15th Century and Earlier Furniture

An impressive pair of petrified wood bookends, circa pre-history. The bookends were formed by fossilization over millions of years and are finished with the exterior edges retaining...

15th century Gothic Virgin Gothic Virgin of the 15th century Virgin in carved and polychrome wood of the 15th century. In its original state, muse...

Here is a large vertebrae from the massive Spinosaurus maroccanus theropod dinosaur. It comes from From Baharija Formation, South of Taouz, Kem-kem Basin, Morocco. Spinosaurus (mean...

Jalisco Pottery dog figure with open mouth. 6 ½” x 3 ½” x 4 ½”. 100 BCE - 250 CE. Ex. Hank Johnson Collection. Hank Johnson was a geologist, and passionate...

This piece has a flared neck and a globular body, typical of the forms seen in Cizhou ware. The body is decorated with freely drawn floral motifs and abstract patterns, which may inc...

This stunning formation consists of a large pyramidal calcite on a bed of deep purple amethyst. The split calcite with unusual epitaxial goethite and a second generation of amethys...

A rare and charming collection featuring a miniature polychrome pottery bowl from the ancient Jalisco culture (West Mexico, circa 200 BCE – 400 CE), accompanied by three carved stone...

A ceramic wide-mouthed bottle vase covered in green celadon glaze from Goryeo dynasty circa 11-12th century. The bottle vase with such a form (mouth with wide rim, long and slender neck, tall body with swelled shoulders that taper down toward the base) is known as "kwanggubyong" in Korean and developed from the prototype of bottles from united Silla kingdom. It was used for holding oil or liquid. Some of this type of vase take a plain form without much decoration other than glaze; Some feature basic geometrical lines, such as this one. Three concentric rings were featured along the neck and on the shoulder. Some with more carving on the body (see a vase in the collection of Brooklyn Musuem, 79.246.3) or a simple paint with iron glaze (See c.16-1930 in Fitzwilliam Musuem, Cambridge, UK). The vase on offer is covered in a lovely green celadon glaze which exhibits fine even crackles throughout the surface. It has a slightly uneven base with the foot ring shaved by the potter. The surface is original with a nice mellow patina. There is a historical kintsugi repair on the mouth rim, with its gold vain...

A Trilobite fossil from Morocco,great patina and shine of the fossilized stone, Trilobits are extinct marine arthropods,easily recognized by their distinctive three-lobed, three-seg...

Doubly-terminated, stacked cluster of Herkimer Quartz crystals from Herkimer County, New York. This aesthetic specimen, translucent to transparent 3d d...

From Huanggang Mine, Kèshíkèténg Qí, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China Pink mangano calcite flower. The pink color of the calcite is caused by manganese ...

From Soygaon, Aurangabad District, Maharashtra, India Large cluster of spherical balls of Thomsonite covered with mesolite crystals all over a bed of Heulandite on matrix. Specime...

Ptychopariida is a large, heterogeneous order of trilobite containing some of the most primitive species known. The earliest species occurred in the second half of the Lower Cambrian...

Very colorful complete Nazca unku in multi-color camelid wool with lozenge diamond and zig-zag design patterns. The beautiful blue and light pink color makes this textile very unique...

With a worn finish, this round orangeware bowl is a wonderful example of Pre-Columbian pottery. The delicate bowl has a squat form and tapered lip. Painted with stokes of red slip an...

A well carved Indian white marble Jain temple relief fragment featuring an image of a Jina, circa 12th century, Rajasthan or Gujarat, India. The Tirthan...

Antique chinese bowl from my private collection, now on sale after 35 years and never exhibited to the public. This little bowl is very fine, simply elegant, for any use on any elega...

Song dynasty Chinese celadon porcelain horse and rider on later Lucite pedestal Chinese celadon porcelain horse and rider, likely Song dynasty (10th-13th century AD) The figure alo...

This heart shaped formation has a beautiful contrast of a polished white quartz exterior with an interior laden with pink druzy stalactites. This ...

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...

Cizhou jar, Terracotta decorated with brown slip of stylized patterns on a cream background, XIVth Century, China. Measures : Diameter 43 cm, Height 6...

A sublime Chinese neolithic burnished red pottery jug, Qijia Culture (2200 BC - 1600 BC), modern day Gansu Province, China. The simple jug of alluring form, with a voluptuous body, short, narrow neck with slightly everted mouth, and a single ear handle. The red pottery of gorgeous shades of terracotta, and slightly burnished. Overall surprisingly contemporary for a piece over three thousand years old. The Qijia Culture was a late Neolithic...

20.68 Gram Pretty Demantoid Garnet Specimen Weight: 20.68 Gram Dimension: 2.2 x 2.9 x 2.7 Cm Origin: Belqeys Mountains ( Koh-e-Belgheys), Iran Color: Green Demantoid is the green gemstone variety of the mineral andradite, a member of the garnet group of Minerals. Andradite is a calcium- and iron-rich garnet. The chemical formula is Ca₃Fe₂(SiO₄)₃ with chromium substitution as the cause of the demantoid green color. Ferric iron is the cause of the yellow in the stone Demantoid was a popular gemstone during the Belle Époque period (1890-1915), especially in Art Nouveau jewelry. The Russian Czars...

Depiction of a Head, China. Han period (206 BCE - 220 CE). Earthenware with traces of cold painting in black and white. PROVENANCE Johanne Huitfeldt's (1932-2023) collection of Asia...

A large fossil Fern plate, Alethopteris,a prehistoric plant genus of fossil seed ferns, Pennsylvania,St Clair, Carboon, 300 million years ago, very decorative object with fern parts ...

A substantial formation with a thick lining of large white quartz crystals that contrast beautifully with the two honey coloured calcites ...

In the heart of an ancient empire, stands a sculpture of breathtaking power and majesty, probable Wei dynasty. A mighty beast, sculpted from the very essence of strength, is poised i...

The tri-lobed shape and combed ridges of this cooking pot increased heating efficiency by maximizing the vessel’s surface area. The shape of a bronze vessel li, with the body rising out of three hollow pointed legs to a wide moiuth with splayed-out rim. The exterior is covered with cord impressed pattern. The surface shows signs of oxidation from being buried in the soil for a long time. Period: Zhou or Shang dynasty circa 1000 B.C.E. Medium : Grey earthenware with impressed decoration Type : Tripod vessel Size : 29cm (Height) x 35cm(Diameter) Condition : Good Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) V&A Museum - ACCESSION NUMBER C.87-1954 2) Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art - ACCESSION NUMBER F1984.13 3) The University of Chicago - OBJECT NUMBER 1989.1 4) The MET - Accession Number: 1972.275.5 5) Kyoto National Museum - Three-footed Earthenware Vessel * Shang Dynasty Pottery (1600-1046 BCE) The Shang dynasty, known for its significant advancements in bronze casting, also produced notable pottery. Shang pottery is characterized by its practical use and simple designs, reflecting the utilitarian needs of the society. The pottery from this period includes both coarse wares used for everyday purposes and fine, high-quality ceramics used in ritualistic contexts. Common forms include jars, bowls, and cups, often with a dark, burnished surface. One distinctive feature of Shang pottery is the use of gray clay, and many pieces display clear signs of oxidation, giving them a unique, mottled appearance. The decorations were typically incised or stamped, featuring geometric patterns, zoomorphic designs, and motifs that are also seen in Shang bronze...

1989 Gram Magnificent Aquamarine Specimen With Muscovite From Nagar, Pakistan Weight: Dimension: 16 x 15 x 10 Cm Origin: Nagar Valley, Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan Province,...

A rare and captivating relic of ancient craftsmanship – This Large Western Asiatic Buff Ware Footed Storage Jar. Dating back to the 1st millennium B.C., it is an extraordinary artifa...

A very intriguing 14th century stone disc from Navarra, Spain. One side of the stone is carved with a solar symbol and the other side, a star. A wonderful...

A striking Chinese Neolithic to Bronze Age burnished red pottery double handled saddle mouth storage jar, Siwa Culture (circa 1500 to 1100 BC), modern day Gansu Province, China. ...

This seated ceramic figure is attributed to the ancient Nayarit region of Mexico and was likely used as a ritual or burial offering. The ceramic works of this style, known as Chinesc...

264.55 Gram Beautiful Quartz Crystal Cluster From Skardu District, Pakistan Weight: 264.55 Gram Dimension: 10.5 x 8.5 x 5 Cm Origin: Skardu District, Pakistan Quartz is one of th...

An exceptional and very early Buddhist stone altar equipped with two handgrips for moving it to the spot of the planned sacrifice. Carved by hand from a si...

Roman clay pot fragment. Charming artifact, a very good example of Roman pottery. This fragment was found in one of France's oldest ports, Fos-sur-Mer, ...

A small amethyst cluster with interesting sprinkling of creamy calcite crystals. Polished at the edges. This piece was legally and ethically sourced directly in the prestigious mine...

A tall and dramatic Chinese high fired gray pottery model of a standing lady wearing a hood and a flared skirt, Western Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 9 CE), Shaanxi, China. This striking ...

A beautiful formation of unusual quartz pseudomorphs after anhydrite. The quartz crystals have formed over anhydrite crystals, which subsequently dissolved, leaving tan coloured quar...

On offer is a pottery figurine of lady in waiting, found in the tombs as funeral objects in Han dynasty of China. Generally known as Han tomb ladies, t...

Chicken-head celadon is among the most distinct and emblematic piece from the dynamic yet innovative era spanning from the Han (206 BC - AD 220) to the Tang (618-907) dynasties. Thei...

Colors fuse together in this uniquely beautiful piece, presenting the viewer with purple amethyst mixed with red-orange Druze, creating a lovely combination. The mineral sculpture...

Attributed to the "Meister der Berliner Passion" from his Kleine Passion. It is now considered almost certain that the Meister der Berliner Passion was in fact Israhel van Meckenem ...

Veneto- Saracenic candlestick Engraved bronze 15th century 12,5 x 6,2 cm This rare candlestick exemplify exquisite craftsmanship, featuring a bell-shaped base with a flared foot ado...

The amethyst geodes from Uruguay are mined from the same rock formation as their relatives just to the north across the border into southern Brazil and are igneous (volcanic) in orig...

Molded of earthenware, this petite sculpture is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Such model figures were placed in tombs of individuals with high status to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife. Meant to depict the pleasures of daily life, common burial figures...

A Chinese Song period celadon glazed bowl. Petal form rim and hand-carved decoration to the interior. Really nicely thinly potted example with cra...

Pune District, Maharashtra, India Large cabinet geode of bright pink heulandites in translucent wheat sheave aggregates intergrown with pink stilbite bow crystals all on powder bl...

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...

Stoneware decorated with Persian-style colors and patterns, and it is highly likely that this Annamese pottery intended for export was produced to meet Middle Eastern demand. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam, Vietnam Type : Stoneware Dish Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...

A pleasing small display piece showcasing bluish druzy quartz covering a stalactite, which is cut and polished at the tip to reveal the floral interior structure. This piece was l...

Highly uncommon Thai or Cambodian giant (from the Ramakien-SouthEast Asian version of the Ramayana) kneeling in devotion. I've never seen another example of from such an early period. Deep concentration and serenity in his face and posture. 3 inches tall, height on custom stand is 3.75 inches. - It is extremely simple in design, with no clothes...

Veneto- Saracenic candlestick Engraved bronze 15th century 13 x 8,5 cm This rare candlestick exemplify exquisite craftsmanship, featuring a bell-shaped base with a flared foot adorn...

Cercle of Jacopo della Pila (Lombard, in Naples 1471-1502) Marble relief depicting a winged Cherub Naples, second half of15th century 40 x 57 x 12 cm Exquisitely carved, this relief portrays a winged cherub with cascading hair and delicate features. The cherub's plump, smooth countenance, rounded cheeks, outlined lips, and finely drawn nose emanate a sense of tenderness. The quadrangular module, is adorned with a carved frame. The relief ascends gradually, transitioning from the low relief of the wings to the high relief of the head. The rectangular frame and the subtly curved form of the artwork suggest that the relief likely adorned the upper part of an arch or a vaulted chapel. The type is that of the perspective room with a coffered ceiling decorated with figures of winged cherubs, which is found in various Neapolitan chapels of the 15th century. Coffered ceilings attest to the recovery of antiquity and the search for luxury in Renaissance architecture, first in Florence, then in Rome and Naples. The majority of the numerous family chapels and tombs built during the late fifteenth century in south of Italy employ the new formal vocabulary of the Florentine Renaissance in a self-confident manner that permitted a broad spectrum of variations. The escalating admiration for the classical world, coupled with the development of perspective, significantly contributed to the Renaissance endorsement of coffered ceilings. This artistic and constructive device drew inspiration from the intricate marble patterns observed in historical landmarks such as the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, the Pantheon, and the Basilica of Maxentius. A distilled product of both mathematical and artistic cultures, deeply scrutinizing the ancient world, the coffered ceiling plays a vital role in the perspective construction of space with its regular and directional geometry. The motif of the coffered ceiling decorated with cherubs in relief was introduced in Naples by Francesco Laurana in the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo. Laurana's impact on the art scene in the south of Italy was profound. The introduction of the winged cherub into the region's artistic vocabulary bridged the gap between the classical and the contemporary, creating a synthesis that resonated with both aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. His influence extended beyond the immediate visual appeal, shaping the cultural identity of the Renaissance in southern Italy. Although the plastic decoration of the Arch of Castelnuovo cannot certainly be ascribed to a mature Renaissance style, it was precisely on this occasion that the sculptors who worked there could get to know and export throughout the Italian peninsula that type of "Florentine classicism" which, even in the 15th century Naples, was conditioned by the Burgundian culture imported into the Kingdom by Alfonso of Aragon himself, with artists called from Spain and Northern Europe. The coffered ceiling, with its geometric patterns and Laurana's winged cherubs nestled within, became a symbol of refinement and cultural sophistication. The relief sculptures, carefully integrated into the overall design, transformed the ceiling into a celestial realm, inviting viewers to contemplate the divine while immersed in the grandeur of the Renaissance space. Similar winged cherubs appears also in the Naples cathedral. Within the renowned Succorpo Chapel, a mesmerizing marble coffered ceiling adorned with cherubs epitomizes the splendor of the Neapolitan Renaissance. The interplay of light and shadow on the textured surface of the marble coffered ceiling introduces an ethereal dimension, providing an immersive visual experience for observers. The geometric precision and the repeated patterns, reminiscent of classical motifs, establish a sense of harmony and balance that has become the hallmark of the Neapolitan interpretation of Florentine Renaissance aesthetics. Although probably intended to be admired from a distance, this cherub is intricately detailed and exquisitely rendered: the face and hair are elegantly outlined and the feathers are textured through juxtaposed lines. The marble, both figurative and decorative, adheres to the principles of balance and restrained ornamentation typical of the « Florentine Classicism ». Harmonious shapes and gracefully orchestrated curves , rooted in the classical repertoire, converge to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty. The surface displays the masterful use of a chisel to intricately carve the feathers and facial features, creating an almost abstract quality. This work is a testament to a sculptor of great skill and rich figurative knowledge, seamlessly blending classical firmness in contours with a refined treatment of the marble's surface. The combination of tradition and innovation point to a stylistic idiom from Lombardy, in particular we can find some comparaisons with the works of Jacopo della Pila, sculptor of Lombard origin working in Naples in the second half of the 15th century. He is documented there between 1471 and 1502, and is a protagonist of the Aragon Renaissance in the second half of the Quattrocento, together with the other great Northern sculptor active in the kingdom, Domenico Gagini. the first commission he received dates back to August 9, 1471, when Jacopo publicly committed to sculpting the funerary monument of Archbishop Nicola Piscicelli to be placed in the Cathedral of Salerno. The last known work is an altar ordered on July 29, 1502, by the noble Jacopo Rocco for the church of San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples. Between these two chronological extremes (1471-1502), we must place the fervent activity of the artist, who had trained in Rome, perhaps under the guidance of Paolo Romano but also engaged in dialogue with other major artists of the city, especially Isaia da Pisa. He enriched his experience in Naples, initially drawing inspiration from the works of Domenico Gagini and later from the Tuscan masterpieces of Antonio Rossellino and Benedetto da Maiano destined for the church of Santa Maria di Monteoliveto. Jacopo della Pila's artistic personality is thus based on a complex interplay of influences, contributing to the definition of a highly personal style. Close comparaison can be made between our cherub and the winged angels reliefs...

A sublime molded stucco head of a young male donor from the ancient region of Gandhara, 4th-5th century. The youthful nobleman sculpted in an idealized...

A sublime Chinese archaic bronze wine vessel, called a bianhu, Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), China. The bianhu with a flattened oblong body,...

This natural piece is surrounded and adorned with a beautiful polished border, where one can see the mineral layers developing from the rough basalt, to the grey/blue agate, white qu...

Highly unusual carved stone head of a bearded face with strong defined features. unusual "offering" bowl carved into the top section of the head. Well weathered. mounted to a later s...