15th Century and Earlier Sculptures

A masterpiece of nature that will transform your space into a sanctuary of palaeontological expression. This remarkable piece of natural history that began its journey millions of ye...

This gorgeous large quartz crystal sits on a bed of rough crystalline matrix. A large piece is wonderfully sculptural. This piece was legally and ethically sourced. Place of ori...

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

A remarkable and rare fragment of ancient Roman glass, dating from the 1st to 4th century AD. The glass is preserved in excellent condition and displays a stunning natural iridescent...

Huge Brazilian Golden Rutile Smoky quartz Weighs 29 lbs. Double Terminated Point Offered for sale is a very large scale Brazilian Golden Rutile Smoky quartz specimen with double ter...

Petrified Conifer Slab Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle Tree) Triassic Period Chinle Formation Arizona, USA A stunning over 200 million year old petrified conifer slab, featuring a m...

Antique Large Solid Stone Ammonite on Handcrafted Iron Stand Featuring Fascinating Ridged Surface Dimensions: 26"W X 5"D X 27.5"H

A fine early Thai Lopburi figure of a crowned and adorned Buddha, cast bronze, mid-13th century. The unusual figure of the Buddha sits in virasana upon a stylized lotus pedestal. He is dressed in the traditional monastic robes, but also adorned with a crown and jewelry, including earrings, a necklace, and jeweled belt. His hands in an atypical combination of mudras. His right hand in bhumisparsha mudra, reaching down to touch the earth, while his left hand held somewhat outwards, seemingly in varada mudra, the gesture of granting favours or wishes. The palm of his outstretched hand marked with the dharmachakra, the Wheel of the Law, representing Buddhist teaching. The bronze with a beautiful silvery patina. Lopburi was an independent Mon kingdom with strong ties to the Khmer Angkor...

This beautifully preserved Crinoid fossil showcases intricate arm structures radiating from a compact calyx, all naturally embedded in sandstone matrix. With distinct detail and orga...

Libyan Desert Glass Circa 29 Million y/o Height: 9.5 cm A beautiful, tactile piece of yellow glass, found between the high crested dunes of the Libyan De...

Madagascar Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old Dimensions: 8.75 × 7.5 × 1.875 in. / 22 × 19 × 4.75 cm Weight: 4.125 lbs / 2.169 kg Height on custom display ...

A delightful carved sandstone sculpture of an unidentified male deity, Khmer, Angkor Period, style of the Baphuon, 11th century. The smil...

An exquisite Thai cast bronze Buddha head, Sukhothai kingdom, circa 15th century, Thailand. The Buddha's pleasing face, with its narrow, oval ...

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...

A collection of 40 polished specimen hardstone and marble eggs displaying a variety of minerals. Displayed in an oak stand with round brass feet, these beautiful eggs include lepido...

Black Glazen Column Krater mid-4th century BC, Apulia With broad avoid body on a short echinus foot and thick mouth. The two handles form loops around the...

A large fossil of a prehistoric Cladocyclus fish sourced from an ex private British collection. Discovered in Brazil, this impressive piece of natural history has been preserved by ...

This genuine Burmese amber specimen dates back approximately 99 million years. Pieces like these are sometimes called a menagerie and this one contains s...

This rare natural amethyst stalactite specimen featuring an exceptional dual "flower" formation. This substantial piece showcases vibrant deep purple crystal growth with concentric f...

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...

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...

This small geode of lilac coloured amethystine quartz with several rhombohedral calcites at the front and red druze / blackish goethite accents. This piece was legally and ethica...

Mankind has loved hematite for its sleek beauty and red undertones since its first discovery. It has been utilized as a reddening pigment by the ancient Egyptians, mined by the Etrus...

This impressive bust is depicted with head turned slightly to the right and gaze lifted. His eyes are articulated, with the pupils indicated with a drill, giving the face a striking realism. The shoulders are draped with a cloak. Straight brows sit beneath a mass of thickly curling hair, which continues to a full beard. It is worked with great skill, evident in the heavy drill work articulating and highlighting the voluminous curls, and the highly polished surfaces, giving the appearance of soft skin. The contrast between these textures gives a chiaroscuro affect which is one of the main traits of the best Antonine busts. Roman marble portraits reached their apotheosis of craftmanship and technique under the Antonine emperors, as is evidenced in this masterful bust. The evolution of the style may be traced back to the emperor Hadrian, who was the first emperor to wear a full beard. The articulation of pupils and iris appears on busts of his lover Antinous, a novelty which continued in later Antonine portraits, such as this one. The features of this bust point to a possible identification of Emperor Lucius Verus...

Ammonites are an extinct group of marine cephalopods, resembling the modern nautilus. These fascinating creatures had a soft body with tentacles that emerged from a hollow, chambered...

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...

This rare fossil of a prehistoric fish is an impressive specimen originating from Brazil, preserved by time over millions of years. Mounted on a metal...

Brazilianite is a phosphate mineral loved for its brilliant color and gemlike crystals. Hues range from light-yellow to electric yellow-green, making it a favorite among specimen col...

Calcites are plentiful and can be found in numerous places on Earth, but their diversity of aesthetics and quality are just as varied. In fact, fine calcites are quite distinctive, a...

This rare Brannerion fossil specimen of a prehistoric fish is an impressive find from an ex private British collection. Believed to be from Brazil, t...

These stone sculpture fragments can be dated between the 12th and 13th century. They were finely sculpted by the Khmer people. The Khmer culture flourished between the 8th and 15th c...

This Gem grade, Amethyst Geode crystal Sculpture, resembles in shape and silhouette that of a shrouded woman holding a swaddled baby. And would work well in a Boho Chic Styled Interior. The Geode originates from Uruguay where they are mined from the same rock formation as their relatives just to the north across the border into southern Brazil, they are igneous (volcanic) in origin. Differentiated from its Brazilian relatives by it’s typically smaller crystal size and darker, deeper colour the Uruguayan amethyst...

This alien-looking trilobite, known as Ceratarges ziregensis, has a strikingly otherworldly appearance. It's difficult to believe that this creature once roamed the ancient seas. Fou...

A large-scale fossilised natural ammonite specimen from an ex UK private collection. Sourced from South Ferriby Quarry, Lincolnshire, this striking fossil is of prominent structure, ...

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...

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 ...

184.68 Gram Pretty Fadan Quartz Specimen From Balochistan, Pakistan Weight: 184.68 Gram Dimension: 6.2 x 6.6 x 5.3 Cm Origin: Balochistan, Pakistan What is special about quartz?...

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...

Black Glazen column krater, mid-4th century BC, Apulia. With broad avoid body on a short echinus foot and thick mouth. The two handles form loops around t...

A large scale natural amethyst specimen originating from Brazil. Crystals from Brazil are most often found as radiating masses, with individual crystals appearing as pyramids, such a...

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

A spectacular naturally formed large polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar. Characterised by its iridescent colours...

An impressive and well carved Gandharan figure of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, carved black schist, ancient Kingdom of Gand...

Large white crystal quartz geode split into two halves each with a large naturally forming baroque pearl. Geodes are formed as gas bubbles within volcanic lava. Over time, the lava ...

An impressive half geode, this piece is composed of blue grey druze, with beautiful multiple stalactite formations. The edges of this beautiful mineralogical piece have been poli...

Conlinoceras Tarrantense Ammonite Fossil, 90 to 100 Million Years Old. A rare and highly sought after ammonite for collectors. The ammonite itself is somewhere between 5 and 6 inch...

Large Bolivian Amethyst Cluster Specimen Weighing 14.5 lbs. Offered for sale is a large Bolivian Amethyst Cluster example with gorgeous vibrant color and huge points. Bolivian amet...

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...

Madagascar Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old Dimensions: 10 × 8.25 × 2 in./ 25.5 × 21. x 5 cm Weight: 6.925 lbs / 2.984 kg Height on custom display stand:...

A natural piece of Petrified Wood set on a stand. Completely organic natural raw fossil, cleaned for display. The natural process for petrified wood to be created takes hundreds to...

An incredible and rare 15th century French carved limestone fragment depicting the back of a man's head with a wavy hair texture, and mounted on a c...

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...

12th century extremely rare romanesque wood sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Magnificent wood hand carved sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a book to her chest. It is an extremely rare survivor of the 12th century. The style is European, possibly French or English. This statue is a testimony to beautiful religious art from about 1150. A truly rare Romanesque sculpture...

Nice Self-Standing Ammonite Fossil, & Other Fossils, Emerging from Matrix. This intriquing specimen is about 95 million years old and was discovered / collected 50+ years ago in Fran...

This substantial formation consists of prominent white quartz crystals with a slight green tinge, laid over a bed of undulating stalactites. A small hon...

A striking and monumental crystal rock cluster sourced from Brazil, mounted on a custom black metal and stone base. This extraordinary specimen features dozens of pristine, elongate...

A large scale freestanding polished lapis lazuli freeform originating from Afghanistan, one of two similar naturally-formed lapis lazuli specimens we are selling. With its naturally...

Important Olmec figure of Olmec ethnic dignitary from the preclassic period (2500-200 BC) Important Olmec figure of dignitary of the Olmec ethnic group of...

A Roman Marble Sculpture of Hercules, Circa 1st / 2nd Century AD The sculpture is nude except for the draped Nemean lion skin. Provenance: Sotheby's London, December 14, 1981, lot ...

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...