Gilt Sculptures

Pair of Continental Carved and Polychromed Wooden Cornucopias, 19th Century These finely carved and polychromed wooden cornucopias exemplify the enduring symbolic power of the horn of plenty in European decorative arts. Each composition is rendered in high relief, the ribbed horn issuing an abundant cascade of fruit and vegetables—pomegranates, grapes, melons, pumpkins, gourds, citrus, corn, and floral sprays—arranged with exuberant Baroque fullness. Now mounted on forged iron bases for display, the pair measures 20" high × 28" wide × 3.5" deep, including stands 12.5" x 6" (carvings alone 28" wide × 17" high × 3.5" deep). The Cornucopia in History Originating in antiquity, the cornucopia (Latin cornu copiae) was first associated with Amalthea, the goat who suckled the infant Zeus, whose horn became a miraculous source of nourishment. In Roman culture it was carried by deities of abundance—Fortuna, Abundantia, and Ceres—as an emblem of civic prosperity and the cycles of nature. Revived in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the cornucopia became a favored motif in architecture, painting, and decorative arts, symbolizing divine blessing, seasonal plenty, and the wealth of the natural world. Iconography of the Fruits and Vegetables The profusion of produce is not merely decorative but encodes symbolic meanings rooted in both classical and Christian traditions: Pomegranates—fertility, eternal life, and resurrection. Grapes—festivity, vintage, and the Eucharistic blood of Christ. Melons and Watermelon Slices—sensual abundance, refreshment, and ephemeral pleasure. Pumpkins and Gourds—autumn harvest, transformation, and the cycles of plenty. Corn (Maize)—sustenance and prosperity, reflecting New World influence on European symbolism. Citrus Fruits—health, luxury, and Mediterranean prosperity. Floral Sprays—seasonal beauty and the transience of life, underscoring vanitas themes common in still-life art. This allegorical language aligns the carvings with the broader European tradition of abundance imagery found in still-life painting, silverwork, and architectural ornament. Continental Style and Possible Origin The sculptural density, dramatic overlapping of forms, and naturalistic rendering suggest a Continental origin, likely Austrian, German, or Italian, c. late 19th century. While Swedish decorative carving of the same era tends toward flatter surfaces and folk stylization, these examples embody a more theatrical Baroque and Rococo inheritance, later enhanced with a polychrome or silver-toned surface to heighten their decorative impact. Originally conceived as architectural appliqués...

A large rare pair of 19th century Meissen Chinoiserie style Nodding Pagoda Figures with Movable Head, Hand and Tongue, known as a "Nodder'. This Unusual...

A magnificent and important gilded bronze and Onyx centrepiece dating to around 1880. The beautifully cast base is made from bronze and covered in gold. The theme is highly sought...

Introducing an extraordinary and complete collection of Twelve English silver and silver-gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas" gift boxes, presented...

A large and rare antique Austrian gilded bronze desk set/sculpture, modeled as a Pug dogs with her two puppies, documented, circa 1910. To the center i...

These chunky chenets make no bones about their Romantic lineage and exhibit all of the passion you’d expect from artisans working in the period 1830 to 1848. Here, a nice yin-and-yan...

An exceptionally large and rare French Art Deco original bronze sculpture circa 1927 by a well known artist Georges Lavaroff (1895-1991) It's quite uncommon to find this very large size and notably featuring the silver and parcel gilt finish. The artwork features a majestic female nude, adorned with a stylized cloak in alternating stripes of gold and silver, which showcases a pyramid shape. The Egyptian goddess is depicted as an undraped figure with arms outstretched above her head, holding a crescent moon. She wears a north star headdress that adds to her regal appearance. The cloak is embellished with stars and a comet, and the female figure rests on a bed of stylized clouds. The sculpture is presented on its original black and gold marble base. All of these attributes add to the uniqueness and value of the artwork, making it even more remarkable and sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. Water bottle shown for scale. Documentation : Les bronzes Art Deco de Georges Lavaroff, sculpteur Russe a Paris 1930 Kastelyn et Mazzucotelli. Georges Lavaroff was born in Sibera in 1895. He studied medicine and painting. After the revolution of 1917 he moved to Moscow and became a member of the Russian artists association where he began to exhibit his work and take part in shows as a member of the Association of artists of Revolutionary Russia. He then worked in France from 1927 until 1935. This period was the richest point of his profession where he produced his most famous works of Art Deco figures...

Beautiful polychrome porcelain crucifix from the Meissen factory, one of the oldest and most prestigious European porcelain manufacturers. The brand...

Japanese Contemporary porcelain beckoning cat, a uniquely and intricately gilded and hand painted porcelain piece from the Kutani region of Japan. The cat raising his left paw is adorned with multiple golden medallions and is covered with raised loops characteristic of the Kutani “mori” style. While the origins of the Japanese beckoning cat are unclear, contemporary woodblock...

French Gilt Bronze Figural Sculpture, 19th century, depicting a classically draped standing female with raised arm, on a green marble base. 15.25" H x 7" W x 4.75" D.

18th century Italian carved giltwood head of an angel. Hand carved with a vivid expression and just amazing hair. A peg on the reverse for attachment to a larger relief or group scul...

A fine pair of French 19th-20th century Louis XV style figural gilt bronze Putti torchere table lamps on a Rouge Royal base. Each figure representi...

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 wood bases. The fragments come...

Transform your space with this breathtaking Italian figural standing candelabra floor lamp, a masterpiece of early 20th-century European craftsmanship. Exuding elegance and sophistic...

Wall plate by the Danish designer Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal made of metal wall mounted sheet lacquered in black and gilt with glass faceted frosted Art Glass.Limited edition from ...

Magnificent 21st Century English Carved Lapis Lazuli Sculpture, ''On A Golden Pond'', by Frempire. A superb quality, contemporary model of a Horse carved in the round from Lapis La...

Coppia di Cavalli in Bronzo Sculture Grand Tour dell' Inizio 1800,  figure di cavalli rampanti di origine italiana, fusioni in bronzo a patina scura poggianti su basi lignee, tornit...

Diminutive Grand Tour bronze 'Balancing Faun' on marble pedestal Italy, The sculpture circa 1890, the marble pedestal later addition 20th C A small well executed bronze sculpture...

Classical Gilt and Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Greek Woman, 20th century, the standing figure adjusting her dress, on a square plinth. 31.5" H x 8.5" W x 8.5" D.

A Magnificent and Quite Rare English Asprey Signed Orientalist Motif Masterpiece with Dessert Palm Tree and Parcel-Gilt Silver Camels having Diamond Eyes. Gorgeously constructed in ...

A pair of antique Italian angels carrying a cornucopia, two exclusive Baroque polychrome hand painted and hand carved giltwood armorial sculptures dating back to late 17th century and coming from an private villa of Siena, a Tuscan city in Central Italy. This pair of hand carved, painted and gilded Cembran pinewood figurative sculptures represent two standing angels...

Decorate a shelf in an office or study with this elegant two-tone antique bronze composition. Created in France circa 1890, the composition depicts two young kids kneeling and reading a large book together. The large art work...

A Very Large 19th century Meissen porcelain Group of Russian Calvary General, believed to be Mikhail Kutuzov, the hero of Borodino, with aide de camp, marked with the Meissen underglaze blue crossed swords, and incised and impressed with numbers. While Russia endured great hardships during Napoleon's invasion, it was the skill of her general's and a terrible Russian winter...

A beautifully cast late 19 century French bronze statue by Emile Picault of a classically draped winged maiden on clouds holding a tablet inscribed "La Reconnaissance est La Memoire ...

Pair of 19th century Italian hand-carved and gilded angel wings on calcite crystal points in matrix. The pair hand-carved gilded and gilded angel wings are originally from a histor...

A fabulous pair of French Mid-Century Modern Louis XVI style and Bagues style cockatoo-form rock crystal and 24k gilt metal wall appliques/sconces. Each of these sconces is modeled a...

A Pair of Early 1900s fine bronze & marble Sacred Heart busts. Jesus & Mary, A devotional duo in gilded bronze. This graceful pair of antique busts, crafted around the early 1900s, ...

An important, extremely rare, and rather large 18th century Meissen Porcelain Group of a Thalia with a Harlequin Child, By Johann Joachim (J.J.) Kändler, Circa: 1744. This is an incredible and extremely rare 18th century Meissen Porcelain piece modeled by the greatest Meissen modeler ever in the Company, Johann Joachim (J.J.) Kändler. Thalia can be seen seated on a gorgeous hand-carved and hand-painted flowered and vined porcelain pedestal. Her right arm is raised holding a Phantom of the Opera Black and White Mask, while in her other arm is a young Harlequin dancing and singing holding a hat. Thalia is wearing a gilt-edged dark blue bodice with white floral decorations over a black corset draped in a red-over-yellow robe...

Amazing and impressive hand crafted gilt bronze work of lighting art. This great quality and heavy bronze chandelier has the most beautiful shape and golden color. In fact, in real life the color of this unique pendant is just as golden as the chandeliers or other artefacts that you find in churches. The two stunning pairs of handcrafted mythological creatures...

Turquoise Blue Hand Ceramic Abstract Horse Sculpture Decorative Ancient Pixiu Glazed Home Decor In tradition Anahita, the Persian goddess associated with water, fertility, and wisd...

This pair of intricately hand carved and hand painted Foo dogs are believed to have made in the mid-20th century in the Imperial style. The dogs are composed of a softwood which have...

18th century Italian gilded angel wing mounted on a polished yellow hematoid heart and adorned with baroque pearls. The piece is inspired by "The Sacred Heart" in Catholic art histor...

Elegant 17th century frieze in gilded wood, very rich, mounted on a simple plexiglass base: to be admired. ref. O/3325 .

A very graceful and whimsical bronze of a young gal balanced on one foot and balancing a ball in her hand. Her costume is especially part of the fun of the statue and is highlighted ...

Rare and artistic pair of gilt bronze picture frames. If you are an antiques enthousiast and you also enjoy looking at the most majestic beast in the animal kingdom then you will lo...

A large early 18th century carved gilt wood eagle, mounted on a square red velvet covered plinth. Originally used as a lectern adornment, this archite...

This authentic Art Deco bronze sculpture depicts a graceful nude dancer holding a Thyrsus, created by the renowned French artist Pierre Le Faguays around 1930. Cast in gilt and patin...

Patinated bronze and parcel-gilt classical sculpture by Levêque French, Late 19th Century Height 60cm, width 24cm, depth 24cm This elegant neoclassical bronze sculpture is by the Fr...

A gorgeous classic decorative Statue or Miniature Sculpture. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of a kind of metal, we think it's bronze or brass. Very decorativ...

Stunning and small six light chandelier with gilt bronze cherub and swan sculptures. This top quality made, 19th century candle pendant or small chandelier could be perfect for you...

A striking pair of Japanese gilt bronze komainu by the renowned Japanese sculptor, Ishikawa Komei (1852-1913), Meiji period, Japan. The pair well cast, and robustly modeled. They ar...

Circe Italian Neoclassical Sculpture of Early 1800s the figure is a fascinating depiction of the Goddess Circe, made in Italy in the early 19th century. The pine wood carving and ebo...

A large, tall Thai standing carved teak wood Buddha, lacquered and gilt, with hand raised in abhaya mudra, far Northern Thailand or possibly Laos, early 20th century. Near life-siz...

A fine pair of carved and polychrome-painted Baroque style wooden putti. Each putto is seated on a gilt and scrolled pedestal base. One holds a lute, the other a shawm, both with swe...

An unusual Japanese carved wood, lacquer, and gilt decorated portrait sculpture of a shogun, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The unidentified shogun (possibly Tokugawa Iey...

17th Century Italian polychromed and gold gilded on wood panel Sienese style painting of the Madonna Enthroned with the child and two adoring angels behind them. The halos are beautifully adorned with punch work. She is framed by a hand-carved gold gilded and velvet lined frame and sitting on a hand-carved matching base. The piece is mounted on a Lucite panel and framed with a contemporary hand-finished wood molding.

A Fine French 19th/20th Century Patinated Bronze Figure titled “Lutin des Bois” (Woodland Fairy or Elf) after Luca Madrassi (Italian, 1869-1914). The beautifully executed slender fig...

A Monumental and Rare 19th Century French Ormolu Mounted Multi-Marble Bust of Alexander The Great, After The Model by Francois Girardon. Drawing inspiration from the renowned "Bust of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC)" housed in the esteemed Palace of Versailles, this monumental work of art showcases exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, serving as a testament to the creator's artistic prowess. Central to this magnificent sculpture is the resplendent red marble face, neck, and hair of Alexander the Great. Capturing the youthful essence of the conqueror, the sculptor depicts him as a young man with a clean-shaven countenance, his moderately long curls delicately cascading from beneath a remarkably unadorned helmet, save for a magnificent plume. The red marble harmoniously accentuates the life-like features of Alexander, imparting an air of regal elegance to the composition. Adding to the allure of this remarkable sculpture is an ormolu robe cascading over Alexander's shoulders, exuding an aura of nobility and power. Of particular note, the breastplate bears an embossed ormolu mask of a deity in profile, surrounded by elegantly sweeping acanthus leaves, paying homage to the influential forces that shaped the life of this great conqueror. Once again, the sublime combination of precious metal and marble amplifies the robe's magnificence, further accentuated by the presence of an ormolu body chain swaying gracefully from Alexander's left shoulder to his right hip. The selection of marbles for the cuirass and plinth serves as an additional testament to the artist's commitment to crafting a visually striking and harmonious composition. The grey marble cuirass complements the overall color scheme of the bust while providing a subtle contrast to the red marble features. At the neck, a pleated ormolu linen undergarment discreetly peeks out, showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to intricate details and enhancing the sculpture's depth. The original Alexander The Great Bust...

From the 1700s through the early 1800s, European aristocrats developed a fascination with ancient Egyptian culture and design that culminated in a full Egyptian Revival. Prominent figures such as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned rooms decorated with Egyptian motifs. This cultural moment reflects a fascination with a sophisticated civilization of great artists and pharaohs. The Regency era possessed very little knowledge of the Great Pyramids or hieroglyphics, a quality that lent Egyptian art interpretation a compelling air of mystique. This English Regency period gilt carving depicts a popular figure of borrowed Egyptian motif: the Sphinx. Recognized among educated circles as a symbol of brilliance in the ancient past, the Sphinx was well-known as a mythological creature who destroys those who failed to answer her riddle. Such a piece as this, excellent in detail and craftsmanship, may have once graced the mantle of a gentleman’s study or been exchanged as a gift between British scholars. The beautiful gold surface has been achieved by an artful combination of gilt and gesso; the art enthusiast will appreciate the intricate texture realized in the carving’s hair and tail as well as the delicate detailing of the saddle. Borrowing from the Egyptians, the Greeks had their own interpretation of the Sphinx. Greek mythology chronicled the Sphinx as being the daughter of Orthous and Chimera or Laius and attributed the riddles, which she proposed, as having been taught to her by the Muses. Crowned with a Grecian diadem and having a refined expression, she evokes an ancient yet reserved intellect. For the modern-day enthusiast of classical Greek art...

A French Jockey à Cheval tabletop sculpture from the Napoleon III period crafted in gilt and patinated bronze, depicting a jockey and his faithful horse in fine detail. The piece re...

Late 19th century Napoléon III gilt bronze sculpture of Putti and champlevé bowl with marble base, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, paint, enamel, stone, mar...

These art deco bronze gilt and marble base sphinxes bookends are a stunning example of the elegance and sophistication of the art deco era. Crafted wit...

More information coming soon… Dating to circa 1965, this gilt bronze wild boar head is well-detailed. The wall-mounted French sculpture could also be used as a base for a desk lamp.

Polychrome and gilt papier-mâché Religious Madonna and child depicting the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Figures stand on a gilt rectangular base with painted description by the a...

18th century Italian station of the cross on calcite crystals in matrix with a natural-forming baroque pearl. This is the second station of the cross in a group of 14 and originall...

Pair of antique Meissen porcelain figures of Malabar musicians German, Late 19th Century Woman: Height 33cm, width 13cm, depth 11cm Man: Height 32cm, width 20cm, depth 11cm Expertly crafted in the late 19th century by the artists at Meissen, the figures depict a charming pair of Malabar musicians. The design of this pair is after models by Friedrich Elias Meyer (German 1723–1785), an artist at Meissen. The figure of a lady is playing the hurdy-gurdy and the moustached man the guitar. Both figures are wearing a pale straw hat, their bodies covered by a maroon-coloured and fur lined jacket...

A delightful and mischievous pair of Japanese carved and lacquered wood Inari foxes, kitsune, dated Showa year twenty six, corresponding to 1951, Japan. The...

Sculpture skull golden youth. Skull made in marble dust resin and chromed in gold finish. With head piece decorated with different golden youth symbols. Champagne bottle, Minnie M...

Majestic Gilt Brass Rooster Cock Figurines, Set 2, France, 1960s. Highly detailed gilded brass rooster figurines. Vintage figurines have a classic design and are handmade from natu...

A pair of carved and gilded consoles from the 18th century with their original gilding Height 23 cm, width 20 cm, depth 13 cm, each