15th Century and Earlier Furniture

Original vintage sport themed travel poster - Surfing Australia - featuring a black and white photograph of a smiling lady in a swimming suit and cap surfing on a wave with two men o...

A natural piece of Petrified Wood set on a stand. Completely organic natural raw fossil, cleaned for display. Appearing as a towering mountain with jutting peaks. To the back sid...

A superb relief-carved panel depicting the Maya Deity Itzamna, appearing as an Iguana, stretched out on a platform with long-toed limbs splayed

Ancient pre Colombian surgical copper tumi knife ,processionally mounted on cotton Matt with decorative vintage shadow box . Original cloth encrustation and wrapping patterns visible...

Two granary model porcelains. East Asia, This pottery representation of a granary sits on a layered base, topped with a conical lid that also acts as its roof, all finished in a grey...

I would like to introduce an attractive pot that gives you a sense of wabi-sabi. It is "Shigaraki ware". Shigaraki is a historical kiln located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. (Shigaraki...

Chinese blue and white porcelain vase hand-painted with double happiness symbols upon a scrolling foliate ground, with two figural animal...

This genuine Burmese amber specimen dates back approximately 99 million years. Pieces like these are sometimes called a menagerie and this one contains s...

The electric intensity of this piece's coloration makes it both stunning and unique. The sparkling color and natural wave-like form makes for a hypnotic sculpture evoking a sense of ...

Stately in perfect proportion, this design is an elegant execution of form and function. Very unassuming in appearance yet every bit as formal as our other patterns, Craftsman's unad...

The vase exhibits a finely crafted structure, characterized by its wide shoulders and elongated, tapering sides, topped with a compact, ribbed cylindrical neck. Its exterior is adorn...

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...

Exceptionally Fine Wooden Sarcophagus Mask Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, circa 1069-945 BC. Acacia wood, rosewood, hippopotamus ivory Masterfully carved from a single piece of fine-grained hardwood, the present mask is characteristic of the most exquisite funerary art made during the 21st Dynasty, and was probably commissioned for a particularly high-ranking individual. The oval face displays a gently smiling mouth with full, outlined lips, furrows at the corners and a bow-shaped philtrum. The straight nose with rounded nostrils, the cheeks full and fleshy and the large, almond shaped eyes with heavy lids and tapering cosmetic lines, set below long, sweeping eyebrows. Social collapse across the Mediterranean in the Late Bronze Age meant that the 21st Dynasty in Egypt was a period of great turmoil. Trade routes were disrupted, governments collapsed, and mass migration occurred. Economic scarcity meant that traditional funerary practices in Egypt were also affected, with a lack of material and financial resources leading to the reuse of preexisting material. As a result, during the 21st Dynasty, 19th and 20th Dynasty coffins changed ownership rapidly and were heavily recycled for new purposes. Tombs were also unmarked allowing them to be shared by many people. These new practices brought forth a shift in the understanding of funerary paraphernalia. No longer important objects owned forever by the deceased, they were now simply seen as short-term transformative devices, whose symbolic and ritualistic meaning could be appropriated for others. However, paradoxically, the art of coffin-making also reached new heights during this period, and many of the richly dec- orated “yellow” coffins, characteristic of the 21st Dynasty, are remarkable works of art in their own right. Indeed, knowing that coffins were being reused throughout Egypt, the Egyptian élite set themself apart by commissioning lavish sarcophagi decorated with the images and texts meant to help guide them to the afterlife, and which would otherwise have adorned the tomb walls. As coffins were the chief funerary element which now identified the dead and allowed them a physical presence in the world of the living, their quality and appearance were of the utmost importance. The traditional coffin ensemble was made of three parts: a wooden mummy cover, which laid directly atop the mummy, an inner coffin, and an outer coffin, both made of a lid and case. Additional decorative elements, such as masks, were carved out separately and later glued or pegged to the lids. After the completion of the painted decoration, the sarcophagus was covered in a varnish to give it its yellow colour. Gilding was sometimes used for the coffins of the high priests’ families, notably on parts representing naked skin, such as the face mask. However, some of the élite tactically avoided gilding altogether as to ensure that their coffin would not be looted. When manufacturing the inner and outer coffins, particular attention was paid to the woodwork. Displaying the skill of the carpenter, this type of funerary art has largely remained unparalleled throughout Egyptian history. The principal wood used to craft the present mask is Acacia nilotica. The evergreen Egyptian acacia was considered sacred and said to be the tree of life, the birthplace of the god Horus, as well as symbolic of Osiris, the god of the dead and resurrection. The modelling of the face in the wood is superb, but the inlays also help mark this mask out as exceptional. Inlaid eyes and eyebrows were extremely rare and reserved to the finest and most expensive coffins. Traditionally, eyes were made of calcite, obsidian, or quartz, and eyebrows of coloured glass paste or bronze. Here, the pupils, eyebrows, and cosmetic lines are inlaid with Dalbergia melanoxylon, a rare type of wood which belongs to the rosewood genus. In antiquity, however, it was known as Ebony of the Pharaohs, from the Egyptian word “hbny”, meaning dark timber, because of its black, lustrous appearance. An extremely dense and hard wood requiring significant skill to work with, ebony was a luxury material highly coveted by the pharaohs themselves, to make furniture, decorative and funerary objects. The wood was imported with great effort from the southern Land of Punt, most likely modern Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, alongside other luxury goods such as gold and ivory. A magnificent ebony throne, recovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, illustrates the incredible aesthetic potential of this material and why it was so highly valued by Egyptian royalty. Only élite members of Egyptian society could have afford- ed Ebony of the Pharaoh inlays for their funerary mask. The sclerae on the present piece were once both inlaid with hippopotamus ivory. Whiter than elephant ivory, this type of ivory is also denser, and more difficult to carve. The use of this luxury material, reputed for its gleaming appearance, enhances the lifelikeness of the eyes. For the Egyptians, hippopotamus ivory was imbued with magic powers. The hippopotamus was indeed both feared and venerated due to its aggressive behaviour. Whilst the male hippopotamus was associated with danger and chaos, the female was benevolent and invoked for protection, especially of the house and of mothers and their children, through the hippopotamus goddess Tawaret. Thus, not only was hippopotamus ivory used as an inlay and to make practical objects, such as combs and clappers, but it was also used to make talismans like apotropaic wands or knives. Made during a time of scarcity where few could afford made-to-order coffins, the present mask could have only belonged to one of the highest-ranking individuals in society. Undoubtedly one of the finest Egyptian coffin...

An exceptional table made of a Roman pavonazzo marble base, originally from a labrum, circa 1st/2nd century, with a later porphyry veneered top.

Presented is an exceptional specimen of blue-purple Fluorite, with a serene light blue hue that evokes the clear sky of a summer’s day. Originating from the esteemed La Viesca mine i...

PRESENTING a STUNNING piece of Southeast Asian Antiquity, namely, a Group of 4 Terracotta Animals from the First Century B.C to First Century A.D. These pieces has impeccable Proven...

Found in 2002 at Franconia in Mojave, Arizona, this H5 chondrite meteorite can be found strewn amongst many other varieties of metorite in what has been coined a Dense Collection Are...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

Impressive sculpture features a large cluster of Pyrite, masterfully extracted from the depths of Peru. Renowned for its metallic luster and golden hue, Pyrite—often called “Fool’s G...

Magnificent large Herkimer diamond proudly seated on its original matrix. This clear, double-terminated quartz crystal is renowned for its exceptional clarity and brilliance, akin to...

15th Century Italian Renaissance Giltwood Carving . This magnificent 15th century Italian Renaissance gilt wood carving with a serpent is displayed on a revolving iron base. This mou...

An elegant and unusually large Korean Goryeo bronze bottle vase with green patina, Goryeo Dynasty, 12th/13th century, Korea. The graceful vase of typical bottle form, with a bulbous...

Telamon Northern Italy, late 12th - early 13th century Reemployed Roman marble H 32 x L 18 x P 17 cm « Sono coloro che hanno dimenticato che l’uomo é solo un bruco, destinato a dive...

Magnificent Amethyst geode, a captivating treasure with a heart of intense purple and a unique large calcite, cradled in a custom rotating stand for a 360-degree view of its splendou...

Wonderful limestone carving of Madonna with child seated on the throne of knowledge, c1350 and with 6 fingers on her right hand it’s in excellent condition size 78cms high 48 wide 3...

This vase is made from a type of low-fired, porous clay and features a crackled glaze. It bears resemblance to the renowned funerary vases and covers adorned with applied decorations...

The bowl is potted with steep, flared sides and decorated to the interior with stylized peonies among scrolling tendrils. The exterior is carved with vertical lines below the everted...

Covered with a fine bluish glaze, the body entirely decorated with an incised decoration of elegant leafy scrolls and blooming lotuses. "Yuhuchunping" translates to 'spring wine bott...

Stunning Pyrite piece from the mineral-rich soils of Peru, this piece is a symphony of metallic luster and geometric precision. Its perfect cubic crystals are interlocked in a captiv...

This vase is made from a type of low-fired, porous clay and features a crackled glaze. It bears resemblance to the renowned funerary vases and covers adorned with applied decorations...

This huge 5.67" high megalodon tooth is five to ten million years old from South Carolina, USA. The megalodon was the most massive predatory shark to ever live. Reaching lengths of 7...

This meteorite was acquired from the Bethany Sciences collection and was once a part of the private collection of Meteorite Man Robert A. Haag. It includes an informational Certifica...

Beautiful lamp, carved from a block of translucent Mexican banded onyx.

This bowl stands out for its detailed depiction of two fish amid soft spiral waves, bordered by two cranes within the bowl. The design's depth and clarity, from the lifelike portraya...

Captivating Pyrite sphere from Peru, a true natural masterpiece. This sphere is a polished marvel, with countless tiny Pyrite crystals embedded within, each sparkling with perfect lu...

Pre-Columbian, Caribbean area, perhaps Dominican Republic, Taino (Arawak) Indians, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. An incredibly well-preserved stone zemi of a Taino deity shown in a crouchin...

Beautiful lamp, carved from a block of translucent Mexican banded onyx.

This magnificent panel is an example of the pinnacle of Maya stone carving. It depicts the head of a cormorant in profile, with a long hooked beak, curved tongue, large central eye,...

This genuine Burmese amber specimen dates back approximately 99 million years and contains a fully preserved snail shell with associated debris. It forme...

This museum-quality Amethyst “harp” from Artigas, Uruguay, is a natural sculpture of exceptional beauty and rarity. The piece features a harmonious arrangement of high-quality Amethy...

Exquisite specimen of blue-purple fluorite from the renowned La Viesca Mine in Asturias, which closed in 2020, making pieces like this increasingly rare. The specimen boasts vibrant ...

This green-glazed bowl was finely crafted with an attention to detail that highlights the skill of the Cizhou green and Ding ware potter. Its delicate form has been adorned with a dr...

Neolithic Pottery Provenance Dr. Philip Gould (1922-2020) This remarkable piece of Neolithic pottery, with dimensions of 10 1/2" H x 10" W, is a testament to the ancient artistry a...

We would like to introduce you to some fascinating pots excavated in Japan. This is a pot fired in an ancient Japanese kiln called Tokoname ware. Tokoname is a kiln located in Aichi...

ITEM: Scarab with pseudo-hieroglyphic, Anra-type MATERIAL: Steatite CULTURE: Egyptian PERIOD: Second Intermediate Period, 1700 – 1550 B.C DIMENSIONS: 10 mm x 15 mm CONDITION: Good co...

A Goyard courier trunk, completely original and with great character. Dating to the early part of the 20th century (circa 1900/1910) this trunk was finished with the famous chevron c...

Prehistoric Brazilian thick agate geode on stand. Center hole reveals beautiful natural silver crystals. Stand measures 6" x 4". One of several from a large collection of agate geo...

A striking polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar, naturally formed over thousands of years. Characterised by its iridescent colours, principally blue, this high grade...

The edges have been dipped in four places with brown, probably iron-oxide. The well of the bowl is freely painted in green and coffee coloured brown. Period : Late Tang Dynasty Prod...

MOUNTAIN-CHAWAN – Supernatural unconscious object as the integrated 8-layered Japanese proto-pottery bowls (so-called ‘Yamajawan’ (Yama-Chawan / lit. ‘Mountain tea bowl’)) stuck to e...

Exceptional and rare Set of 3 Fossilized Claws from an animal, the pieces were found in Indonesia , Asia, the objects have a very nice color and patina due to age, mounted on a moder...

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this sculpture of the Infant Jesus as Salvator Mundi, an exceptional piece originating from the renowned School of Mechelen of the 15th-16t...

Chinese Neolithic Period Vase Chinese pottery, objects made of clay and hardened by heat: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, particularly those made in China. Nowhere in the wor...

ITEM: Statuette of a horse MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Chinese, Tang Dynasty PERIOD: 618 – 907 A.D DIMENSIONS: 560 mm x 530 mm x 200 mm CONDITION: Good condition. Includes Thermolumin...

ITEM: Statuette of a horse MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Chinese, Northern Wei Dynasty PERIOD: 386 – 535 A.D DIMENSIONS: 404 mm x 350 mm x 230 mm CONDITION: Good condition. Includes Th...

A Pre Columbian Jadeite Axe God pendant from the Guanacaste/Nicoya region of Costa Rica Circa. 800 to 1200 AD. The axe god pendant of highly stylized Human form drilled through the ...

ITEM: Statuette of a Sogdian rider MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Chinese, Tang Dynasty PERIOD: 618 – 907 A.D DIMENSIONS: 560 mm x 510 mm x 175 mm CONDITION: Good condition. Includes The...

Made from the standard orange earthenware body of Han green glazed tomb models, this miniature milling station features a circular millstone and a foot...