15th Century and Earlier Furniture

Antique Large Ammonite, Solid Stone Featuring Fascinating Ridged Surface on Handcrafted Iron Stand, Weigh: 132 lbs. Dimensions: 23"W X 4"D X 24.5"H

Geode from the Keokuk, Iowa area containing a variety of minerals with a quartz druzy interior. It took around 240 million years to create the beautiful quartz crystals covering the interior walls of the Keokuk geode...

SMOKY QUARTZ GWINDEL Les Courtes, Chamonix, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Bonneville, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France 12 cm tall x 12 cm wide This Alpine region is most well known...

The first money-depositing object in the shape of a pig emerged in Java, Indonesia in the 14th century with the introduction of coins from China. Javanese Boars (Celeng)in the Majapa...

A remarkable and rare fragment of ancient Roman glass, dating from the 1st to 4th century AD. The glass is preserved in excellent condition and displays a stunning natural iridescent...

Natural rock crystal sculpture.

A Korean ceramic bowl supported on a short ring foot in the classic Buncheong (or Punch'ong) style from early Joseon Dynasty circa 15th century. The bow...

The octagonal lobed ovoid body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall trumpet neck, set at the shoulder with a tall curved spout and to the other side with a tall strap handle, the dished cover surmounted with a ruyi-shaped finial, covered overall in a creamy-white glaze. Compared to other similar types of Northern Song Dynasty ceramics, this piece is extremely elegant in shape. It most closely resembles the Qingbai porcelain in the collection of The Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka. Period : Northern Song dynasty(960~1127) Type : Creamy-white Ding yao glaze Ewer Provenance : Acquired in 1999, Hongkong Reference : THE MET Accession Number: 18.57.1 Sotheby's London 2018 - St George Street Sale Asian Art - Lot 208 * Song Dynasty Ding-Yao Ware Song Dynasty Ding Yao porcelain holds a significant place in Chinese ceramic art, specifically as a type of white porcelain produced during the Song Dynasty. Produced predominantly during the mid to late Song Dynasty, Ding Yao ceramics are renowned for their delicate and intricate features. Ding Yao ceramics were primarily crafted from clay rich in white minerals and fired at high temperatures to achieve a durable and lustrous surface. One distinctive characteristic of this serene white ceramic is the presence of silver or gold-colored splashes of glaze, often created using a mineral called galena. Galena, with its lustrous appearance, was suitable for creating fine patterns and intricate decorations. These ceramics frequently feature delicate carvings, floral motifs, or subtle decorations. While commonly used for utilitarian purposes such as tableware, Ding Yao porcelain also served as a medium for artistic expression, producing many artworks. The production of Ding Yao ceramics was relatively limited, and surviving pieces are considered rare and valuable art pieces...

Vesuvianite, Jeffrey Mine, Val-des-Sources, Les Sources RCM, Estrie, Québec, Canada 7.5 cm tall x 6 cm wide "The Jeffrey mine, once the largest producer of chrysotile asbestos in th...

An extremely rare Chinese painted pottery model of an armored horse, Six Dynasties period (220-581 AD), TL tested by Oxford Authentication. The stocky ...

Lovely Bi Color Tourmaline Crystal From Afghanistan Weight: 137.10 Gram Dim: 9.6 x 3.2 x 2.3 Cm Color : Green and Peach Origin : Af...

A varied and fascinating collection of 5 natural mineral specimens, ex. private British collection. Each presented on an exclusive small painted display plinth, this group contains ...

Antique French Art Nouveau Sculptural Wrought Iron Blue Painted Garden Patio Lounge Chairs - a Pair. Item features a sleek sculptural wrought iron form with stunning lines. *Price is...

Stunning geode cluster of an intense deep purple colour amethyst crystals. A big calcite stand-out from the crystals, covered with a blanket of black hematite. This piece was lega...

Large white crystal quartz geode split into two halves each with a large naturally forming baroque pearl. Geodes are formed as gas bubbles within volcanic lava. Over time, the lava ...

Beautiful specimen from Piedra Parada, Las Vigas de Ramirez, Veracruz, Mexico. Parallel formation of amethyst crystals with great transparency and rich purple color with well define...

Six Dynasties (220 A.D. to 589 A.D.) winged lion carved in green jade. This piece was exhibited at the Bauer Collection in Geneva, Switzerland (Nov. 11, 2020 to May 23, 2021) and the...

An exceptional example of ancient Roman craftsmanship, this rare bronze amulet dates to the height of the Roman Empire, circa 1st–2nd century AD. Cast in solid bronze with a striking...

A limestone stalactite, South-Western France.

The ovoid body to a tall neck, the body decorated with a chrysanthemum meander, covered overall in a translucent pale blue glaze. Traces of excavation can be seen in the dirt marks o...

VANADINITE ON BARITE Mibladen, Aït Oufella Caïdat, Midelt Cercle, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco 12.7 cm tall x 14 cm wide The Drâa-Tafilalet Region of Morocco, best...

Marvel at the striking beauty of this vibrant fluorite specimen from the USA, adorned with stunning cubic formations. The deep purple hue of the fluorite crystals contrasts beautiful...

Rare Large 15th Century Renaissance English Oak Roof Angels Corbel. Truly astonishing rare roof angels, circa 1450. The large Medieval carvi...

This extraordinary glass vessel hails from the illustrious Roman empire, likely from Italy, dating to the mid-1st to 2nd century CE. It is exceptionally rare to find such a large and...

"Pre-Columbian Ceramics – Tiahuanaco Culture" Material: Ceramic Origin: Southern Sierra of Peru, Lake Titicaca Plateau Period: Boom Age (1 AD – 800 AD) Dimensions: 16 cm high x 14 cm...

Madagascar Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old Dimensions: 7.5 × 5.5 × 1.25 in./ 19 × 14 × 3 cm Weight: 1 lb 9 oz/ 710 gm In this example, the complex patte...

Peruvian Pre-Colombian (Chancay) textile panel of camelid wool embroidered on cotton with three birds, each holding a lizard in its beak.

While the birth of Christ is briefly told in the Gospel of Luke (2, 7) it is in the apocryphal texts that we find most of the elements and details that have then inspired artists. As of the 14th century and even more of the 15th century the subject of the Adoration of the Child replaces in Western art the scene of the Birth, much favoured in Byzantine art. Instead of being depicted lying with the new-born swathed in the manger, the Virgin is now kneeling, her hands joined in prayer in front of the naked child. This change was probably hastened by the popularity of the visions of Saint Bridget of Sweden to whom the Virgin allegedly appeared to show how she had given birth to Jesus (Visions, VII, chap. 21). Sheltered by a thatch-roofed structure the Virgin is kneeling in front of the Child Jesus. She wears a magnificent red dress under a large gold cloak. Her curled blond hair is partially veiled. The newborn is lying on a straw mat. Joseph is depicted with a parted beard and stands opposite from the Virgin. He wears a tunic and a coat with a purse hanging from the belt. His costume reminds us of the long journey him and Mary have accomplished to reach Bethlehem. Two other women are present. One is looking through the stable’s window to observe the Holy Family while another one kneels in prayer in front of the divine child. The rich costume of the lady might indicate she is a donator. However they could also both represent the women who took part in the birth of Christ, Zelemi and Salome. Salome, incredulous did not believe in the virginal conception of Mary and she is represented far from the scene. The artist has depicted her with an expression of doubt on her face. Zelemi, on the contrary, is a believer. She is rewarded by a place of honour at the heart of the scene, close to Mary. To the left the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem observe quietly the scene. On the foreground two angels hold a scroll reading an excerpt from the Gloria : “/Gloria/ in excelsis /Deo/.” One of the angels wears a blue cape while the other’s is red Those two colours are very significant as during Middle-Ages blue symbolises hope and red charity. Together they express the hope in redemption thanks to the advent of Christ and his sacrifice to come. Above the main scene, up a cliff, a small shepherd lets his herd of sheep graze amidst the trees. He is framed by two walled cities. This wood carving is the work of a very skilled and inventive artist. The piece bears witness to his exceptional talent. The realism of the scene is emphasised by the amount of details depicted. The refinement of the carving itself is highlighted by the well preserved polychromy. This key moment of the New Testament is set in a contemporary context thanks to the clothes of the characters and the scenes of rural life. The universal dimension of the scene is intensified while allowing contemporary viewers to grasp its meaning more easily. This care for details, the picturesque realism as well as the extraordinary rendition of the cloths suggest it was made by a Flemish artist during the late 15th century. This relief can be compared with the panel of the Nativity from the Saint-Vaast altarpiece made by Jacques Daret between 1433 and 1435, today in Madrid’s Thyssen-Bronemisza Museum. Literature Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...

A fine ancient Gandharan Tsa Tsa mold. In the form of the Buddha seated in meditation. With a handle to the base of the front. With verdigris throughout and mounted on a rectangul...

A small piece of antique Coptic textile woven as a horizontal band with two linear scallop borders flanking three central medallion design. Each medallion has a concentric pattern wi...

We are delighted to offer this stunning pair of fully polished limestone circa 395-million-year-old Fossilized Orthoceras statues Please note the delivery fee listed is just a gui...

A small Khmer bronze figure of the Hindu goddess Uma, Angkor Period, Style of Angkor Wat, circa 12th century, Cambodia. This small Khmer bronze devotiona...

I would like to introduce a very rare Japanese antique pottery pot. This is Japanese Sue pottery. Sue pottery is called "sueki" in Japanese. This type o...

A wonderful pair of Ex Sotheby’s painted Polychrome Equestrian Horse and Riders made from gray pottery, Presents beautifully and guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA. Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches Condition: Possible professional restorations but not detectable. Provenance: Sotheby’s London. 16th November, 1999. Lot 12 (2 of 4 horses in that lot). Sotheby’s New York, NY September 14, 2019. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the Empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

The early antique bronze Thai Buddha statue is a captivating and historically significant artifact originating from Tibet. Crafted from bronze, this statue stands at 13.1 cm in height and measures 9.9 cm in width and 6.5 cm in depth. Dating back to the 14th century, this Buddha statue holds deep historical and cultural importance, representing the artistic and spiritual heritage of Tibet. The depiction of the Buddha in the Bhumisparsha mudra, symbolizing the moment of enlightenment, adds to its profound symbolism. With a weight of 493 grams, this statue is a cherished and valued piece. Originating from Tibet, it carries the essence of Tibet craftsmanship and Buddhist devotion. It provides a glimpse into the artistic styles of that era. This Buddha statue serves as a powerful representation of wisdom and serenity, making it a cherished centerpiece for collectors, practitioners, or anyone seeking a connection to the rich spiritual heritage of Tibet. Its historical context, intricate details, and distinct influences contribute to its exceptional value and significance, capturing the essence of a bygone era and the enduring presence of Buddha's teachings. Material : bronze 13,1 cm high 9,9 cm wide and 6,5 cm deep With Turquoise inlaid Bhumisparsha mudra 14th century Probably the most special Tibetan statue...

A panel of voided Olive Green silk velvet showing the Ferronerie pattern Centre panel of a dismantled Chasuble Florence or Venice dating from second half of the 15th Century The s...

This huge leg bone of a theropod dinosaur was a rare Dinosarian find by any standards. It was discovered in the desert regions of North Africa and has now been conserved, cleaned, an...

This outstanding fossilised skeleton is that of the ancestral crocodile species Steneosaurus bollensis that lived during the early Jurassic period. The skeleton, complete with armoured plates, has been exquisitely preserved and recovered from the Holzmaden Oil Shale of south Germany. The crocodile was once buried in fine, muddy sediment 195 million years ago at the bottom of the Tethys Ocean, which once existed between Europe and Africa. The calm, deep water provided a rare anoxic (without oxygen) environment, which prevented the skeleton from any significant decomposition before burial. The mud has since been compressed into oil shale, leaving the immense skeleton completely in-tact. This specimen is one of the few skeletons of Steneosaurus bollensis ever to be discovered. We can deduce much about the life of this reptile from the size and perfect preservation of the piece. Similar to present-day crocodiles, we can see that the two front limbs of the Steneosaurus are much shorter than the back two. This indicates that crocodile ancestors were bipedal; indeed, we believe that crocodiles evolved from the same reptile species as the dinosaurs and airborne pterosaurs. Dinosaurs ruled the lands during the late Triassic and early Jurassic. This made terrestrial life increasingly difficult for ancestral crocodiles, as there were many predators and prey was scarce. However, the seas were rich in fish, shellfish, starfish, crabs, squid… You can even see fossil belemnite guards (bullet shells of squid-like organisms) and the beautiful spiral shells of ammonites preserved around the crocodile skeleton...

If you want something special, we recommend purchasing items selected by Brood. We sell carefully selected old Japanese items. I've seen tens of thousands of items so far. Based on t...

Pair of marble Roman capitals. Corinthian order Made with stone and with matching black metal bases. Roman antiquities. “Certificate of Authenticity”. Pair of monumental Corinthian capitals, decorated in two registers with acanthus leaves. Its large size indicates that its use would be destined for an important public temple. From the French region of Nimes. Provenance: The Chenel Collection. 2nd century...

Large white crystal quartz geode with a large naturally forming baroque pearl. 28lbs. Geodes are formed as gas bubbles within volcanic lava. Over time, the lava flow weathers away to leave the quartz geode buried deep in the Moroccan desert. This was dug by hand and includes druzy white crystal formations. This is a large geode specimen...

Dioptase, Omaue Mine, Kaokoveld Plateau, Kunene region, Namibia Measures: 8.5 cm tall x 7 cm wide Dioptase, once believed to be emerald when first encountered, is amongst the most vividly colored species. Large gem...

I would like to introduce Korean antique pottery with a very rare design. This is a vase-shaped container made in the early Joseon Dynasty of Ko...

The vessel consists of a rounded cylindrical body, a gently curved upper section, and a small circular opening, suggesting that it was used for storing grain or valuable goods. Thre...

Corbel with an Angel Holding a Shield
Franco-Flemish, Burgundian Netherlands 15th century
Limestone On a modern metal stand H 21 x L 16,5 x P 18,5 cm This finely carved stone corbel,...

A rare and striking 15th century English studded door. At over 420 years old, this unique and impressive door offers a glimpse into historic England. Thick and sturdy, it features...

This bowl is made from Tokoname ware, a type of pottery from Aichi Prefecture. Tokoname ware has a history dating back to the 12th century, and there are still several active kilns t...

A wonderful period Tang Dynasty Pottery Figure of a Fat Lady. Tomb Pottery China Height: 15 Inches No TL Test A COA by Avantiques will accompany the sale of this item. Condition: Ve...

A rare late 13th / early 14th century limestone pinnacle reclaimed from the East End of the south retro choir roof of Beverley Minster, Yorkshire, one of two we have for sale. Dating...

A Gogotte Formation Of natural form, dating from the Oligocene period (30 Million years ago). Beguiling natural mineral formation, they are the result of calcium carbonate binding w...

This is a great piece of amethyst rock. A very decorative piece, this would make a lovely wedding or birthday gift. Amethyst is the birth stone for February. Purple amethyst has b...

We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people. And we introduce the unique items that only we can do, the route of purchasing in Japan, the experience value so far, and the ...

Rubellite Tourmaline on Quartz, Malkhan Pegmatite Field, Krasnyi Chikoy, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia Measures: 12.5 cm tall x 15 cm wide All ru...

Tourmaline, Ofiki, Oyo State, Nigeria 6.3 cm tall x 1.9 cm diameter Ofiki is well known for producing deep colored tourmalines. Most of the tourmalines they find are dull, rounded, ...

Unearthed in the continental intercalaire, a significant 105mm Spinosaurus tooth highlights 19 million years of evolutionary prowess. Known for its sail-like dorsal fin, potent jaws,...

Sculpture In Polychrome Wood Representing Saint Anthony Hermit Origin : East of France Period : End of the 15th century Measures: Height : 97 cm Width : 32 cm Depth : 26 cm Polychrome wood The saint is represented by an old, bearded man, dressed in a hooded monk’s habit over the tunic of his religious order. He is stood upright, holding an open book, La Règle des Antonnites, in his right hand. In the other hand, he is holding a staff in the form of the Greek letter tau with a rosary hanging down over it. At his feet lies a pig wearing a small bell around its neck. He rests on his right leg, whilst the left advances forward as if he were about to start walking. His belted tunic, forming several rectilinear pleats, is covered by a habit which is open only at the waist, therefore revealing these pleats. He is also wearing a hooded scapular over his shoulders. His thick hair escapes from under a distinctive hat, forming a collection of finely sculpted ringlets. This fine detail is also applied to the four long ringlets of his superb beard, which sit just below the shorter ones of his moustache. His face is a picture of harmony, with lowered eyes and his small mouth lost amongst the abundance of hair. At his feet on a pedestal of flames, hinting to the fire of Saint Anthony no doubt, a pig trying to scratch its ear. Born in 251 in Upper Egypt, he withdrew into solitude at a very young age. He would have been plagued in the desert with extremely diabolical temptations. He payed a visit to Saint Paul the hermit towards the end of his life. He was the dean of the Thébaïde anchorites, who was miraculously fed by a crow. On the day that Saint Anthony visited, the crow brought two portions of bread in its beak instead of one. Some time after, having learnt of the death of his venerable brother, Saint Anthony went to bury him with the help of two lions. The King of Catalonia pleaded to come and exorcise his posessed wife and children. He left Thébaïde for Barcelona. He appeared at the house of the provost André, bringing him a sow in his mouth, a monstrous piglet born without eyes. André wanted to kill it but Anthony stopped him, telling him that the poor beast wanted to ask for healing, as the King had done for his offspring. He made a sign of the cross on the piglet and it suddenly acquired its sight and the members which it did not have at birth. After which, André, guided by Saint Anthony, exorcised the Queen of Catalonia in the same way whilst she knelt at his feet. Théophile discovered the body of Saint Anthony wrapped in a palm fibre tunic which he had been given by Saint Paul the Hermit. In the Red Sea Desert there are two Coptic, IV century, monasteries which stand next to each other, one dedicated to Saint Anthony, the other to Saint Paul the Hermit. They are the oldest monasteries in the Christian world. The body of the famous hermit was transported to Constantinople and would have been transferred into the abbaye, Saint Antoine-en-Viennois, Dauphine. The Antonnite Order was a charitable order which specialised in treating contagious diseases. The fire of Saint Anthony, was identified by doctors as a grangrenous ergotism, caused by a diet of rye bread contaminated with the parasite ergot. The effect of this is the drying out of hands and feet which then need amputation, the plague and then later syphilis. All the skin diseases came from Saint Anthony. Saint Anthony’s pilgrimage to Dauphine rivaled that of Saint Jacques to Compostela. Thanks to the various commanderies created by the mother house, Saint Anthony’s cult spread throughout Christianity. In order to maintain commanderies and their hospitals, the Antonnites resorted to pig farming. They enjoyed having the benefit of letting their pigs roam freely through the streets of the villages, with little bells round their necks that had a recognisable chime so that they were able to find them. This privilege was very envied by other monastic Orders. Saint Anthony was the patron saint of several crafts such as basket makers and gravediggers. However it is to the pig that he owes the majority of his patronages; pigkeepers, pig sellers, butchers, porc butchers, brush makers who use pig bristle and bell-ringers because of the pig bells...

Rubellite Tourmaline on Feldspar, Malkhan Pegmatite Field, Krasnyi Chikoy, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia Measures: 8 cm tall x 8 cm wide All rubellite tourmaline is compared to the famou...

At the center, within a shield-shaped frame, a delicate plant motif with slender stems and leaves is depicted, symbolizing the vitality of nature through simple lines. The shield-shaped frame harmonizes with the vase's curves, emphasizing the plant design. The neck features elongated leaf patterns, while soft cloud motifs are gracefully arranged along the body, following the vase’s natural flow. At the base, repetitive geometric patterns provide a sense of stability. This vase beautifully captures classical and serene beauty through the balance of natural harmony and meticulous craftsmanship. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam, Vietnam Type : Yuhuchun Vase Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : 1) Art Gallery of Greater Victoria - A vase from the wreck of the Hoi An 2) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard...

Another large Crinoid fossil from our collection. Crinoids are more commonly known as sea lilies and are members of the Echinodermata phylum with the st...

This Ancient Cypriot Ceramic Sculpture of a Horse on Wood Plinth Base originates from Cyprus during the 4th Century BCE. The sculpture has an alluring dynamic and many details remai...