Uncut More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Elegant, rare, and dating to the late Qing period (circa 1890s), this hand-carved nearly colorless white nephrite plaque has been etched on both sides. One one, the Chinese mythological figure known as Zhang Guo Lao is depicted riding a mule. On the opposite side, a magpie sits on a branch of cherry blossoms. The magpie is associated with intelligence. The carving is breathlessly simple and excellent; the work executed -of course- without the aid of electricity or modern tools. Measuring 42.54mm x 29.92mm, the plaque has a hole drilled through the center, which is original to the piece. A silver bail is threaded through the hole and a pair of beads -black jade and coral- reside at the bottom. The jade plaque hands from a 1920s silver chain that is 32" in length. Prior to the discovery of and appreciation for the very fine green jadeite from Burma, colorless, opaque, pure white nephrite jade from the Northern mountains of China was the most revered jade; the original "imperial jade, as only members of the royal court could wear or even touch it. Most of what is commercially sold today as "mutton fat...

This exceptional boulder Koroit Opal is a true masterpiece of nature, showcasing a captivating array of colors and patterns. Mined from the Australian outb...

Jadeite Jade carved palm stone. Dark to white green. GIA certified natural. 1 carved jade approx. 163.97cts. GIA Certified# 6224307578 Top to bottom: 43....

The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a sacrificial scene inspired by the Greco-Roman era. The central flaming altar is flanked by two figures preparing to sacrifice a ram, while a figure in a lion skin blowing horns stands in the left corner. The carver brilliantly uses the natural layers of the stone to achieve the illusion of shadow and musculature on the figures. A second, smaller cameo is set at the top of the pendant, while a myriad of multi-colored gems, pearls and enamel adorns the 18K gold setting. A large Baroque pearl suspended from an enamel dragon finishes the design, which embodies the opulence and theatricality of jewels from the Renaissance age. Cameos and intaglios were highly popular amongst wealthy connoisseurs in Renaissance Italy, and owning the finest pieces was the privilege of princes. Although they were often elaborately mounted for display alone, cameos were also frequently worn as pendants, surrounded by enameled and stone-set gold frames. Such pieces were particularly prized by the Medici and Lorraine families, many of which can now be seen at the National Archeological Museum in Florence. Very few Renaissance cameos...

This extraordinary Mezezo opal specimen hails from the highlands of Africa and is, quite simply, one of the most amazing opals we have ever seen. Found i...

Fabulous and extreme rare Van Cleef & Arpels 2 in 1 accessory. Lipstick Holder and Ladies Pocket Watch. Malachite and Onyx Case. Movement: mechanical manual winding. A unique coll...

Art glass vase sign: Daum Nancy France. Evidenced by this Daum sculptural colorless blown and hot-shaped lead-crystal heavy vessel vase, the finest irreproducible artistic works in the history of the iconic French decorative-glass maker feature ornamental thick glass applications. Its most in-demand pieces today were made between 1925 and 1935, with very few major ArtDeco-period pieces remaining in private hands and even less without damage. As a significant gift acquired from Don Jacques Daum in 1950, a similarly shaped, constructed and sized circa-1925 vase with "stylized foliage" motif is in the collection of the French Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris as Inventory #36309. A later-produced vase with a similar application-motif at just the rim, but in a "Champagne" bubbled style, is among the photos in the published book about the Leo and Irina Esterkin acquisitions from 1910-1940 titled Daum Art Deco Glass--A Private Collection. On our prime-condition antique vase, applied transparent glass is styled in high relief into a flowing undulating motif that evolved from Daum's Art Nouveau foliage designs. The angular and curvilinear shapes of this vessel epitomize the bold vases, bowls and sculptures for which Daum is best known. Its tiny pencil-etched signature on the side near the bottom reads "Daum (plus the Lorraine-cross symbol) Nancy France", which resembles some published signatures since 1925. Revealing how ahead of its time this particular design was--after WWII in 1945 coinciding with the revitalization of the French glass industry--Daum used...

A Fabergé gold, enamel and hardstone desk seal, workmaster Henrik Wigström, St Petersburg, 1904-1908 the spherical handle carved of aventurine quartz, the co...

Cartier Art Deco Multi Gem Flower Pot A very rare object set with with gold stems, amber roses and jade leaves in a jade pot Signed Cartier

Colorful boulder koroit Opal a freeform shape Opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 0.31 х 1.26 х 1.77 in / 8 х 32 х 45 mm stone weight - 81.60 carats

This exquisite desk object was crafted in France during the early 20th Century and would have been an impressive object to own. The desk seal is crafted from a cigar shaped piece of black onyx which features a diamond set collar to one end and a monogram intaglio 'seal' to the other, all circa 1915. The monogram is 'AMF' which has been beautifully engraved into the underside of the seal. The piece retains its original Morocco leather fitted box signed 'Appay', a French manufacturer, and embossed 'AMF' to the top of the lid. The firm Appay were retailing at 24 Rue De La Paix in Paris which is close-by the Place Vendome and also the Opera, however little information is known about the business. The hinge on the Morocco leather box...

Carved Rock Crystal Fish Desk Objects by Boucheron A pair of rock crystal and gem set table ornaments, circa 1970 Designed as a rock crystal carp upon a jasp...

This one of a kind turquoise faience flying scarab encircles your wrist with its silver wings . Amulets in the shape of scarab beetles were used in Egypt ...

This monumental desk seal dates to the Victorian era and has been carved from a large piece of banded agate. The faceted piece of agate features heavy ...

This oversized desk seal dates to the Victorian period and is wonderful in that the matrix on it remains blank. The seal which dates to circa 1870 is ve...

A monumental inkwell by New York identity, Edward I. Farmer. The piece consists of a large piece of carved fluorite and a carved amethyst finial which has all been set in sterling silver. The mount for these carved stones is elaborate with a floral motif to the foot and decorative engraved borders on each rim of the piece. The internal sterling silver 'well' is removable for cleaning and polishing. The inkwell is in lovely condition, however appears to have some signs of old stabilisation to the fluorite which has slightly yellowed over time. These stabilisations could very well be from when the piece was formed as an inkwell, with Farmer often using stones of age. Edward I. Farmer was a prominent American art dealer, antique trader...

COIN DETAILS Dynasts of Lykia, Trbbenimi AR Third Stater. Circa 390-370 B.C. Obverse: Facing lion's scalp; triskeles below Reverse: Triskeles, TPBB NEME around; all within shallow i...