Prehistoric Decorative Art

N° 698 - Kilim Sivas handmade in Turkey in 19th century High quality, beautiful graphics and remarkable finesse. Perfect state of preservation. Measures: 135 x 110 cm.      

19th Century Sivas Prayer Rug This extraordinary carpet will fascinate you with its intricate designs and vibrant colors that reflect the rich history and craftsmanship of the perio...

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...

Act fast to claim this exquisite piece of natural history, as our fossils will no longer be available through 1stDibs after October 31. This sculptural stone specimen features an ex...

This elegant fossil mural features a Diplomystus dentatus, a Mioplosus labracoides, and four Knightia eocaena. These natural fossil fish are approximately 50 million years old. The w...

73987 Late 19th Century Antique Turkish Oushak Rug, 09'04 x 11'06. Radiating warmth and timeless artistry, this hand knotted wool Late 19th Century one-of-a-kind antique Turkish Oush...

Decorative print illustrating the magnificent rifle bird and the twelve-wired bird of paradise. This authentic print originates from 'birds of paradise and bower birds' by Tom Iredal...

Oushak carpets are named after the large town in western Anatolia (Turkey) where they were woven. This town has been a major weaving center for rug production since the reign of the ...

Decorative print illustrating the Magnificent Bird of Paradise and the King Bird of Paradise. This authentic print originates from 'Birds of Paradise and Bower Birds' by Tom Iredale....

An exceptional and striking late 19th century Turkish Oushak rug with a quiet pattern with a simple floral medallion living amidst a solid cream colored field, and surrounded by an w...

The ivory field with a central tomato-red cusped medallion issuing angular palmette and flower head vine, in a broad tomato-red border containing sandy-yellow and ivory palmette vine between ivory meandering floral vine stripes, plain outer ivory stripe. About Antique Oushak Rugs: Oushak (or Ushak) rugs originate from the small town of Oushak in west-central Anatolia, which is located just south of modern-day Istanbul, Turkey. Oushak has been a center of production for Turkish rugs since the beginning of the Ottoman Empire...

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of natural history with our exquisite collection of luxury fossil art. Showcasing breathtaking natural specimens from the legendary Green Rive...