Frederic Rhead, a Pair of Arts & Crafts Terracotta Vases with Peacocks, ca. 1900

Antoine Bofill (Spanish-French, 1875-1925) was a Spanish artist and member of the Animalier movement of the 19th century. Best known for his small, decorative bronze sculptures, Bofi...

ABOUT IRIS The iris is a special and mysterious flower. Not only because of its striking appearance, but also from an artistic and historical point of view. It is also like a work of art, as though created by Mother Nature. The unique leaves of this plant not only create wonderful shadow casts, but also look as if they were painted by hand. It's no wonder that iris acts as the muse for countless artists, and can be seen in many famous works of art. The iris was first spotted in the time of Pharaoh Thutmose, in 1504 BC. He had the iris inscribed into the wall reliefs of a temple as a sign of his power, as well as decorating his sceptre with motifs of the flower. Since then, the iris has been a symbol of victory in Egypt. But the symbolism of the iris goes further than that. In Japan, the flower represents courage and is the symbol of the boys' festival. In Islamic cultures, the iris is a symbol of prosperity. In Europe, the flower was a popular weapon symbol in the Middle Ages and stood for chivalry. And in Christianity, the iris was seen as a symbol of the trinity because of its three-part flowers. With more than 300 varieties, the iris is now the most popular flower among growers and gardeners following the rose. Countless artists use the iris in their works and the flower is present in all eras. You can see the flower on furniture, vases, jewelry, fabrics, sculptures, coats of arms and much more. Did you know that the iris is also called the sword lily? It's not a coincidence that it used to symbolize physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by a weapon. We also see the flower in religious art, where it's often associated with Mary and Jesus. The iris is also associated with the Greek goddess Iris, where the flower symbolizes reconciliation and divine messages. This is also reflected in many paintings. Finally, the iris is also visible in Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings. This can be in a religious form, incorporated into an object or as a decorative flower. In the Art Nouveau art movement, the iris (along with other plants, such as the birch) was often used as an expression of feminine beauty. With its almost otherworldly appearance, the iris is perfectly suited to the Art Nouveau aesthetic and is featured in many well-known works of art. The poet of that era, Hermann Hesse...

This large elegant, museum quality flower vase was probably made by Johann LOETZ Witwe Glassworks (Klostermühle, Bohemia, circa 1900) is a superior example of Jugendstil ~ Art Nouveau luxury object. The semi-translucent art glass strikes a spectator not only with the uniqueness of its surface, reminiscent of crocodile skin, but also with unexpected color scheme - a combination of dark brown, old gold and green, covered with craquelure; against the background of iridescent violet. The vase is framed by outstandingly designed bronzed & patinated pewter mounting, consisting of simple large handles, almost geometric-form; with one wreath of leaves, crowning the neck; and the second, forming a base. The simplicity of the forms both, the glass vessel and the mounting are generating extremely interesting decorative effects, inherent exclusively to Jugendstil ~ Art Nouveau era. LOETZ Witwe Glassworks In 1836, Johann Eisner established a glassworks in the Southern Bohemian town of Klostermühle, today part of the Czech Republic. The Art Nouveau Period was the glory years of the company. The glassworks created large numbers of its own new designs of iridescent, trailing art nouveau glass, sometimes in collaboration with well-known artists and designers like Marie Kirschner and Franz Hofstötter (aka Franz Hofstätter). The company’s success during this period had two prime drivers – the technical expertise of Prochaska and the business acumen of von Spaun. Loetz Witwe created many of its own designs, and also supplied glass commissioned by major customers like E. Bakolowits (Vienna) and Max Emanuel...

American Renaissance period. A Pair of Patinated Bronze Vases with Nymph and Satyr Bas-Reliefs by Roman Bronze Works, New York City, circa 1900. Dimensions: Height: 16 inches ...

French Art Nouveau Ocean Life Theme Vase Cachepot Iridescent Stoneware & Patinated Bronze Crab Appliqué ca. 1900s ABOUT We present here a most unusual and utterly decorative Fren...

DETAILS: Fully marked on bottom. DIMENSIONS: height: 6.75 inches, width: 4.5 inches, depth: 4.5 inches ABOUT THE ARTIST Paul Dachsel (Czech, born circa 1880) was the son-in-law of Alfred...

A stylish Arts & Crafts Bernard Moore high-fired luster solifleur vase with a rounded body on a narrow rounded foot with narrow neck and everted rim. Th...

Hand-thrown Peacock Bowl by Frederick Rhead. Decorated in cureta seca. Potter at wheel stamp incised "RHEAD".

Roskilde Lervare Fabrik floor vase manufactured by a well known but very undocumented factory called Roskilde Lervare Fabrik in Denmark in the early 1900’s. This model carries model ...

An antique Arts and Crafts pair of vase by Moorcroft offer art pottery construction with hand painted floral design, maker mark as photographed, d...

A fine pair of English decorative ceramic vases from the Arts & Crafts period, by the celebrated pottery firm, Royal Doulton - each vase featuring a lovely foliate design around the ...

Vintage "arts & crafts" style pottery vase, circa 1950s. Wonderful bluish green colors and a great vintage patina make this a wonderful decor piece! It is in very good vintage condit...