Exquisite Italian Silver-Gilt, Diamond, Rock Crystal, & Rhodochrosite Mirror

Mellerio Paris, a large silver, gold, lapis lazuli, coral, and hardstone picture photo frame with two falcons. France, circa 2000 The frame resting on a lapis lazuli base with squa...

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...

A French Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood and Vernis Martin Marble Top Console Table / Buffet, circa 1880, in the style of Henry Dasson. Crafted from rich Kingwood in the 19th century, this ...

An exquisite French Ormolu-mounted mahogany and glass vitrine cabinet, attributed to Francois Linke, circa 1880. Although unsigned, the jewel-like quality ormolu bronze mounts throughout, especially the corinthian columns, and the best mahogany and craftsmanship of the period, confirms our attribution to Francois Linke, who was almost certainly one of best furniture makers of the Belle Epoque period alongside Paul Sormani, Henry Dasson, Alexandre Chevrie...

A Late 19th Venetian Oval Gilt-Inlaid, Coloured Glass and Etched Mirror The high shaped crest framed by opposed C scrolls and S scrolls with overlapping leaves above, the glass cent...

Charles X toilet mirror in cut crystal and gilt bronze. The circular mirror with its guilloché border is mounted on a rotating system attached to a diamond-tipped crystal shaft. The ...

A wonderful and most decorative French 19th century Charles X st. Ormolu and Rouge Griotte marble vanity mirror. This interesting table top mirror...

This exquisite 19th-century bronze vanity mirror is a timeless statement piece. Designed for dressing tables, it features a double-sided construction with an original antiqued mirror...