Victorian Seal

We love our wonderfully esoteric Grotesque man (or "other") crafted by a talented unknown carver in the 19th century from a chunk of the most desirable orange-red toned coral. Connoisseurs of literature or theater or the arts understand the term Grotesque as referring to fantastical, exaggerated or distorted representations, usually of the human face or figure. (The word "grotesque" originates from the Italian "grottesca", meaning of a cave" (grotto = cave in Italian) and refers to doubled, metamorphosed, or altered forms). Originally Italian, the concept of the Grotesque was used in French and German literature as well, and is a an integral part of English literature and theatre (The Theatre of the Grotesque preceded the Theatre of the Absurd) today. We find our Grotesque stickpin guy (gal) to be not grotesque at all but endearing, with his (or her) exaggerated features and droopy skin folds. And as a reference to classic theatre, this coral stickpin...

This Victorian unmounted Carnelian shell cameo depicting the right-facing profile of the Princess is very well carved in exquisite detail. The surface is as crisp as the day it was crafted, impressive for a shell cameo from the late Victorian era. This would date back to around the 1860s-1890s. The carving on this cameo is excellent and well-detailed, with good relief. This was carved by an excellent carver, as were most Victorian cameos. This loose cameo...

THIS IS A SUPERB AND VERY RARE TRIO OF THREE VICTORIAN - EDWARDIAN GENTLEMEN. THE BRONZE SCULPTURES ARE CHARMING ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE. THE THREE MEN LOUNGE AS IF IN A PAR...

An extraordinarily fine and rare antique American napkin ring. In sterling silver. In the form of a drum with a stippled, gilt finished body and silver tension ropes and clamps. T...