1910s Furniture

Art nouveau lamp circa 1910. Brass and copper base. Iridescent glass tulip signed Quezal. In perfect condition and electrified. Total height: 38.5 cm Base diameter: 15.5 cm Width: 30 cm Quezal Art Glass Quezal Art Glass – The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles – April 2003 By Malcolm Mac Neil Some of the most beautiful and alluring art glass made in America during the early part of the 20th Century was made by the Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Company. Often in the shape of blossoming lilies with brilliant gold interiors and colorfully decorated with floral and other motifs inspired by nature, Quezal art glass ranks right alongside the iridescent glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frederick Carder. Quezal artisans created an extensive range of decorative and useful items, including vases, compotes, finger bowls, open salts, candle holders, and shades for lighting fixtures, which are equivalent in terms of beauty and quality of craftsmanship to Tiffany’s Favrile and Carder’s Aurene glass. In recent years, glass collectors have discovered anew the special charms and appeal of Quezal art glass, and collector desirability for this lovely glassware has increased dramatically. The Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Company was incorporated a century ago, on March 27, 1902. It was founded by Martin Bach, Sr., Thomas Johnson, Nicholas Bach, Lena Scholtz, and Adolph Demuth. The factory was located on the corner of Fresh Pond Road and Metropolitan Avenue in Maspeth, Queens, New York. In October 1902, the trademark “Quezal” was successfully registered. By 1904, roughly fifty glassworkers were employed at the works. Martin Bach, Sr. was the president, proprietor, and guiding force behind this successful company. Born in 1862 in Alsace-Lorraine to German parents, he emigrated to the United States in 1891. Before his emigration, Bach worked in Saint-Louis, France, at the Saint-Louis Glass Factory. After Bach arrived in this country, he was hired by Louis C. Tiffany as the latter’s first batch-mixer or chemist at the newly established Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, in Corona, Queens. After a period of about eight years, Bach left Tiffany and established his own glassworks. By this time, Bach had already started his small family. He and his German-born wife, Anne-Marie Geisser, whom he married in the fall of 1889, in Paris, France, had three children. Two daughters, Jennie and Louise, were born in France and a son, Martin, Jr., was born in Corona. Bach was assisted by Thomas Johnson, an English immigrant, and Maurice Kelly, a native of Corona, both of whom were gaffers or master glassblowers. Johnson and Kelly helped pave the way for Quezal’s early accomplishments and later recognition. Thomas Johnson, like Bach, was a founding member and also previously employed by Louis C. Tiffany. Johnson’s association with Quezal, however, was relatively short lived. Around 1907, Johnson left for Somerville, Massachusetts, where he became involved in making Kew Blas glass, under William S. Blake at the Union Glass Company. Maurice Kelly’s tenure with Quezal was also brief. Kelly worked at Quezal from January 1902 until July 1904, but by November 1904, he was making Favrile glass at Tiffany Furnaces, where he would happily remain until 1918. To this day, the belief still exists that there once existed a man named Quezal, who worked for Louis C. Tiffany, and it is after him that Quezal glass is named. In truth, however, the founders of the Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Company named the company and its products after one of the world’s most beautiful birds, the elusive and rare quetzal, which dwells in the treetops of the remote tropical forests of Central America. A rare company promotional brochure provides a vivid description of the quetzal: Of all the birds of the America’s, it is the most gorgeous. No more splendid sight is to be seen in all the world than a quezal, flying like a darting flame through the depths of a Central American forest. Its back is of a brilliant metallic green, so vivid it shines even in the twilight of the woods like a great emerald and its breast is a crimson so deep and bright that every motion of the wonderful creature is a flashing of rubies among the trees and giant creepers. It bears a true golden crown upon its head – a helmet of bright yellow and green, shaped just as the helmet of old Aztec kings were shaped. Its tail is composed of lacelike plumes, extending more than two and one-half feet beyond its body. The quezal was certainly an appropriate designation for the company’s resplendent glassware. One of the most prized characteristics of Quezal art glass is the shimmering and dazzling brilliance reflected in the iridescent surfaces on the interior as well as exterior of the glass. The radiant rainbow colors in metallic hues, including gold, purple, blue, green, and pink, to name only a few, were certainly inspired by the quetzal and its feathers. Not surprisingly, lustrous feathers, in shades of opal, gold, emerald, and blue, are among the most common decorative motifs encountered on Quezal glass. The enduring hallmark of Quezal art glass is its unique expression of the Art Nouveau style, based on organic shapes and naturalistic motifs coupled with technical perfection in the execution. Vases, compotes, drinking vessels, and shades for lighting fixtures were often fashioned to resemble flowers such as crocuses, tulips, calla lilies, casablanca lilies, and jack-in-the-pulpits. Variously colored inlaid threads of glass, pulled and twisted by hooks, simulate naturalistic floral and leaf patterns, lily pads, clover leafs, and vines. Opal, gold, and green colors prevail and the glass is generally opaque. Red is the rarest color of all. Compared with Tiffany’s Favrile glass, the crisp, vivid, and colorful decoration of Quezal art glass is distinctively precise, symmetrical, and restrained. Other Quezal wares recall shapes and styles favored in ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome, as well as the Italian Renaissance and the Georgian period in England. This is especially true of classic-shaped vases and bowls of translucent amber glass, which have a single surface color such as iridescent gold or blue. Still, others were inspired by traditional Chinese and Japanese forms. The Gorham Manufacturing Company in Providence, Rhode Island, and the Alvin Silver Manufacturing Company in Sag Harbor, Long Island, purchased Quezal art glass, which they in turn embellished in their shops with silver overlay decoration in the fashionable Art Nouveau style and later resold. Gorham’s silver overlay designs mostly include stylized floral motifs. Alvin’s silver designs are wonderfully organic. One sumptuous design is of a group of sinuous iris blossoms with carefully articulated petals surrounded by attenuated meandering vines. Collectors should note that not all silver-deposit pieces are marked with a maker’s mark since the silversmith had to be quite careful not to damage the glass underneath. A rare 1907 retail catalog survives from Bailey, Banks, and Biddle Company, a luxury goods retailer in Philadelphia, which reveals original retail prices of Quezal art glass. A surprising revelation provided by this catalog is that Quezal art glass was nearly twice as expensive as comparable French imported glass made by such renowned firms as Gallé and Daum. Hock glasses, a stemmed glass used primarily for drinking German white wine, were sold by the dozen and retailed between $50 and $75. Fingerbowls were also sold by the dozen and retailed between $50 and $100. These high retail prices were nearly the same as those charged for Tiffany’s Favrile glass, and suggest Quezal art glass was also marketed towards the high-end or luxury market. Electricity was a brand new invention in the late 1800s and American glass manufacturers developed novel approaches for concealing the electric light bulb, which was rather harsh to the eye and perhaps unflattering to the domestic interior. Tiffany, Steuben, and Quezal responded to this need with the most extraordinary and beautiful art-glass shades, all of which were  hand-made and exquisitely fashioned. Many other companies also made art glass shades for table and floor lamps, electroliers, hallway fixtures, and wall sconces, but it was Quezal that excelled in this area and was the most prolific. Quezal art glass shades were available in an infinite variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and decorations. Some shades are formed and decorated as lilies while others are bell-shaped and have ribbed or textured decoration. Rims are usually plain but sometimes are notched or ruffled. Common motifs include feather or hooked feather, leaf and vine, applied flowers, drape, fishnet, King Tut, and spider webbing. The workmanship shown on most Quezal shades...

French buffet or enfilade in the Louis XVI style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish ...

Exceptional rare large antique French Tapestry handmade human animals "Mille Fleurs" Tapestry 6'8" x 8' (7' x 8') 203cm x 244cm Circa 1910 " An exce...

Rare Art Nouveau Emile Galle Cameo botanical vase, depicting flowers, in purple over blue and yellow. The flowers are set mostly against a dark blue background giving the illusion of...

Introducing a very rare and adorable Arts and Craft Yellow Flower Vase in Irregular Shape by Hilma Persson Hjelm, Sweden. It embodies the essence of...

Alabaster bust depicting Joan of Arc, whose creation is attributed to Giuseppe Bessi in the early 20th century Ø cm 27 Ø cm 16 h cm 28 Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orléan...

A large alloyed bronze patinated dish bowl stamped Just Andersen Denmark and numbered 1736 X. Some wear to the patination which should be visible in the photos but otherwise a larger...

This beautiful Art Nouveau lamp is a very rare find. This lamp, which bears the name The Forest Fountain, is exceptional. This showpiece of Art Nouveau was masterfully crafted with t...

Attributed to Giorgio Lucchesi (1855-1941) A large and impressive early 20th century oil on canvas "Madonna and Child" after Bartolomé Esteban Murillo...

Large French Art Deco stoneware planter by DENERT & BALICHON (Vierzon), France, 1910s. Height : 9.25"(23.5cm), Diameter : 11.8"(30cm). Signed "Denbac" and numbered 122 under the base...

Circa 1920 Country House hand painted single bed with original frame & wooden castors Exceptional form, wear and colour. sku 871 W210 x D96 x H1...

Antique Gamewell Co wall hanging cast iron fire alarm box. #2462, from Dayton Ohio. Dimensions: 12.5" x 6" x 16.75" (Width x Depth x Height)

Perfectly stylized work of religious art by S. Norga. This practical size and very good condition bronze plaque depicts Christ on the cross with Mary and Saint John mourning on eith...

One of the best early 20th century Persian Lavar Kirman rugs we've ever seen! The patten is extraordinary with an all-over floral cluster pattern woven in traditional Kirman colors o...

Tiara Perfume Bottle "Leurs Ames" made in glass by Rene Lalique in 1913 for D'Orsay Molded signature on bottom. Perfect condition. Exceptional and extremely rare bottle. height :...

Majestic and regal, this standing silver-plated peacock exudes elegance and grace. The impressionistic treatment of surface texture refers to the clay from which it was crafted. si...

Four bentwood chairs mod. Fledermaus by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1910s It is one of the most famous creations of the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, one of the founding fathers...

In the trade, we commonly call these an Olive Oil Jar, but are actually an amphora, which is a type of container of a specific shape and dimension, which began in the Neolithic Perio...

PRE-OWNED GOODS ARE EXEMPT FROM IMPORT TARIFFS FOR U.S., UK, AUSTRALIAN & CANADIAN CUSTOMERS. THEREFORE, NO IMPORT TARIFFS WILL BE APPLICABLE TO YOUR PURCHASE. Møller & Bøgely. ...

Perfume Bottle "Deux Figurines avec Bouchon Figurine" made in glass with grey patina by René Lalique in 1912. Engraved signature. Perfect condition. Very rare and impressive model. ...

This set has recently been restored and has fabric that has never been used. The frames are very graceful and are ready to be enjoyed in your home.

Swiveling desk / table lamp by Michael Powolny at Loetz, Bohemia, 1910s. Large double glass orange shade with three purple/black applications. Superb swiveling chiseled bronze base. ...

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau period Favrile iridescent art glass vase with tadpole design By Louis Comfort Tiffany for Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) USA, Cir...

From the storied Gilded Age firm of Minton, England we have 12 elegant cobalt blue with raised gilding plates that were custom ordered through the retailer Davis, Collamore and Compa...

Excellent and rare Art Nouveau ceramic piece from a series of the four seasons: Naked putto in a wide stance, head tilted to the left and holding a cascade of flowers falling to the ...

Spectacular simple be yet so elegant. A beautiful piece from the Arts and Crafts Mission period. Still in its original fumed oak finish and with it all the original hardware. Wavy gl...

Tiffany Studios Jeweled Feather Table Lamp. New York, Circa 1910 Base signed TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 584, Height 22 Inches Shade signed TIFF...

Melbourne H Hardwick (b 1857-1916) a well recognized and active societal member of the Salmaguni Club, painted this exceptional portrait of a Boston terrier on the year of his death....

Tiffany Studios "Colonial" Table Lamp early 20th century leaded glass, patinated bronze shade impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 1901" base impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 2...

Arts and Crafts Silk Velvet Runner from the early 20th Century. Beautifully done batik with floral border in turquoise on eggplant ground. Silk backing. 35" x 18". 1900 USA.

An outstanding antique Edwardian revolving bookcase. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1900-1910 period. It is of exceptional quality, with a beautiful and useful d...

This comprehensive Georg Jensen Sterling Silverware Service is designed in the timeless Acorn-pattern by Johan Rohde, originally introduced in 1915 and revered as one of Georg Jensen...

Kirman is an ancient city, with an incredible history going back over a thousand years. Marco Polo was one of the first westerners to view Kirman rugs. The city is located in the cen...

Up to six available Restored, originally green painted.

Fantastic elegant period arts & crafts style lamp with eight bent slag glass panels over flat panels with bronze overlay. Bronze lamp base with a shade...

A gorgeous Arts and Crafts or Art Deco period wood lined brass humidor cigar box By Bradley & Hubbard USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 3.75"W x 3.75"D x 6.75"H. Good original vintage co...

England, 1910 Bankers lamp with articulating neck and shade and beautifully detailed base. 8.25"w x 9.5"d x 18"h Ref. L5160 $ 1,800

Large black and white historical picture depicting the ship Virgen de Africa Cadiz, dated 1917. Original frame, 112 x 79 - inches 44 x 31. Good condition.

England, 1910 Aged brass counter weighted dentist lamp in original condition. Fully adjustable complete with globe holophane prismatic glass shade. 28”w x 4”d x 35” - 60”H Ref. L5088...

Made with hand-knotted wool, circa 1910-1920, this 3x5 antique Persian rug of Sarouk Farahan provenance is an exciting new curation from Rug & Kilim’s collection of rare classics. O...

Tiffany Studios Bronze and favrile Desk lamp Damascene iridescent glass with greens, blues, goals and silver. Fine reticulated and patinated bronze base. Original favrile pearl heat cap. Original socket and paddle switch. A rare and fabulous table lamp. New York c. 1910 patinated bronze, Favrile glass Height: 20 Inches (51 cm) Diameter: 7 Inches (18 cm) Impressed to base 'TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK'. Etched to inner top aperture 'L.C.T. Favrile'. Provenance: Private Collection, New York Literature: Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Alastair Duncan, pg. 90 illustrates base and shade AVANTIQUES is dedicated to providing an exclusive curated collection of Fine Arts, Paintings, Bronzes, Asian treasures, Art Glass and Antiques. Our inventory represents time-tested investment quality items with everlasting decorative beauty. We look forward to your business and appreciate any reasonable offers. All of our curated items are vetted and guaranteed authentic and as described. Avantiques only deals in original antiques and never reproductions. We stand behind our treasures with a full money back return policy if the items are not as described. Tiffany glass refers to the many and varied types of glass developed and produced from 1878 to 1933 at the Tiffany Studios in New York, by Louis Comfort Tiffany and a team of other designers, including Clara Driscoll, Agnes F. Northrop and Frederick Wilson. In 1865, Tiffany traveled to Europe, and in London he visited the Victoria and Albert Museum, whose extensive collection of Roman and Syrian glass made a deep impression on him. He admired the coloration of medieval glass and was convinced that the quality of contemporary glass could be improved upon. In his own words, the "Rich tones are due in part to the use of pot metal full of impurities, and in part to the uneven thickness of the glass, but still more because the glass maker of that day abstained from the use of paint". Tiffany was an interior designer, and in 1878 his interest turned toward the creation of stained glass, when he opened his own studio and glass foundry because he was unable to find the types of glass that he desired in interior decoration. His inventiveness both as a designer of windows and as a producer of the material with which to create them was to become renowned. Tiffany wanted the glass itself to transmit texture and rich colors and he developed a type of glass he called "Favrile". The glass was manufactured at the Tiffany factory...

Two beautiful Austrian 20th century, carved wood birds mounted in a birdcage for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th cent...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver box made in the George I style, an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique George V sterling silver box has a plain circular form in the George I style. The surface of the box is plain and encircled with applied molded decoration. This impressive George I style box is fitted with a hinged hallmarked cover ornamented with a plain circular elevated panel to the center. The hinge is ornamented with a shaped undulating design in conjunction with the cover and the body. The box secures closed with a hallmarked hinged catch to the anterior edge, reflecting the same design to that of the posterior. This impressive example of antique silverware is an exceptional replica of an early Georgian...

Antique American bronze and leaded glass table lamp by Wilkinson, circa 1910. The three light lamp having a dome shaped shade with striated leaded glass green & ivory tiles and havin...

Rene Lalique "Leurs Ames" tiara perfume bottle made in 1913 for D'Orsay in molded clear glass with sepia patina. Molded signature on bottom. Exceptional and extremely rare bottle...

Antique American hooked rug, measures: 3'6" x 5'0".

A beautiful set of 12 antqiue floral and gilt dishes, manufactured by Royal Doulton for J.E. Caldwell.

Made in early 20th in Baroque style giltwood carved mirror, the shaped frame carved with floral motifs, leaves, flowers. Water gilding of polished and matte quality, with some bleedi...

This is a great sized Gustav Stickley Chest of Drawers from the early 1900s in great condition. It has a SUPERB selection of quarter sawn oak, as pictured. It is signed with a Gusta...

A fine example of a Finnegan’s of London exquisite dressing table in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer. The fold out table supports a three mirror...

These two authentic cast iron antique still banks depict a large reindeer and a smaller one standing nearby. Together, they make a wonderful Christ...

Early 20th Century American Hooked Rug ( 2'3" x 3'1" - 69 x 94 )

An unusual photograph, circa 1910-1920 where the letters Lake George are made of cutout photographs. Original frame-really a unique object with character and timeless character. Lak...

An elegant set of dinner plates produced by the re known English firm of Royal Doulton for the fine Gilded Age retailer Shreve & Co San Francisco. A raised tooled intricate design o...

Antique C1910 Fine Quality Mahogany Astral Glazed Bookcase – Adjustable Display Shelves – Elegant Gothic Arch Design This fine quality Antique C1910 Mahogany Astral Glazed Bookcase ...

This sweet sized vintage vase features the pomegranate design on a dark cobalt blue background. It was designed by William Moorcroft and produced at Burslem. The base is reassuringly...

Golf print 'The Royal and Ancient' after Dendy Sadler. A good oak framed artist proof golf etching by James Dobie after the painting by Dendy Sadler. The ...

Tiffany Studios Apple Blossom Leaded Glass and Bronze Table Lamp, The patinated bronze base with with Acorn design in wonderful condition...

A highly decorative early 20th Century Chinese folding screen / divider consisting of seven panels, with each panel incorporating five individual panels, depicting various countrysid...

A rare, carved oak Symbolist bench by the George Arndt Chair Company. Art Nouveau design in American furniture is exceedingly rare and this bench exhibits the best design elements of...