Intricately Carved Silver Cane Handle, French Chinioserie

A remarkable intricately designed, handcrafted silver box, circa 1880s. We were told that this box is sterling silver and that the makers mark "M" is that of "M. Mayer". Maurice MAYER was a very prestigious silversmith. Research shows that he was an "Orfèvre de l'Empereur", Napoleon Bonaparte, 1860-1870. The Minerva hallmarks are not visible, may have been rubbed off from use and cleaning. No documentation. This intricately carved box depicts the romantic poem of Le Roman de la Rose (The Romance of the Rose). Comes with the original lock and key. Le Roman de la Rose, begun by Guillaume de Lorris circa 1230 and completed, in a different style, circa 1270-1280, by Jean de Meun, builds on the concept of courtly love found in the poetry of the troubadours. The authors create a complex allegory of the romance between the Lover and the Rose. In the quest to pick the Rose (to achieve the conquest of love), the flower and its attendants represent the Lady and her sentiments while being wooed. In the first part of the poem, written by de Lorris, the Lover recounts his dream, ending with the winning of a kiss from the Lady. In the dream, the Lover discovers a walled garden and gains entrance thanks to a beautiful young woman. He meets Diversion and dancers who represent courtly values such as Beauty and Generosity. A tour of the garden brings him to a beautiful bed of roses by the Fountain of Love...

An elegant 19th century French hallmarked sterling silver chocolate pot with embossed decoration. The pot is decorated with a band around the top. There is embossed decoration on top...

A fine quality French sterling silver creamer bearing the makers mark Aucoc. This most elegant pot has smooth surface and is intricately decorated. Additionally, there is an elegant beaked spout and a wooden handle. Maitre Andre Aucoc...

An impressive sterling silver bowl by Alphonse La Paglia for International Sterling. Alphonse La Paglia is known for his distinct designs and studied under Georg Jensen. This bowl ha...

The design and workmanship of this set are stunning. The handles have sophisticated Art Nouveau Pattern different decor, flowers, vine leaves, bunch of grapes, foliage, decor dahlias...

Impressive French midcentury carved mixed earthenware sculpted bull. This interesting decorative sculpture is circa 1970s. The piece is finely hand-carved with stunning details throu...

Midcentury carved wood and silver Taurus bull sculpture, well carved with expressive face and glass eyes. The body with one inset lapis stone, and numerous...

This contemporary modern piece is composed by a large vintage carved chinese natural Jade bowl with handmade sterling silver 925 base by Alcino Silversmith...

This contemporary modern piece is composed by a vintage carved chinese natural Jade Bowl with handmade sterling silver 925 base by Alcino Silversmith 1902. This piece was designe...

Highly realistic and detailed sculpture of a bird with gilt silver legs perched on an amethyst base. This beautiful piece measures 3 7/8'' in height by 2 3/4'' in depth by 1 1/2'' in width. We hand polish all items...

Figure realized in sterling silver using the lost wax process. The details are gilded and enameled. The figure is 19.5 cm high and depicts a 15th century French soldier with Jousting Lance and shield The wood square base is 7 cm high where there is an engraved label "Armatura Francese XV° Secolo" - "French Armour...

This sterling silver heavy hollow body rooster figure is signed 925 on the base and is in fine condition. Beautifully made and proportioned well. Great patina.