Shell Trunks and Luggage

A Japanese Edo Period two panel folding screen with white and brown hawks of ink and color on paper.

This superb and rare pair of Japanese Meiji period bronze bookends are cast in solid bronze and depict a pair of Lions, with their heads raised. These finely sculpted pieces are beau...

Elegant pair of French andirons with bronze amphoraes. To be used also as bookends. ref. M/943.   

A beautiful trunk or coffer from Northern Spain that was made in the first part of the 17th century. It features a rectangular hinged molded top over a deeply carved base. The front...

A superbly decorative six-panel lacquered 'Coromandel' screen, exquisitely carved and hand-painted with oriental figures, flowers and exotic beasts on a dark brown background, in the traditional 17th century manner.  Late 19th – early 20th century. Why we like it We like its impressive proportions which make it perfect for a feature wall, and the exquisite quality of decoration. The subtlety of colours lends a 'soft' look to the piece. The central motif depicts a scene set in the gardens of a Han dynasty palace, while the outer borders are decorated with the “one hundred antiques” motif interspersed with floral arrangements. In this regard, the present screen not only conveys auspicious meanings but also demonstrate the owner’s fine scholarly taste. History The term 'Coromandel', which is used to describe this particular type of lacquer technique (kuancai), is rather misleading. In the 18th century it was used commercially to indicate the place from which these objects were shipped to England through the East India Companies, and had no reference to China, the place of their origin. Similarly, Chinese painted wallpaper was often called 'India paper' in historic documants. The kuancai lacquer technique, literally meaning “cut out colour” and found almost exclusively on screens, emerged in the 16th century to serve the domestic market. The iconographic elements were carved through the built-up coats of dark lacquer and filled with pigments and gold. Seventeenth century examples usually consisted of twelve panels, and were often employed in entrance halls or as room dividers or windscreens for gardens and terraces. They were often commissioned as gifts and depicted court scenes, episodes from the world of the immortals, panoramic or landscape views and auspicious symbols. This type of lacquerware was flourishing during the reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722) and saw a revival in the 19th century. Stylistically the present screen may be compared with the twelve-panel lacquer screen from the Kangxi period in the Victoria and Albert Museum illustrated by W. De Kesel and G. Dhont in Coromandel Lacquer Screens, ill. 23, pps 36-37. Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. In the 20th century, Coromandel screens still remained a staple in the European interior design. Coco Chanel had a collection of 32 rare Coromandel screens, which she proudly displayed in her home at 31 Rue Cambom, Paris. She one...

The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. As an ode to vintage steamer trunks...

20th Spanish trunk with raised wooden panels and original iron hardware A Spanish carved wood blanket chest from the 20th century. This an...

A rustically elegant antique bird cage, circa 1920s, architectural shaped dome, period Art Deco elements, hanging from tall wrought iron shepard hook...

Catalan Baroque carved walnut cassone or trunk, 18th century.

A vintage Japanese reddish brown lacquered wedding chest from the mid 20th century, with hand-painted foliage and floral décor and ropes. Created in Japan during the midcentury period, this vintage wedding box features a reddish brown lacquer perfectly accented by a gilded hand-painted décor depicting bamboo sticks with their leaves and delicate flowers. Created to be part of the extensive wedding trousseau provided to the daughter, this chest showcases a linear silhouette perfectly complimented by a dark reddish brown lacquer. A rectangular lid is adorned with ornate brass corners. The top and the façade are adorned in continuity with a gilded hand-painted décor showcasing bamboo sticks and their leaves, as well as delicate flowers. The sides are adorned as well, the back is more sparse with simple leaves. Wrapped with ropes, this vintage Japanese wedding chest...

A lovely steamer trunk with nice detailing and heavy duty, quality construction. Ca' 1890's. This trunk is large! Measuring 34.5" W, 26"H, 21"D.

We are delighted to offer for sale this early 19th century elm blanket box. This antique country chest, blanket box has a nice patina, the condit...