20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
1
224
4
to
49
118
71
14
74
228
222
5
1
6
5
3
9
16
42
22
7
6
15
13
12
8
6
219
9
90
47
40
25
21
22
11
11
6
6
17
13
8
6
5
23
17
13
13
12
12
4
3
3
2
Period: 20th Century
Solid Silver Italian Cocker Spaniel Figurine Vintage, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver Cocker Spanieln very good vintage condition.
Dimensions: Height 36 mm / 1..417 inches - Length 45 mm / 1.771 inches - Weight 34 grams.
It is stamped with the Silver Ita...
Category
Italian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Rene Lalique Art Nouveau Opalescent Glass and Diamond Flower Brooch
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
René Lalique (1860-1945), the indisputable genius of Art Nouveau taking form botanical and feminine inspiration to create this beautiful brooch.
Designed as a spray of daffodils com...
Category
French Art Nouveau 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Diamond, Gold
Solid Silver Italian Bear Figurine Vintage, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver bear in very good vintage condition.
Dimensions: Height 64 mm / 2.519 inches - Length 24 mm / 0.944 inches - Weight 62 grams.
It is stamped with the Silver Italian Mark...
Category
Italian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Chess the Conquest of Anahuac
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Chess the conquest of Anahuac, winner of the first national silverware award that Mexico was awarded in the contest of the world silverware fair in Brussels. 32 handmade pieces of br...
Category
Mexican Artist Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Early 20th Century Tigers Eye Pearl Emerald Yellow Gold Camel
Located in Greenwich, CT
Camels have been called the "ships of the desert" being able to glide for miles on harsh dry sand while drinking very little water and coming to symbolize the human attributes of bot...
Category
Indian Anglo-Indian 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Emerald, Natural Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 22k Gold
Vintage Happy Jester Buddha Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
This whimsical coral smiling Happy Buddha pendant is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold. Showcasing an expertly carved salmon colored coral Bud...
Category
Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist Stainless Steel Brooch or Pin by Jose De Riviera
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stainless steel brooch.
By the American Modernist Jose De Rivera.
In a stylized "S" curved shape with a highly polished front and hammered finish to...
Category
American Modernist 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ghost Diamond Yellow Gold 18 Karat Pendant Charm
Located in Geneva, CH
Ghost Yellow Gold 18k Pendant Charm.
Three small diamonds.
Circa 1990.
Total height: 1.34 inch (3.40 centimeters) including bail.
Total weight: 3.24 grams.
Category
20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Egyptian Revival Pyramid Yellow Gold 18 Karat Charm
Located in Geneva, CH
Pyramid Yellow Gold 18k Charm.
Egyptian Revival.
Total height: 0.79 inch (2.00 centimeters) including bail.
Total weight: 5.22 grams.
Category
Egyptian Revival 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Yellow Gold
Important Jadeite Jade Decoration, Titled Survival of the Fittest, circa 1930
Located in Hong Kong, HK
From our extensive Jade collection, here is another one to add to someones important collection. This piece was carved in the period of "Republic of Ch...
Category
Chinese Contemporary Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Solid Silver Italian Cocker Spaniel Figurine Vintage, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver Cocker Spaniel very good vintage condition.
Dimensions: Height 36 mm / 1.417 inches - Length 48 mm / 1.889 inches - Weight 52 grams.
It is stamped with the Silver Itali...
Category
Italian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Solid Silver Italian Pointer Bracco Figurine Vintage, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointer) in very good vintage condition.
Dimensions: Height 55 mm / 2.16 inches - Length 80 mm / 3.14 inches - Weight 85 grams.
It is stamped w...
Category
Italian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
1950s Lizard Diamond Yellow Gold 18 Karat Brooch Clip
Located in Geneva, CH
The Animal Lizard brooch clip in yellow gold 18k is a captivating piece of jewelry. This brooch features a lizard design, crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
The lizard’s eyes are adorned with rose cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle and elegance. The head of the lizard is crowned by a beautiful pink sapphire, enhancing its regal appearance. This brooch is estimated to be from the 1950s and bears French assay marks, indicating its authenticity and quality. With its unique design and exquisite gemstone accents, this lizard brooch is a timeless and sophisticated accessory.
Total length: 2.56 inches (6.50 centimeters).
Total weight: 10.66 grams.
We are reknown for curating unfindable jewels.
Most of the pieces of our collection are antique, one-of-a-kind and formerly owned by...
Category
French Artist Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Pink Sapphire, Gold
Zuni Fetish Necklace
By Zuni
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Beautiful Zuni fetish necklace with various animals, hand carved in spiny oyster, with thunderbird center with turquoise.
PERIOD: after 1950
ORI...
Category
American Native American Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Zuni Jet Fetish Necklace
By Zuni
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Absolutely beautiful Zuni Fetish Jet necklace with large heartline, bears, fish, and assorted animals with standing bear center.
PERIOD: After 1950
ORIGI...
Category
American Native American Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Egyptian Revival Leaf Yellow Gold 18 Karat Pendant Charm
Located in Geneva, CH
Leaf Yellow Gold 18k Pendant Charm.
Egyptian revival.
Total length: 0.79 inch (2.00 centimeters) including bail.
Total weight: 1.26 grams.
Category
Egyptian Revival 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Yellow Gold
Fossilized Walrus Ivory Fetish Necklace
By Zuni
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Exceptional fossilized walrus ivory,fetish necklace. With birds, fox, bears, and standing bear center.
PERIOD: After 1950
ORIGIN: Zuni, Southwest
SIZE:...
Category
American Native American Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Solid Silver Fallow Deer Figurine Vintage, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver fallow deer, in very good vintage condition.
Dimensions: Height 68 mm / 2.67 inches - Length 66 mm / 2.59 inches - Weight 45 grams.
It is stamped with the Silver Italia...
Category
Italian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Plegadera Maya
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Silver and malachite folding, with chiseled Mayan details on the handle. 1958
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver Partridge handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Partridge handicraft
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Antique Silver Belle with Figural Fowl-Bearing Countryman Handle
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century European silver bell. Tulip-bowl with twisted gadrooning. Figural handle depicting an old-fashioned countryman holding two live fowl. Here’s dinner—eventually. Su...
Category
Unknown Edwardian 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Sterling Silver Cisne, by Antonio Pineda, 1958
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Piece of goldsmith in silver, made in 1958 by Antonio Pineda. the technique hammered in one piece, sterling silver .950
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pineapple Handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pineapple handicraft in silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Tres Hombres Ilustres
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Three illustrious men from Taxco, Custodia with faces of notable characters from Taxco, created to celebrate the first Alarcón Festival in 1988. Don Juan Ruiz de Alarcón, Don Jose De...
Category
Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Zuni Fetish Necklace
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Assorted animals, hand carved of many different stones.
PERIOD: 1980s-2000
ORIGIN: Zuni, Southwest
SIZE: Length: 35" Naja: 4 1/8"
Family Owned & Operated
Cisco’s Gallery deals in...
Category
American Native American 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Faberge Hardstone Group of Three Pekinese Dogs, circa 1900
By Fabergé
Located in New York, NY
Faberge. A Hardstone Group of Three Pekinese Dogs
Carved of grey-brown chalcedony, the eyes set with rose-cut diamonds, 11.2 cm. wide, circa 1900, with...
Category
Russian Russian Empire 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Chalcedony
La ofrenda
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
The offering, representation of an Indian woman seller in silver and the container in agate. Winner of the National Silver Award in 1967. Embossed technique and obsidian
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Cane Vinatero Snake "Quetzalcoatl"
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
“Quetzalcoatl" Vintner Cane. Description: Represents the serpent “Quetzalcoatl.” Piece assembled with a thousand movable rings with a hilt in the shape of the reptile’s head. Techniq...
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
La Esclavitud
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
piece designed by the master Taxqueño Ezequiel Tapia in the year of 1972, represents a chained Indian. With a technique of embossing and carving in stone, sterling silver .925 and ob...
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pipa
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Pipe Quetzalcoatl with Olmec mask in jade. Embossed technique, carved in stone and inlaid. Awarded with the first goldsmith prize in 1962
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Jade, Sterling Silver
Silver Hound Bracco handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver hound bracco handicraft
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Plegaria Colibri
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Inspired by the jewels of tomb 7 of montealban. Ornamental prayer with bird feather, representing a hummingbird, silver and jade. Technique openwork, chiselled, embedded, carved ston...
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Silver Gazelle handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Gazelle handicraft
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Templo Maya del Caracol
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
representative work of the Mayan temple, inlaid with malachite mosaic and Mayan character. winner in the 1st world silver trade fair 1974. Embossed and carved technique.
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
La Guerra Y La Paz
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
" La noche de los mayas" Box with silver, brass, malachite and precious and semiprecious stones. Base in rosewood wood. Technique: stamping and fusion of married metals, technique in...
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Juan Ruiz De Alarcón
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Modeling the face of Don Juan Ruiz De Alarcón was finished in two pieces, with a rosewood base. Technique: chiseling and embossing. Made for the inauguration of the first Alarconian ...
Category
Mexican Arts and Crafts Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Elephant handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant handicraft in silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Sinfonia Del Mar
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Piece designed by the master Taxqueño Ezequiel Tapia in the year of 1967, with the technique of embossing and carving in stone, sterling silver .925 represents the marine deity with ...
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Cristo
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Christ, stylization in 3 pieces of sterling silver .925 on rosewood, the hair reflects the failed Christ (together with more than 1000 silver threads) Technique: embossed and chisell...
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Silver Wild Bison Sculpture
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Wild bison Sculpture
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Pluma
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Work of silver in spatial inspiration, on an ebony base. made in the year of 1963, winner of the prize of the School of Design and Crafts. Technique, embossing and pumped.
Category
Mexican Artisan Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Male Doberman Dog Sculpture in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Male Doberman dog sculpture in Silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Dog Sculpture Poodle in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Dog sculpture poodle in silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Elephant Puppy Sculpture in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant Puppy sculpture in silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Silver Fish Grayling handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver fish grayling handicraft
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
Magnificent Pair of Hand Carved Lavender Jadeite Masks
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful pair of Hand Carved Jadeite Masks. Light lavender and very light mint-green. Each has a diameter of 56 mm. Average thickness is 20 mm. Total weight of the pair is 226 grams...
Category
Contemporary 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Coral Wood Sculpture
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO ITEMS WITH FIX PRICE, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS ,ONGOING PROMOTIONS AND ITEMS ON SALES.
For any inquiries,please contact the seller through the message center.
This carved coral sculpture...
Category
Italian Retro 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Coral
Antique Art Nouveau French Pewter Floral Vase By Frédéric Debon
Located in Portland, England
A very important Art Nouveau "L'étang" large ovoid pewter vase, circa 1900 by Frédéric Debon, French sculptor known for his Japonisme work that was often edited in bronze by Susse Fr...
Category
French Art Nouveau Antique 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Spinning Bear Rattle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine teddy bear spinner rattle.
By Tiffany & Co.
In sterling silver.
Together with its original Tiffany pouch & box.
Marked to the reverse of the handle for Tiffany & Co. / 92...
Category
Modern 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Dachshund Dog Couple Austrian Vienna Bronze circa 1900 Walking Under Umbrella
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF TWO DACHSHUND DOGS WALKING UNDER AN UMBRELLA.
This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold ...
Category
Austrian Gilded Age 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Mellerio Paris, French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, Lapis, and Obsidian Polo Player
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock Crystal, Enamel, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Emerald, and Obsidian Polo Player, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object.
An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1999.
Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved obdisian hardstone horse and polo player, mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, emaralds, enamel, lapis lazuli, and agate, .The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / MELLERIO DITS MELLER PARIS / 5003 DIV
The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece.
Measures 12" high x 8" wide x 4" deep
Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland.
Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection.
Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong.
July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy.
The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia.
From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles.
This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850).
The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress.
We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time.
The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix.
1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court.
The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category
French Art Deco 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver
Spinone Dog handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Spinone dog handicraft in silver
Category
Italian Early Victorian Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver
1907 Thomas Flyer Sterling Silver Miniature Car by Franklin Mint
Located in Montreal, QC
Franklin Mint 1907 Thomas Flyer sterling silver miniature car with box. Measures 3 1/2 inches long x 2 inches tall x 1 1/2 inches wide. Made in the 70s-8...
Category
American Vintage 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object.
An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991.
Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D
The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece.
Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep
Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland.
Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection.
Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong.
July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy.
The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia.
From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles.
This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850).
The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress.
We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time.
The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix.
1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court.
The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category
French 20th Century Figurines and Sculptures
Materials
Quartz, Turquoise, Ruby, Rock Crystal, Jade, Diamond, Amethyst, Silver, ...
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Breitling Blue Angel
Buccellati Squirrel
Christmas Sleigh
Heron Figurine
Napoleon Bronze Figurine
Wax Flower Tiara
Baccarat Giraffe
Buccellati Gorilla
Cdl Jewelry
Courtney Denise Lipson
Doris Lindner
Japanese Momoiro
Lemire Cupid Bronze
Louis Vuitton Lamp
Royal Worcester Horses
Silver Italian Spinone
Sleigh Tables
Tiffany Silver Circus Animals