15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
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Period: 15th Century and Earlier
Genuine Sericho Pallasite Meteorite Slab (394.3 grams)
Located in New York, NY
In 2016, large masses of the Sericho pallasite meteorite were acquired from villagers in Isiolo County, Kenya, marking its formal discovery. The olivine crystals range in colour from...
Category
Kenyan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other, Iron
Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Fat lady Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful period Tang Dynasty Pottery Figure of a Fat Lady.
Tomb Pottery
China
Height: 15 Inches
No TL Test
A COA by Avantiques will accompany the sale of this item.
Condition: Ve...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Double Windowed Amethyst Geode with Agatised Borders and Rare Calcite Formation
Located in London, GB
The central element of this geode has been preserved with two windows
on each side, revealing gorgeous calcite formations sat on a blanket of
differentially tinted amethystine quar...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Hematite Mineral with Quartz Crystal Cluster from Morocco
Located in New York, NY
Red Quartz Hematite crystal cluster from Izizauen Alnif, Tarhbalt, Morocco.
2014 find of lustrous brick red hematite included quartz crystal cluster coated with second generation ...
Category
Chinese Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Gleaming Quartz Sphere with Golden Rutile
Located in London, GB
Immerse yourself in the splendour of this gleaming quartz sphere, featuring exquisite golden rutile inclusions from Brazil. The sphere's flawlessly polished surface enhances the intr...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Bronze
15th Century Italian Renaissance Bronze Medallion
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Renaissance bronze medallion made by Master IOFF in the mid 15th century, showing the mythological scene of Ariadne on Naxos.
Made in the mid-15th ...
Category
Italian Renaissance Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Desert Rose Selenite Crystal Formation
Located in Miami, FL
‘Desert Rose’ selenite crystal
Formation desert roses are crystal clusters formed of gypsum barite and sand. It can take nature up to hundreds of th...
Category
African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Late 15th Century Polychrome Wood Carving Depicting the Nativity
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
While the birth of Christ is briefly told in the Gospel of Luke (2, 7) it is in the apocryphal texts that we find most of the elements and details that have then inspired artists. As of the 14th century and even more of the 15th century the subject of the Adoration of the Child replaces in Western art the scene of the Birth, much favoured in Byzantine art. Instead of being depicted lying with the new-born swathed in the manger, the Virgin is now kneeling, her hands joined in prayer in front of the naked child. This change was probably hastened by the popularity of the visions of Saint Bridget of Sweden to whom the Virgin allegedly appeared to show how she had given birth to Jesus (Visions, VII, chap. 21).
Sheltered by a thatch-roofed structure the Virgin is kneeling in front of the Child Jesus. She wears a magnificent red dress under a large gold cloak. Her curled blond hair is partially veiled. The newborn is lying on a straw mat. Joseph is depicted with a parted beard and stands opposite from the Virgin. He wears a tunic and a coat with a purse hanging from the belt. His costume reminds us of the long journey him and Mary have accomplished to reach Bethlehem.
Two other women are present. One is looking through the stable’s window to observe the Holy Family while another one kneels in prayer in front of the divine child. The rich costume of the lady might indicate she is a donator.
However they could also both represent the women who took part in the birth of Christ, Zelemi and Salome. Salome, incredulous did not believe in the virginal conception of Mary and she is represented far from the scene. The artist has depicted her with an expression of doubt on her face. Zelemi, on the contrary, is a believer. She is rewarded by a place of honour at the heart of the scene, close to Mary.
To the left the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem observe quietly the scene.
On the foreground two angels hold a scroll reading an excerpt from the Gloria : “/Gloria/ in excelsis /Deo/.” One of the angels wears a blue cape while the other’s is red Those two colours are very significant as during Middle-Ages blue symbolises hope and red charity. Together they express the hope in redemption thanks to the advent of Christ and his sacrifice to come.
Above the main scene, up a cliff, a small shepherd lets his herd of sheep graze amidst the trees. He is framed by two walled cities.
This wood carving is the work of a very skilled and inventive artist. The piece bears witness to his exceptional talent. The realism of the scene is emphasised by the amount of details depicted. The refinement of the carving itself is highlighted by the well preserved polychromy.
This key moment of the New Testament is set in a contemporary context thanks to the clothes of the characters and the scenes of rural life. The universal dimension of the scene is intensified while allowing contemporary viewers to grasp its meaning more easily.
This care for details, the picturesque realism as well as the extraordinary rendition of the cloths suggest it was made by a Flemish artist during the late 15th century.
This relief can be compared with the panel of the Nativity from the Saint-Vaast altarpiece made by Jacques Daret between 1433 and 1435, today in Madrid’s Thyssen-Bronemisza Museum.
Literature
Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...
Category
Dutch Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Wood
200 Gram Aquamarine Crystals Attached With Muscovite and Feldspar From Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weight: 200 Gram
Dimension: 8.1 x 6.6 x 6.8 Cm
Origin: Skardu Valley, Pakistan
Aquamarine is a pale-blue to light-green variety of beryl. The color of aquamarine can be changed by...
Category
Pakistani Adam Style Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Rock Crystal
Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Fat lady Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful period Tang Dynasty Pottery Figure of a Fat Lady.
Tomb Pottery
China
Height: 15 Inches
No TL Test
A COA by Avantiques will accompany the sale of this item.
Condition: Ve...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Half Polished Amethyst Geode with Agate Border and Calcite Formation
Located in London, GB
A half polished geode with a thick agatised border. The inside covered by deep purple amethyst crystals and 2 beautiful calcite formations at the centre, one of them covered with a b...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Carved Sandstone Jain Family Group, 6th-7th Century, Uttar Pradesh, India
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and rare Indian carved sandstone stele of a Jain family group, Sarnath style, early Indian Medieval period, 6th-7th century, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Carved from a single block of buff sandstone, the stele features a Jain family group comprised of a father, mother, and two children. The family group is portrayed upon a lotus pedestal under a tall palm tree. The mother and father both seated in a relaxed pose known as lalitasana, or royal ease pose, a jovial expression on their faces. The mother holds the daughter in her lap. The younger son scampers mischievously up the trunk of the palm tree, his head turned to look back at his parents.
Above the family, nestled in a niche amongst the palm fronds, an image of a Jain Tirthankara...
Category
Indian Medieval Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Sandstone
Amethyst Geode with Several Mineral Crystal Formations Inside
Located in London, GB
Resembling an infinity sign, this whole geode is a stunning and rich piece, full of mineralogical information. The outer layer is basalt, the interior amethyst crystals, and at the h...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
High Quality Deep Purple Amethyst with Calcite Surrounded by Quartz and Hematite
Located in London, GB
A stunning deep purple amethyst piece with calcite formation. From the rough basalt on the outside, to the high quality rich purple amethyst crystals inside and calcite formation, th...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Giant Diplomytus and Cockerellites Fish Fossil Plate
Located in New York, NY
This large fossil plate is incredibly unique, featuring a long Diplomystus dentatus along with two Cockerellites (Priscacara) liops, fossilized in its natural matrix. The entire piec...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other
Spectacular Citrine: Polished Perfection from Brazil
Located in London, GB
Feast your eyes on this breathtaking polished citrine from Brazil, a true marvel of natural artistry. This stunning specimen boasts remarkable transparency, allowing the rich brownis...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Quartz
Grape agate with calcium carbonate
Located in London, GB
A stunning grape agate with calcium carbonate arrangement!
Origin: Indonesia
Category
Indonesian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Rock Crystal
Genuine Sericho Pallasite Meteorite Slab (2.45 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
In 2016, large masses of the Sericho pallasite meteorite were acquired from villagers in Isiolo County, Kenya, marking its formal discovery. The olivine crystals range in colour from...
Category
Kenyan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other, Iron
Large Genuine Megalodon Shark Tooth in Display Box (274.2 grams)
Located in New York, NY
This genuine Megalodon Shark Tooth, sourced by divers in waters off the coast of the Carolinas, is 100% genuine and measures approximately 5" long. This specimen is accompanied with ...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other
Chupicuaro Redware Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This standing effigy figure was crafted in 300 BC from the ancient Chupicuaro region of Mexico and was likely used as a ritual or burial offering. The ceramic works of the Chupicuaro...
Category
Mexican Pre-Columbian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Tang Dynasty Pottery Lokapala Tomb Figure
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful Chinese red clay pottery tomb figure from the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907). Guarding a dignitary or decorated soldier; these figures stood guard for over a thousand years surviving to decorate your home collection of ancient artistic and cultural artifacts. Original Polychromed red and gray paint pigments still present.
Chinese Buddhist guardian statues made of earthenware and pigments, from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), dated to the late 7th to first half of the 9th century.
The foreign facial features of this brilliantly sculpted guardian figure is evidence of the strong Western presence in Tang-dynasty China. Originating in the Lokapala deity of the Buddhist religion, which came to China from the West, this type of armored tomb guardian...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Fossilized Wood Cross-Section
Located in London, GB
Fossilised wood fragment displaying vibrant streaks of browns, reds, blues and yellows. This is a magnificent example of the results of a fossilisation process known as permineralization.
In the right environment over great lengths of time, buried wood tissue permeated by minerals transported in water can transform into fossils.
This particular example has fossilised over a copper deposit, resulting in bright inclusions of copper minerals that manifest as impressive streaks of blue, yellow, green and red. This distinctive coloration is unique to Colla wood...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other
Large onyx canoe bowl with craquelet effect
Located in London, GB
An exceptional, large bowl of canoe-like shape, carved from a single piece of Mexican onyx and polished to reveal the gorgeous translucence and banding that have made the stone desir...
Category
Mexican Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Onyx
Small Song Dynasty Carved Wood Bodhisattva, 13th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A small and very fine Chinese carved sandalwood figure of a bodhisattva, possibly Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin), Song Dynasty (960 to 1276), circa 13th ...
Category
Chinese Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Greek Terracotta Female Head, C. 3rd - 2nd Century Bc
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Greek terracotta female head, c. 3rd - 2nd Century BC, her head slightly tilted to her left, features hair styled back in waves. Mounted on black wood base. Ex Royal Athena Galleri...
Category
Greek Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Clay
390 Gram Magnificent Aquamarine Specimen Bunch From Skardu, Pakistan
By Deloris "Dee" Giltz 1
Located in Peshawar, PK
390 Gram Magnificent Aquamarine Specimen Bunch From Skardu, Pakistan
Weight: 390 Gram
Dimension: 10 x 5.9 x 3.5 Cm
Origin: Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan Province, Pakistan
Aq...
Category
Pakistani Adam Style Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Rock Crystal
An Outstanding, Highly Important Fossilised Tree
Located in Scorton, GB
A masterpiece of nature that will transform your space into a sanctuary of palaeontological expression. A remarkable piece of natural history that began its journey aeons ago, when a...
Category
Malagasy Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Egyptian Fragment of a Seated Man - Ancient Egypt, 26th Dynasty (664-525 BC)
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Egyptian Fragment of a Seated Man
Limestone - polychromy
Ancient Egypt, 26th Dynasty (664-525 BC)
Most likely from the tomb of Montw-m-H3t
Provenanc...
Category
Egyptian Egyptian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Amethyst shell-like geode
Located in London, GB
Beautiful section of an amethyst geode, unusually thin in cross section and resembling a shell with gorgeous deep purple amethyst lining.
Origin : Artigas, Uruguay
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Han Dynasty Pottery Mythical Bixie Beast TL Tested
Located in Dallas, TX
A Large Chinese Pottery Mythical Creature Figure from the Han Dynasty
China. Western Han Dynasty Circa 25 - 220
TL tested estimated age 1800 years old (+/- 200) by Artemis Testing ...
Category
Chinese Han Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Stunning Very Large Amethyst Cluster with Agate and White Quartz
Located in London, GB
This is an extraordinarily large half geode with a vibrant color. The interior of the piece reflects the beauty of a natural wonder, due to its intensely deep purple amethyst crystals.
The edges of the geodes have been polished, revealing a vibrant combination of grey/blue agate, pink jasper...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
French Medieval Carved Stone Fragment Depicting A Dragon/ Mythical Figure
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing period piece. Beautiful hand-carved fragment depicting a dragon / mythical creature. Once had its place in wall of a medieval church or chapel in the South of France. Weather...
Category
French Medieval Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Important Sedes Sapientiae Virgin and Child also called "Throne of Wisdom"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
IMPORTANT SEDES SAPIENTIAE VIRGIN AND CHILD
ALSO CALLED « THRONE OF WISDOM »
ORIGIN: FRANCE, BURGUNDY
PERIOD: EARLY 13th CENTURY
Height : 75 cm
Len...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Oak
Mantelliceras Fossil Ammonite On Steel Mount
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
The latest edition to arrive at THE FOSSIL STORE™ is our famous and exquisite series of Mantelliceras ammonites presented on our designed swivel mount. The newly prepared Mantellicer...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Limestone, Stainless Steel
Soledade Meteorite Slice // 389 Grams
Located in New York, NY
This hefty approximately over 4.5 billion year old Soledade iron meteorite slice features a prominent, unique iron nickel etching. This octahedrite was discovered in 1986 as a 68 kg ...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other, Iron, Nickel
Roman Marble Head of a Satyr
Located in London, GB
Head of a Satyr
Roman, circa 2nd - 3rd century AD
Carved and highly polished marble
An extremely fine marble head of a satyr, depicted with ivy wreath, curly hair and pointed goat’s ear, the full lips slightly parted to reveal the creature’s clenched teeth.
The head was once part of a relief with visible fragmentation on the left side. Almost completely worked in the round and carefully polished, the skill of the sculptor is particularly remarkable given the confined working space available for a relief carving, such as this.
The Roman Imperial Period marked the expansion of the political and cultural influence of the Roman Empire. The period began with the reign of Augustus in 27 BC, immediately following Caesar’s assassination which ultimately ended Rome’s time as a republic. Soon after, Augustus’ defeat of Anthony and...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Genuine Hollardops Mesacristata Trilobite on Matrix (1.7 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
Trilobites, an early arthropod relative of spiders, horseshoe crabs, and scorpions, preserved in this level of detail only occurred as a result of very sudden underwater landslides c...
Category
Moroccan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Cement, Other
Fossil Marine Mosasaur of The Cretaceous Period
Located in Scorton, GB
A wonderful example of a Cretaceous mosasaur. The original Halisaurus arambourgi mosasaur mandibles and vertebrae, measuring 2.9ft, include a well-preserved, near-complete skull, low...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Fossil Marine Fish Skull Brychaetus Muelleri
Located in Scorton, GB
A highly important and scientifically rare discovery of a wonderfully preserved bony fish skull that displays distinctive mandibles and fully articulated skeletal maxillary with elon...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Tomb Attendants with Zodiac Animals
Located in Dallas, TX
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Ming Dynasty.
A fabulous set of two mould-made, glazed ceramic zodiac figures. Each wearing long draping gowns of rich green, yellow and orange hues. Each figure ...
Category
Chinese Ming Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Spectacular Citrine: Polished Perfection from Brazil
Located in London, GB
Feast your eyes on this breathtaking polished citrine from Brazil, a true marvel of natural artistry. This stunning specimen boasts remarkable transparency, allowing the rich brownis...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Quartz
15th Century Burgundian Low-Relief Depicting Scenes of the Nativity
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Provenance : In the same private collection for several generations, Burgundy.
The canonical Gospels describe briefly the episode of the Nativity. It comprises three parts :
• The Preludes : the Journey to Bethlehem, the Census
• The Nativity
• The Announce to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi
Only the Gospel according to Matthew (2, 1-12) speaks about the Adoration of the Magi. Staying vague about their number it does say they brought the newborn gold, incense and myrrh. The apocryphals, the fathers of the Church and many other authors have filled in the gaps of the evangelic tale. The sobriety and symbolic of the story have been a huge inspiration to artists. Although one of the oldest depictions of the Adoration of the Magi dates from the 2nd century the theme became very popular in Christian art during the late 14th century. One of the reasons explaining this success is that it celebrates both the Virgin and Christ at the same time.
This important walnut panel is carved in a strong relief and depicts the different steps of the story of Jesus’ birth.
On the left, the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph from Bethlehem are depicted behind a trough. On the thatch roof appears the star that would guide the magi to the place of birth of Jesus.
Mary is wearing a veil and is seating on a bed. She holds her baby at arm’s length to present him to the magi. Saint Joseph is by her side. The old man is holding a cane in his left hand while from the right hand he seems to uncover himself to greet the visitors.
A woman assists to the scene.
In front of the holy family the three magi stand behind one another to pay their homage to the newborn.
The first magi has a pointed beard. He is already kneeling out of deference and has placed his crown to his feet. He gives the baby a hanap filled with gold coins. This is Melchior as the legend describes him with white hair and a long beard.
Caspar, the second magi bears a cup of incense. He is looking at the third magi and with his right hand he points to the star that has guided them there. He has a short beard and wears crakow shoes, breeches and a wide sleeved doublet.
Finally Balthazar, the elegant last magi proceeds proudly towards the holy family with his one hand on the saber’s hilt and the other holding a cup. He brings the divine child the myrrh. He probably just dismounted as the horse can be seen behind him.
The scene is set in a very detailed and narrative decor. In the right part of the panel the shepherd receive the announce of Jesus’ birth. An angel comes down from heaven with a scroll bearing the good news in his hands. The herding dog sleeps peacefully while sheeps graze. At the top of the cliff we notice the gilded sheeps enclosure.
The panel’s moulded frame is carved with a foliated decor. In it’s centre appears a coat-of-arms. It is the alliance of the three magi’s arms. Indeed as it was common for legendary figures the three of them received imaginaries coat-of-arms. Thus, on a field of azure stands a star for Melchior, a crescent for Caspar and a pennon for Balthazar.
This high-relief panel is undeniably the work of a very skilled and imaginative artist. This key moment in the New Testament is transposed to a contemporary environment thanks to the figures’ clothing and the rural daily life scene. This way the universal dimension of the episode is highlighted allowing a better understanding for the contemporaries.
The sculptor has represented the episodes of the Adoration of the Magi and the Announce to the Shepherd with great talent and numerous details giving life to a picturesque and narrative scene. The important traces of polychromy give those already very animated scenes a stronger pictorial power and a rich dynamism.
Because of the picturesque and familiar realism so dear to the artists of the late Medieval era, of the didactic function of this type of panel as well as the quality of the sculpture this piece is an astounding example of Burgundian art of the 15th century.
Literature
Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...
Category
French Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Virgin and Child in Majesty, also known as "Sedes Sapientae"
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
VIRGIN AND CHILD IN MAJESTY, ALSO KNOWN AS "SEDES SAPIENTIAE"
ORIGIN : SPAIN, CATALOGNE
PERIOD: EARLY 13th CENTURY
Height : 95 cm
Width : 32 cm
Depth : 28 cm
Softwood
No polychromy
In the middle of the 12th century, the Virgin took her place in churches, seated in Majesty, serving as a throne for her son Jesus. She is then called Sedes Sapientiae, meaning the Throne of Wisdom.
At that time, she is not represented for herself and only exists because she has been designated as Theotokos, the mother of God, at the Council of Ephesus in 431, where the divine nature of Christ was proclaimed from his birth.
The upright and perfectly hieratic bust of this Virgin and Child in Majesty is seated on a throne-bench. She is dressed in a tunic with a rounded neckline and covered with a fine mantle placed on her narrow shoulders. The supple and natural drapery follows the lines of the body.
Large curls frame her face with delicate and regular features, a long straight nose, almond-shaped eyes, and small lips.
She supports the Infant Jesus with her left hand. Like his mother, he is dressed in a long tunic, and his little feet are visible in the folds. He holds a small sphere in his left hand, while with his right hand, he gestures in blessing. The face of Christ bears a strong resemblance to his mother’s one, and he gives a slight smile.
The position of the Child is no longer as hieratic, nor frontal or central as in the early 12th century, but his face still turns towards the faithful.
The 13th century indeed emerges as a period of transition in the artistic domain. The statuary, while retaining certain characteristics still belonging to the habits of the previous century, also develops new formal solutions.
As a result, Mary maintains a hieratic and frontal position, while her son shifts to place himself well to the left on her knee. Similarly, while the Virgin seems perfectly still, Jesus, on the other hand, appears much more animated, especially in the positioning of his hands. His left hand holds the orb, and judging by the raised right arm directed towards the faithful, one can easily imagine that he was making a gesture of blessing.
The influence of the Sedes Sapientiae from previous centuries still seems particularly prevalent in this work.
These few characteristics allow dating this Spanish Virgin...
Category
Spanish Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Etruscan Sculpture Head, 4th Century B.C., Italy
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Etruscan sculpture head made with terracotta, the art represents a young man from the 4th century. It's a very decorative piece and the stat...
Category
Italian Classical Greek Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Genuine Seymchan Pallasite Meteorite Slab (1.5 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
The pallasites are a class of stony–iron meteorite. It consists of centimeter-sized olivine crystals of peridot quality in an iron-nickel matrix. Coarser metal areas develop Widmanst...
Category
Russian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other, Iron
Dazzling Triangular Pyrite
Located in London, GB
This stunning piece of Pyrite from Peru, often referred to as "Fool's Gold," is a remarkable example of nature's craftsmanship. The specimen features a unique triangular shape that e...
Category
Mexican Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Quartz, Pyrite
Genuine Polished Orthoceras Fossil Statue (24.5 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
Orthoceras ("straight horn") is a slender, elongate shells with the middle of the body chamber transversely constricted, and a subcentral orthochoanitic siphuncle. This is a very lar...
Category
Unknown Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other
Genuine Mosasaurus Tooth in Display Case (197.4 grams)
Located in New York, NY
This huge, Museum-quality Mesosaurus tooth is genuine, completely intact with no repairs and in pristine condition. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservation a...
Category
Egyptian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other
Amethyst Geode with Several Mineral Crystal Formations Inside
Located in London, GB
Resembling an infinity sign, this whole geode is a stunning and rich piece, full of mineralogical information. The outer layer is basalt, the interior amethyst crystals, and at the h...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Unusual Tang Dynasty Persian Horse Rider Statue, Silk Road Trader, TL Tested
Located in Greenwich, CT
A fine and unusual statue of standing horse with a Persian rider. Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) Silk Road trader from Persia, comes with Oxford authenticati...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Fossil Cambropallas Trilobite Surmounted Etched Brass stand
Located in Scorton, GB
AES Brass stand series brings you Cambropallas tellesto fossil now transformed with our elegant, innovated-designed stand series, an extraordinary Cambropallas tellesto fossil trilo...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Limestone, Brass
Collection of 7 Small Natural Mineral Specimens
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A striking collection of 7 mineral specimens in natural form sourced from an ex British private collection.
Each presented on exclusive custom display plinths, this collection showc...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Natural Fiber
Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Horse and Rider, TL Tested
Located in Austin, TX
A charming Tang dynasty painted pottery figure of a horse and mounted noble rider. TL tested by Oxford Authentication.
The horse portrayed standing fours...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Fossil Dinosaur Carcharodontosaurus Tooth
Located in Scorton, GB
An impressive 108mm (longest curvature) Carcharodontosaurus saharicus dinosaur tooth, known as the North African Tyrannosaurus rex for its formidable size. A noteworthy discovery fro...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Whole Ammonite Fossil with Druzy Chambers Jurassic Cretaceous #Z9A
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Madagascar
Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old
Dimensions: 7.75 × 6.5 × 1.75 in./ 19.5 × 16.5 × 4.5 cm
Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz/ 1.366 kg
Height on custom display...
Category
Malagasy Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Precious Stone
High Quality Half Amethyst Geode with Calcite Formation
Located in London, GB
A stunning half geode with an incredible amethyst and overlaid calcite formation at the bottom. The interior of the piece is a very deep cavity which presents very high-quality ameth...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Purple Half Geode Amethyst with Calcite Formations Shaped as Cathedral or Chapel
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning half geode with a shape often referred to by collectors as a “chapel” or “cathedral”, due to the elongated shape that occurred millions of years ago when trapped b...
Category
Uruguayan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Amethyst, Quartz
Genuine Large Canyon Diablo Iron Meteorite
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Canyon Diablo iron Meteorite in display box. This nickel-iron meteorite was found in the world famous Baringer crater (meteor crater) AZ, USA. Th...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other, Iron
Fossilized Turtle Skull
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully preserved fossilized turtle skull from the Kem Kem fossil formation in Morocco, exhibiting outstanding anatomical detail. The bone structure remains highly intact, with...
Category
Moroccan Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Other
Calycoceras Asiaticum Fossil Ammonite & Bronzed Stand
By Modenature
Located in Scorton, GB
THE FOSSIL STORE AES Bronze stand series is an excellent example of a double-sided Calycoceras asiaticum ammonite measuring 205mm. Now transformed into ...
Category
British Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Limestone, Bronze
Ancient Roman Marble Sculpture
Located in Round Top, TX
Ancient Roman marble sculpture. Includes custom iron stand. This is the real thing!
Category
Italian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Iron
Pair of Han Dynasty pottery Horses and Equestrian Riders
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category
Chinese Han Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Stunning Brazilian Elestial Smokey Quartz
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous sculptural piece of elestial quartz. So-called elestial quartz originates from Brazil and is admired for its three-dimensional quality and transparent-smokey appearance. A...
Category
Brazilian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Quartz
Tang Dynasty Sancai Glazed Pottery Horse TL Tested
By Tang Dynasty
Located in Dallas, TX
Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) Sancai glazed pottery horse TL Tested
The cream-glazed horse is naturalistically modelled standing on a rectangular base, with the mane, tail and hooves highlighted in amber glaze. The head is gracefully curved to the left, with a green and amber glazed saddle and blanket and foliate-shaped plaques detailed with moulded toads suspending from the trappings.
Measures: Height: 14.24 Inches (36.2 cm)
Width: 15.5 Inches (39.35 cm)
Depth: 6 Inches (15.2 cm)
Provenance: An English private collection, acquired in Hong Kong in the 1980s
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this item along with a lucite base.
Condition; Excellent with one repair to right side saddle blanket. Some remaining frustrations throughout with areas of oxidation and a fine craquelure throughout. A formidable piece that presents beautifully.
Notes: The present sancai horse...
Category
Chinese Tang Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Whole Ammonite Fossil, Mineral Specimen, Jurassic Cretaceous Period #S5C
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Madagascar
Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old
Dimensions: 9.25 × 8 × 2 in. / 23.5 × 20.5 × 5 cm
Weight: 5.55 lbs / 2.424 kg
In this example, the complex pa...
Category
Malagasy Other Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Precious Stone
Roman Marble Head of Sophocles
Located in London, GB
Roman Marble Head of Sophocles
Circa 1st-2nd Century
Marble
This fine Roman marble head preserves the proper left side of the face of a middle-aged man, with broad nose, soft lips, and bearded chin. The short beard and sideburns have been finely carved with a flat chisel, to render the soft, wavy strands of hair. The cheekbone, undereye, and nasolabial folds have been delicately modelled in the marble by a skilled hand. In a letter from 1975, the former director of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, suggested that the head could depict the Ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles.
Few figures in the Classical world stand aside Sophocles (c. 496-406 BC), inarguably the best known of the Athenian tragedians, in terms of the impact his works have had on the history of art and literature. The psychological depth he achieves in the seven of the 123 of his plays that have survived to the present day - most notably the three Theban plays: Antigone, Oedipus the King, and Oedipus at Colonus - not only inspired the Athenians, among whom Sophocles was honoured as a hero long after his death, but in our own time, have provoked landmark works on phychoanalysis and literary criticism, by thinkers like René Girard and, most famously, Sigmund Freud. In its masterful treatment of the marble this fragment sensitively captures the features of one of the most important playwrights of all time.
Height on stand: 7.9 inches (20 cm).
Provenance:
Collection of Danish sculptor Jens Adolf Jerichau...
Category
Classical Roman Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Collection of 5 Natural Mineral Specimens
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A varied and fascinating collection of 5 natural mineral specimens, ex. private British collection.
Each presented on an exclusive small painted display plinth, this group contains ...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Amethyst, Malachite, Multi-gemstone, Quartz
Fossil Dinosaur Tibia Leg Bone of Spinosaurus
Located in Scorton, GB
A Fossil Spinosaurus Dinosaur Tibia 2.3ft leg section in surmounted bronze AES stand.
Unearthed in the continental intercalaire, this 2.3-foot Spinosaurus tibia section highlights a ...
Category
North African Prehistoric Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Dominican Amber // 15-25 MYO
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
Dominican Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Resin
Antique Gothic Carved Limestone Model of a Madonna or Venus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique limestone carving.
Modeled as a Madonna.
With her head slightly tilted, holding an orb in one hand, and with her other hand resting on her breast.
By repute ...
Category
Unknown Gothic Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Ancient Cypriot Ceramic Sculpture of a Horse on Wood Plinth Base
Located in New York, NY
This mysterious Ancient Cypriot Ceramic Sculpture of a Horse on Wood Plinth Base originates from Cyprus, 4th Century BCE. Features a beautifully sculpted form with carefully graduate...
Category
Cypriot Egyptian Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Spectral Symphony: Multi-Colored Fluorite from the USA
Located in London, GB
Behold the dazzling beauty of this multi-colored fluorite specimen from the USA, featuring a rich palette of violet hues interspersed with transparent areas and edges adorned with a ...
Category
American Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Crystal, Quartz
Grand Scale 15th Century Solid Hand Carved Stone Male Statue
Located in Larkspur, CA
Grand scale 15th century solid hand-carved stone male statue. Source of origin Bhutan.
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Sculptures
Materials
Stone
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