Carved Decorative Objects

A 19th Century carved alabaster bust sculpture of a young girl with a frilled bonnet peeling an orange. After a work by Italian sculptor Pietro Giorgi. There is an old repaired crack...

Pipe Stem Head of an Oriental Man in Turban Hand-Carved Meerschaum Austria, Late XIX C. DIMENSIONS Length: 3.5 inches Width: 2.25 inches Height: 2.75 inches ABOUT A tobacco smok...

An antique 18th century Walnut Figural Statue of Saint Peter on a plinth Anonymous Northern Europe, probably Belgium; first-half of the 18th century Walnut Approximate size: 17 (h) x 4.25 (w) x 4.25 (d) in. The present sculpture, perfectly suited for a curiosity cabinet or English-European country styled home, was likely realized for a church side chapel or choir stall niche. The serious look of the saint’s face...

A wonderfully characterful hand-carved wooden pig, executed in a bold, rustic folk art style. The form is simplified yet expressive, with sturdy legs, a gently lowered head, and a so...

Pitcher ‘cantaros’ from Calanda, Aragon-Zaragoza area of Spain. A rare piece from a Private collection, circa 1890. Other examples can be seen in the Museo de Zaragoza. With gorgeous original patina, this jar features the characteristic charcoal-colored hand streaking typical of 18th and 19th century pottery from Calanda, as well as Classic sun symbols...

19th Century Neoclassical White Marble and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Set, circa 1860. 19th Century Neoclassical White Marble and Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock Set, circa 1860 A fine 19th Century French Neoclassical White Marble and Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Set with its original and exceptional movement. Bears the makers mark, Finot a Versailles. The dial supporting a reclining bronze classical muse on a rectangular white Carrara marble base decorated by a row of gilt bronze beads, the set rests on four feet. The cross in the hand of the bronze muse can be removed (see photos). This 19th Century figurative clock is very decorative, interesting for its technicality of the dial and provenance. The bronze feminine muse and its shape has a perfect patina and is a remarkable conversational piece. The garniture set are a pair of fine neoclassical bronze vases with brown and golden patina that rest on white Carrara marble embellished with gilt bronze figural handles...

Qing Dynasty large 23.75” canton famille rose Chinese porcelain vase with two panels of figures and horses, the sides with birds and flowers double pairs of dogs handles and 2 pairs ...

This large, antique earthenware olive oil jar was created in Biot, Provence, Southern France, circa 1760. Made of blond clay and neutral in color, the terracotta vase has a tradition...

Napoleon III Amphora shaped porcelain in the style of Sèvre vase with bronze parts.

Pair of 17th century Italian 'Florence Fragment' bases from Tuscany topped with polished ammonites and adorned with citron crystal quartz points. These fragments are from a church in...

1920-1930 three Hindu deities of the Siam, hand-carved exotic hardwood n. 1 measures cm: H 150, W 35, D 25 n.2 measure cm: H 102, W 35, D 25.

Pre-Columbian Jade Costa Rican Avian Effigy pendant Atlantic Watershed 500AD- 1500AD Material: Jade Measures: Length 9 inches Width 1 inches Depth .4 inch. Exquisite Costa Rican jade (axe god...

The shy semi-nude maiden, her hair in ringlets with rosette ornaments, is dressed in a loincloth with wings in relief and chains. She is wrapped in a long cloak that she holds out to...

Decorate a garden, courtyard, or poolside setting with this impressive antique stone eagle sculpture on its original base. Crafted in Southern Fra...

Pair of Male and Female Brass Antiqued Metal Verdi Green Finish Pheasant Bird Sculptures, Made in Korea Dimensions: Male: 13.5"W X 4"D X 5"H Female: 13.75"W X 4"D X 4.5"H

An expressively carved African wood female kneeling figure on staff with a display wood stand circa mid 20th century. The figural sculpture was an Ose Sango staff from Yoruba communi...

Bowl sculpted by hand from a solid block of Calacatta marble. Velvet finishing. Dimensions: Medium L 45 x W 22 x H 10 cm. Also available: Small L 35, W 17, H 8 cm. and Big L 56, W...

Decorate a chapel, study, or curated interior with this powerful antique religious sculpture, crafted in France circa 1860. Executed in terracotta, the composition depicts the Tenth ...

Rectangular Photo Frame in Gold-Plated 925/1000 Silver: Imagine a frame that frames your most precious memories with elegance and modernity. This frame is made of gold-plated 925/100...

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

An early 20th century tirolean hand-carved "Cirmolo" wood basin bowl, nice how centrepiece. Restored and finished shellac An important antique pi...

Two exquisite Japanese musha ningyo dolls, crafted as courtiers, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The older man can be identified as the h...

A Very Impressive Early 20th Century Italian Marble, Onyx and Alabaster Figural Sculpture Lamp by Professor Libero Gremigni The beautiful Art Deco figural lamp depicting an Egyptian...

Behold the epitome of elegance and craftsmanship: a square table box, meticulously crafted from gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver. This masterpiece features exquisite engravings a...

The base & hinged lid are fashioned from panels of porphyry, specifically that of ‘Rhomb’ Porphyry, which is a relatively rare volcanic rock with very distinctive phenocrysts (cr...

Pair of 18th century French Architectural carvings, ca. 1780.

18th century Italian fragment with fossil agate coral and Herkimer diamonds on a lucite base. Fossil agate coral is mounted on top of the artifact. Fossil agate coral is Florida's s...

This French Art Deco cameo glass vase was created by Charles Schneider (1881–1958) for his Le Verre Francais line. The vase in the “Cardamines” cutting was produced from 1924-1927. A...

Vintage Overscale Geometric Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl Offered for sale is a large hand-built cutout geometric patterned ceramic bowl with a rich chocolate-glazed finish. The bowl can...

A Monumental Italian 19th Century Marble Sculpture of "Flora's Embrace", By Professore F. Galli. Flora's Embrace, an exquisite marble sculpture by the esteemed Professore Fortunato G...

American painted and carved wood figural statue of General Santa Anna in full military dress attire. General during the time of Mexican-American War and later became President of Mex...

Solid piece of nicely grained rosewood arved and polished into a fine desktop sculpture of a stylized exotic fish .

A small Indian vintage carved and rust colored wooden horse sculpture from Madras with distressed patina. Born in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu during the midcentury period, this small carved wooden horse sculpture from Madras captivates with its petite proportions and rust-colored distressed patina. Standing proudly on its four legs, this charming horse, circa 1950, showcases an appealing archaic style. The weathered patina adds a touch of rustic authenticity, enhancing the horse's character and highlighting its age and history. The sculpture exudes an undeniable 'joie de vivre,' making it a delightful decorative object, perfect for adding a whimsical touch to a child's room. The horse's graceful stance and detailed carving demonstrate the artisan's skill and attention to detail. The rust-colored finish, distressed over time, brings a vintage charm that will complement various interior styles, from rustic farmhouse to eclectic bohemian. As an accent piece, this Madras carved horse can be placed on a chest, or console table, infusing the space with a sense of history and cultural richness. Its compact size makes it versatile and easy to incorporate into different settings, while its unique patina ensures it stands out as a conversation piece. This vintage Indian wooden horse...

A lovely 19th century oak lidded-top table chest with hand carved leaf scrolls and roundel carvings, having swivel carrying handles to the sides. The chest has a rustic charm and sh...

Fine Swedish dugout root burl bowl with tab handle, with owner's initials, rune mark and dated 1700 on the underside, the whole with good dry untouched ...

18th century Italian "Florence Fragment" candlestick base with fossil coral and coordinating shells on a rock coral base. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found an...

An Important Lifesize Statuary Marble Figural Group of a Mother and Her Two Children, Entitled 'Mamma ce n'è una sola' (You only have one mother), By Silverio Martinoli (Italain, 183...

19th century stone mortar from Italy. Hand-carved marble mortar in a conical shape with four handles. One handle notched with a channel for pouring. Beautiful as a sculptural accent ...

Pill Box Yellow floral miniature in Art Nouveau style Sterling Silver Salimbeni.Round pillbox in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent...

19th century English embroidered centerpiece from an antique chasuble with a Sabina Fay Braxton gaufrage mat. It is her signature printed velvet, se...

Gerda Gerdago's 'Cosmic Dance': Art Déco austrian patinated bronze chryselephantine (ivory and gold) sculpture manufactured by Arthur Rubinstein By: Gerda Gerdago Material: bronze, ...

Bible box hand-crafted in Italy in the mid 1600s using walnut. The box is still in fantastic shape and has a gorgeous patina. On three sides it is decorated with beautiful hand-carve...

Beautifully stylized figurine with a great balance of harmony stood, portraying the inner world's beauty through pure beauty. This Valuable unique art piece is a great chance to bring your office or home decor and interior an artistic characteristic. Ancient-style Egyptian Dolphin...

Pair of ormolu mounted marble vases with ornate gilt bronze leafing and figural mounts framing the urns. France, 19th century. Measures: 20-1/2 in. (52cm) height. NMA Inv. 454

Beautifully stylized horse head figurine with a great balance of harmony, it portrays the beauty of the inner world through love and beauty. This unique art piece is a great chance to bring your office or home decor and interior the eternal opposites in an everlasting fusion dance. SCULPTURE, horse figure. Antique Decorative Figurine ANETTE EDMARK...

Gothic canopy France, 15th century Alabaster, some traces of polychromy 33 x 23 x 20 cm Provenance: - Private collection Genève, Switzerland ...

Finely carved wood chamois Brienz, Switzerland circa 1900. A delicately handcarved wood sculpture of a chamois standing on a rocky base. A very detailed and natural carving excecuted by one of the Swiss woodcarvers from the area of Brienz, ca. 1900. The tradition of wood carving, using manual skills to make everyday objects and fine art sculptures, is found throughout Europe. The incentive to create not only useful but also aesthetically beautiful things, distinguishes the craftsman from the artist. In addition to the well-known Swiss wood carving...

Pill Box Baroque shaped with pastoral miniature Sterling Silver Salimbeni .Baroque shaped pill-box with hand engravings and green fire enamel, with hand painted enameled miniature of...

Early 20th century American double sided whirligig figure A brilliant example of early 20th century American Folk Art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig f...

18th century Italian gold leaf angel wing mounted on tourmaline in crystal quartz. The large, gold leaf and painted angel wing originally came from a church in Tuscany. It was onc...

Rectangular tray with rounded corners in 925/1000 sterling silver with hand-painted fired enamel like turquoise stone, cm. 9.5 x 18. For fountain pen (4577-5210) with 18 carat gold n...

Hand-carved large wooden Anglo-Raj jewelry box. Early 20th century wood box richly decorated overall with arabesques and floral carving. Hinged lid shallow relief carving with interi...

This very unusual American Mid-Century Modern cast stone sculpture by Rhys Caparn, "Extraterrestial" on the original black marble base is one of the sculptor’s famous pieces. This wo...

Shaped pill box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with hand painted miniature with fire enamelling in Louis XVI style, second half of the 19th century, and fine hand engravings...

Small Indonesian Petrified Wood Slab. A naturally sculpted and richly textured slab of petrified wood from Indonesia, identified as originating from the Dipterocarpus genus. Likely...

Finely crafted of elmwood and brass, this lovely wooden bucket is a 19th-century Chinese water pail used for drawing up water from wells and rain jars. An especially elegant example,...

A beautiful vintage silver bee ornament for your room. An impressive size, this silver bee is a gorgeous statement piece for a shelf or sideboard! 29 x 15 x 13cm

This antique baby Jesus figure was crafted in Italy, circa 1780. The hand-painted putti carving feature its original polychrome finish for a luxurio...

17th century Italian candlestick base fragment from Tuscany mounted with a rutile quartz crystal. This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found and saved from the Florence...

Here is an uncommon artwork by a lesser known Italian artist named Lino Tiné. Crafted from three sheets of steel, each decorated with a different pattern, it has a nice materic appea...