Limestone Folk Art

Kapati Textile
Byzantine Period; 4th–5th Century C.E.
Materials: Plant and Animal Fibers, Wool 9,5 x 9,5 cm This woolen fabric is woven in the traditional Coptic Kapati style, characteristic of Egypt during the Christian era. The name "Kapati" refers to the Copts of Egypt and describes a weaving technique that does not use embroidery or printing. It is said that Al-Muqawqis, the governor of Egypt, offered the Prophet garments made from Kapati fabric. At the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, the French archaeologist Albert Gayet showcased the results of his excavations from the winter of 1898-1899. Around one hundred Coptic textiles and fragments were displayed at the Palais du Costume. Their aesthetic generated considerable enthusiasm, particularly among artists like Auguste Rodin and Henri Matisse. This led to a "Coptomania," which, among other things, influenced fashion designers. The square fragment features black decoration on a beige background; the two squares at the center are separated by scalloped edges, from which hang various ornaments or geometric motifs. At the center of the fragment is an image of a dancing figure surrounded by geometric decorations. This piece dates back to a time when ancient...

Contemporary artisan oolitic limestone bowl or basin from England.

This fine example of early 20th century Folk Art is all original paint and carved from one piece of wood. The weight is heavy and would make a great doorstop in the kitchen.

Very tough to find Vienna bronze of a night watchman and is by Franz Bergman. The bronze figure dates from the late 1800s-early 1900s. Has cold paint ac...

French terracotta tian or bowl traditionally used to prepare confit before to conserve it in confit pots in South West France. This vessel was also used to prepare any type of food f...

Exquisite hand carved Russian hard stone "Coachman" sculpture figure dating from the early 1900s. In the manner of Fabergé. Made of solid lapis lazuli. Beard is made of gray obsidian...

You just got to love this guy! A wacky looking bearded Indian pipe head. Probably 19th century France. Beautifully carved by a artisan with a sense of humor.

Impressive wood carved angel with amazing detail. Certainly the work of a master carver. Found among the entire contents of a Catholic Church in the Midwest which was said to have cl...

Ancient Greek mould-made terracotta antefix decorated with the female head of the Goddess Artemis Bendis. Western Greek, Italy, Taranto, early 4th century BC. Two small feathered win...

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...

Fine Carved Black Forest Statue of a Disabled Dog, Brienz circa 1900 A very nice and fine Swiss wood carving. The disabled long hair terrier is re...

This hand-hewn bronze bowl was once used to keep batik textile dyes on the island of Java. A wonderfully sculptural object with a weathered faded texture. In the modern day this makes for a wonderfully spacious planter or garden water bowl.