Tortoise Shell Folk Art

19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.

Small Antique Spanish Colonial Chest, Late 1700’s Small colonial chest made of mesquite wood with remnants of paint. Assembled with dovetail joints and featuring impressive wrought i...

This collection is a work of art that make a statement in modern décor and in the modern cultural art world. It can be used as a vase containing flowers, or as a beautiful centerpiec...

Very early American wooden games board; probably the oldest I have handled, this dates to about circa 1835 and exhibits the markings of a typical cottage industry type manufacture (not unlike very early Noah's Arks). Obviously entirely hand crafted; measurements are not exactly square (left to right; top to bottom), probably made of a local soft wood, and hand painted with squares not perfectly delineated. Black light and "loop" inspection reveals age crazing and original paint that, in conjunction with original wear and no attempt to touch up, dates it to the early 19th century. In addition the screws/nails affixed to the hinges are hand forged and in my opinion are of the period I state. In my 50 years of dealing I have had several early 19th century "games" tables; this board game ensemble resembles some of those items. The dice container is also of that vintage. The checker pieces (14 black and 14 yellow) are early and hand carved; while the backgammon pieces in the period box (also hand carved) are turn of the century. Most definitely American, as the last thing an English immigrant would have brought to America at that time would have been a game. When closed, or in the folding position, the board game simulates and is made to look like two books resting side by side (see images), and thusly, was made to sit on a book shelf, either horizontally or vertically; and to be pulled out to play games when desired, which would have been either the game of checkers (draughts), chess, or backgammon. The board opens up to a two sided game option. On one side is the proverbial 64 square (English/ American version) of chess or checkers; and on the other side is a backgammon board. Both sides are hand painted in gold and black, with a rust colored border around the checkerboard. The interior backgammon play area is also black and gold with the same color rust area to the central part. Nail hinges in the center frame, pivot the two sides to open, while a leather covering borders the edge trim, which is 50% lacking on the hinge side. I state the condition to be good, considering it's age, it's use, and the fact that it is still very "usable" and, if taken care of, will probably continue to be so for nearly another 200 years! The checkers, (12) black pieces and (12) yellow (the correct numbers) are hand carved in wood and hand painted. The backgammon pieces (stored in period wooden box) contain 14 yellow hand painted and carved pieces and (13) black ones. (15) of each color are used to play backgammon (simply use the checkers, which are just about the same size (see images) to make up the difference. Most antique game boards...

Interesting set of 5 ceramic T-shirt vases. Great sculptural item. Excellent vintage condition. Set includes two large and three small. Great piece of art.

A single Yua Wenga currency from the early 20th century on custom iron stand. This antique tribal currency piece from Papua New Guinea has been carved ...

Fine Chinese Antique Rosewood Box with Brass Mounts – Qing Dynasty Style A beautifully crafted Chinese antique rosewood box, richly mounted with engraved brass fittings in traditional Qing dynasty style. The dark, dense rosewood contrasts elegantly with the finely detailed brass corner plates, cloud-form panels, Buddhist motives and ornate turtle central latch. This high-quality scholar’s or jewellery box features hand-engraved decoration throughout, including geometric fret motifs and stylised foliate designs characteristic of late Qing decorative metalwork. The box retains its original lock plate with turtle (key not present). A decorative and functional piece ideal for collectors of Chinese antiques, scholar’s objects, and classical Asian furniture. Keywords: Chinese rosewood box...

This characterful hand-crafted folk art hanging sun, its unusual three-dimensional form of very large proportions, with a serene smiling face to one side, is a rare find. The hand pa...

This captivating hand-crafted folk art hanging crescent moon, its unusual three-dimensional cratered form of very large proportions, with a central face, awake on one side, asleep on...

This exquisite piece combines timeless design influenced by the European countryside. Featuring our hand-painted lightly distressed Brown suede and Forofino white painted finish. The...

A wonderful antique wabi sabi wooden root bowl with beautiful patina from age and use.

Tulips, Arabesques and Turbans: Decorative Arts from the Ottoman Empire by Yanni Petsopoulos. Abbeville Press, 1982. First Edition hardcover no dust jacket. The author analyzes the p...