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Item Ships From: Manhattan
"Fancy! WTF (His)" - Blue & White Glass Pill Wall Sculpture by Edie Nadelhaft
Located in East Quogue, NY
"Fancy! WTF!"—the latest limited-edition pill sculptures by Edie Nadelhaft. In a world of upheaval, one sentiment rises above the rest: "WTF!" From breaking news and freak storms to ...
Category
2010s American Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Metal
Antique Venetian Mirrored Niche
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900's Italian mirrored wall mounted niche with etched mirror insets.
Measurements:
Height: 44"
Width: 27"
Depth: 15"
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Mirror
18th Century Giltwood Sculpture of a Female Nude
By Michelangelo Buonarroti
Located in New York, NY
This giltwood sculpture was carved in the round, probably in southern France or northern Italy in the 1760s. Her pronounced musculature speaks to the ongoing influence of Michelange...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer Benin Head on Custom Lucite Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Authentic bronze Benin head on a custom lucite base by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer often incorporated fine works of ethnic art into his showroo...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Art Deco Bronze Figurative Sculpture with Pheasants on Exotic Marble Base
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Deco sculpture was produced in France, circa 1930 and procured in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It features a dancing nude female form in bronze holding a pheasant in each arm. The piece sits on a cylindrical exotic black marble pedestal with a cylindrical body, wrapped in a beveled ring...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Brass and Iron Padlock, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A large padlock hand-cast in solid brass and iron. Early 20th century.
From the Vulcan Bright maker, it has copper rivets and 10 levers.
Comes with original skeleton key. Sold as ...
Category
1920s English Other Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Copper, Iron, Brass
Tripart pottery wall sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Tripart pottery wall sculpture with organic design.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Pottery
Art Deco Gilded Plaster Wall Plaque
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully achieved Art Deco Gilded Plaster Wall Plaque originates from the United States, Circa 1930. A well formed and elegantly proportioned piece, this plaque depicts a fem...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Plaster
Large Smoky Grey Rock Crystal Quartz Disk
Located in New York, NY
A large smoky-grey rock crystal quartz disk with beautiful natural veins.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Mid-Century Modern Sculpture in Patinated Bronze and Marble by S. Monachesi
By Sante Monachesi
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sculpture in patinated bronze and marble by Sante Monachesi, an impressive abstract sculpture by this renown Italian artist made of patinated bronze intricately de...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Set of 3 Mini Magiscopes, Feliciano Bejar
By Feliciano Béjar
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 mini magiscopes featuring hand made industrial steel handles and machined lenses. Signed along rim. Perfectlr sized for a desk accessory or bookcase. Price is for all 3. Tal...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Metal
Large Natural Stone Onyx Egg Mounted on a Metal Stand
Located in New York, NY
Large natural stone onyx egg mounted on a metal stand
Size: 9 3/4" high x 5" diameter x 4" base diameter.
Category
1970s American Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Onyx, Metal
19th Century Hand-Carved Wood Rudder on Stand
Located in New York, NY
A 19th Century vintage boat rudder, hand-crafted in Bali, Indonesia.
Preserved almost intact, with its original paint and construction, naturally weathered by its age and use.
Mo...
Category
1880s Balinese Tribal Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Wood
Indonesian Grey Stone Coin on Stand
Located in New York, NY
A decorative stone coin from Bali, Indonesia. Grey stone with raffia rope and seashell appliques. Mounted on a made-to-measure black metal stand.
8 inches in diameter, 12 inches h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Organic Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Stone
Ceramic Shield Antefix Ornament from Thailand, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A shield-shaped antefix ornament from Thailand, late 19th century.
Reclaimed from old constructions and preserved in time, these architectural details were and still are a decorati...
Category
1890s Thai Other Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Tisha B’Av, Bronze Plaque by Boris Schatz, Bezalel School Jerusalem
Located in New York, NY
Boris Schatz Bronze Plaque In high relief, expertly cast bronze. Depicting bearded men on the floor of the Synagogue reading kinnot (sad poems / elegies),...
Category
Early 20th Century Israeli Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Bronze
Authentic Tiger Skull Mounted on Brushed Steel Base, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Authentic tiger skull mounted on Lucite stem with brushed steel base, American, 1970s (this piece was decommissioned from a museum). It is beautifully moun...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Steel
Genuine Trilobite Cluster in Matrix with Acrylic Display Stand (wall mount)
Located in New York, NY
This incredible cluster of trilobites is found in it's original matrix and displays 11 complete or partial fossils throughout. This cluster comes with an acrylic stand so you can pro...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Acrylic
Group of Three Rock Crystal Balls
Located in New York, NY
Group of three rock crystal balls with raised gilt brass bases.
Each rock crystal ball has slight incrustation.
Measure: (from left to right)
6.5 in/D x ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Manhattan Mounted Objects
Indonesian Stone Bracelet on Stand
Located in New York, NY
A decorative stone bracelet, with raffia rope addition. Mounted on a made-to-measure black metal stand.
6 inches in diameter, 9.5" high, on a black metal stand with a 3" x 4.5" bas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Organic Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Stone
Two Stone Disks from Indonesia, Mounted
Located in New York, NY
Two beautiful stone disks, hand-carved in Indonesia. Mounted on black metal stands.
The largest disk is 5.5 inches diameter, 2.5 inches deep and 9.75 inches high (mounted). The sma...
Category
Early 2000s Indonesian Organic Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Stone
Louis Vuitton Bronze letters Store Display
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Hardly ever seen Original bronze letters from renovation of a Louis Vuitton store in Paris France. This came to the US from France over 25 years ago. Ver...
Category
20th Century French Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Bronze
Prestige and Tradition: The Mounted Ashetu Hat of the Bamum and Bamileke People
Located in New York, NY
Adorned with spiked braids, this prestigious custom mounted Ashetu hat embodies the cultural significance of the Bamum and Bamileke people of Cameroon, Central Africa, who revered th...
Category
20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Metal
Sterling Silver Bowling Ball Mounted as Trophy by the House of Williams
Located in New York, NY
This unique and one-of-a-kind sterling silver trophy bowling ball by the House of Williams is set on a round, stepped pedestal, mounted on a wooden trophy plinth. There are no inscri...
Category
20th Century American Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sleek 1970s Smoked Glass Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Sleek 1970s smoked glass sculpture set on a black wooden base.
The smooth glass undulates and tapers up from the base. It fades from a dark amber to nearly clear at the top.
Category
1970s American Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
Ceramic Stupa Detail from Thailand
Located in New York, NY
A Stupa architectural detail from Thailand, late 20th century, hand-crafted in rustic earthenware.
The Stupa shape represents one of the most ancient and sacred Buddhist architec...
Category
1980s Thai Other Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Shield Antefix Ornament from Thailand, Early 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A shield-shaped antefix from Thailand, early 19th century.
Reclaimed from old constructions and preserved in time, these architectural details were a decorative staple in many trad...
Category
1810s Thai Other Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Earthenware
Turkish Brass Finial, Mid 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A cast brass Finial from Turkey, mounted on a circular base. Measures: 18 1/4" High, 7" Wide, on 6 3/4" Diameter base.
Category
1960s Turkish Other Vintage Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Brass
Ceramic Shield Antefix Ornament from Thailand, Late 18th Century
Located in New York, NY
A shield-shaped antefix from Thailand, late 18th century.
Reclaimed from old constructions and preserved in time, these architectural details were a decorative staple in many tradi...
Category
1790s Thai Other Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Shield Ornament from Thailand, Late 18th Century
Located in New York, NY
A shield-shaped architectural detail from Thailand, Late 18th Century.
Reclaimed from old constructions and preserved in time, these architectural details are a decorative staple in...
Category
1790s Thai Other Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Xavier Mascaro Cast Iron Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Spanish artist Xavier Mascaro's Cast Iron sculpture of a vest for a Bull.
Property from esteemed interior designer Juan Montoya. Juan Montoya is one...
Category
20th Century Spanish Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Iron
Pair of Antique French Patinated Bronze Winged Putti Seated on Fluted Plinths
Located in New York, NY
A Fabulous Pair of Antique French mid 1800s Louis XVI Style Patinated Bronze Putti Seated on Fluted Plinths. Each putti is seen seated with their arms an...
Category
1870s French Louis XVI Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Silver Torah Finials 'Rimmonim'
Located in New York, NY
Handmade silver Torah finials, chased, pierced, engraved, and cast, France, circa 1860.
The finials are constructed with large open-work decorated ball ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Silver
Opening, US
By Mindy Horn
Located in New York, NY
Several themes appear often in Horn’s work, the most central being multiplicity.
Horn’s meticulously constructed wall reliefs are composed of minuscule, seemingly identical pieces...
Category
2010s American Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Gold
Reflection, US
By Mindy Horn
Located in New York, NY
Several themes appear often in Horn’s work, the most central being multiplicity.
Horn’s meticulously constructed wall reliefs are composed of minuscule, seemingly identical pieces...
Category
2010s American Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Gold
Parterre 'Triptych', US
By Mindy Horn
Located in New York, NY
Several themes appear often in Horn’s work, the most central being multiplicity.
Horn’s meticulously constructed wall reliefs are composed of minuscule, seemingly identical pieces...
Category
2010s American Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Gold
Still Life, US
By Mindy Horn
Located in New York, NY
Todd Merrill Studio has represented Mindy Horn since 2019. Horn believes that a life, an idea, or a work of art all begin with perfection, or as she puts it “an untested plan of what...
Category
2010s American Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Gold
Garden Tondo, US
By Mindy Horn
Located in New York, NY
Mindy Horn’s ceramic “Garden Tondo” revisits elements most often seen in her vessels, which are notable for their imperfections, appearing to have grown and then weathered organically. With her most recent ceramic wall medallion, a multitude of individual floral specimens converge into an unexpected baroque composition. Each tiny, hand-formed component’s individuality is lost within the larger picture. Incorporating subtle variations in the treatment of the delicate porcelain pieces, such as glazing, bisque firing, the application of powdery mason stain, or firing with a gold luster overglaze, creates a complex, glimmering landscape across the surface. Similarly, the lifting of each tiny composition off of the solid...
Category
2010s American Modern Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Gold
An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875.
A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece.
Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones.
This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone.
Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
By Mellerio
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
20th Century French Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Rock Crystal, Jade, Quartz, Gold, Silver
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, & Lapis Horse
By Mellerio
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Obsidian & Lapis Horse
An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt rock-crystal, obsidian and lapis lazuli jeweled sculpture "Bucéphale, Chevaux de légende", "Bucephalus, A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1998.
Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock crystal slab is finely applied with a lapis lazuli half-horse with harness mounted in 18k gold and brilliant cut diamonds, between two crystal and lapis lazuli columns adorned with gold and diamonds, insert with 7 ruby cabochons and 1 emerald cabochon, the obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5029 DIV
Bucephalus (c355-326 BC) is among the most famous horses in history, and it was said that this he could not be tamed. The young Alexander the Great, of course, tamed him – and went on to ride his beloved equine companion for many years and into many battles.
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" high x 9" 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
20th Century French Manhattan Mounted Objects
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver