 6.5" W x 6.5" D x 1.5" H and is in great condition and gorgeous color. Very uniq...

This listing features a faux hardstone rotating globe that has a brass frame, fully functional and moves seamlessly.

Decorative fresh water turtle shell professionally mounted on onyx base, the shell is cleaned and seal with clear protective satin finish. And the back is upholstered with fine qual...

An early 20th century Spirit of Ecstasy designed by Charles Sykes, incised Charles Sykesl R.R Ltd 6.2.11 to the base, mounted to a gray rocky marble plinth base, Circa 1924 in date. The numbers engraved on the base, "5-2-11" are a patent date associated with the original design of the Rolls Royce Spirit...

This excellent brutalist sculpture has 4 verdigris color flowers and torch cut bronze leaves that all sit on a solid piece of quartz. Circa 1970’s. Styled after John Steck, not sig...

Very large natural specimen of red pipe coral. Color is a natural ruby red Flat underside for easy display. This specimen is a great large size ...

1703 Antique French gilt iron Celtic cross

A very large model of an Air France Boeing 707 / Château de Chambord dating to c.1959. Very good condition with minor livery wear, commensurate with age and use. The wings span 26...

American three masted clipper ship model displayed in a mahogany glass case. She was the fastest ship ever built in 1852. California clipper ship mo...

A polished hardstone disc. Provenance unknown but probably a early 20th century Hawaiin Ulu Maika stoen. Ulu Maika is a ancient game simular to bowling played by the indigineaous Haw...

A pair of hand carved wooden doors from Borneo on custom iron bases, mid-20th century. This vintage pair of doors from the island of Borneo are n...

Large wall-mounted sculpture colored stone in concrete Mid-Century Modern, 1952 This wall Sculpture was taken out of a building by Dutch Architect Jan Duiker. It should be made circa 1952, the sculpture is signed with ACK. Jan Duiker (also Johannes Duiker) (The Hague, 1 March 1890 – Amsterdam, 23 February 1935) was a Dutch architect. Partnership with Bernard Bijvoet from 1919 until 1925. For the commission of the Zonnestraal project the architects were recommended by Hendrik Berlage. Bijvoet left the Netherlands in 1925 to work in Paris with Pierre Chareau for projects such as Maison de Verre...

Rare Los Castillo Taxco, handmade mixed metals copper brass stone inlay Mayan wall-mounted sculpture, circa 1960.

Intriguing good looking mask artistically made of combination of hand crafted beads ,shells , and hand painted wood. To make such a exceptional object of art for display. Custom-mad...

This is an antique Chinese warrior roof tile that has been mounted on lucite. The composition appears to be glazed terracotta. The piece coul...

Set of three wooden child size shoe forms mounted on an iron base.

Very stylish and rare, 1920s Art Deco pendant light with a beautiful color. When we first saw this rare, practical size and highly decorative Art Deco pendant we immediately knew ...

Striking and meaningful finest work of religious art. This beautifully stylish hand carved and large size Sacred Heart of Christ statue is another one of our recent great finds. In our view the sculptor has perfectly managed to capture both the wisdom and serenity of our Lord Jesus Christ. This large size and carved out of solid teakwood Sacred Heart sculpture...