Portland - Collectibles and Curiosities

Large oil painting of the holy family on hand woven canvas. Peruvian or Bolivian. Acquired from an estate in the San Francisco Bay Area f...

18th century painting of San Geronimo, oil on canvas laid on wood board. It was later placed in a restored 19th century wood and gesso frame. There is no signature.

France / 1800 / Neo-Gothic steeple with niche for saint statue / wood / Neo-Gothic / 19t century A very rare and large antique Neo-Gothic church steeple with niche for saint statue....

A most spectacular antique Spanish Colonial figure of Madonna, Mexico circa 19th century possibly earlier. Constructed in plaster with carved and gilt wood accent. Realistic in style...

Antique Middle Eastern Islamic art Moorish brass bowl engraved with Thuluth Arabic calligraphy.The polished brass bowl is profusely chased with vines and vegetal motifs and inscribed with Islamic verses of the Holly Koran.This bowl has been professionally cleaned and polished.Measures: Diameter 7.25" x 4" height Mouth opening: 5".Great Middle Eastern brass metalwork decorative Islamic art objects.Handcrafted Moorish hand-etched Islamic metal brass bowl.Engraved, incised and hammered with very fine Arabic Islamic calligraphy writing and geometric designs on brass vessel.Very Intricate fine Middle eastern Moorish Islamic Art metalwork, museum quality artwork.Late 19th Century.Date of Manufacture: Circa 1880.Condition: Wear consistent with age and use. Islamic brass metalwork is an intricate and beautiful form of art that originated in the Islamic world. It encompasses a wide range of decorative objects made from brass or other metals such as copper, bronze, and silver. Brass trays, in particular, are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and intricate designs. Islamic brass metalwork has a rich history that dates back to the early Islamic period, with its roots in the metalworking traditions of ancient civilizations such as the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. However, Islamic artisans developed their own unique styles and techniques, blending elements from various cultures and creating distinctive motifs that reflected Islamic aesthetics and religious beliefs. The process of creating brass trays involves several steps, each requiring specialized skills. Here is a general overview of the traditional techniques involved: 1) Design: A skilled artist or calligrapher creates the design for the brass object. Islamic brass metalwork often incorporates intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, floral motifs, and calligraphy inspired by Quranic verses or poetry. 2) Metalworking: The object is typically made from a sheet of brass or another metal. The metal is cut into the desired shape and then hammered or pressed to create the object. Traditional techniques such as repoussé (hammering from the reverse side) or chasing (hammering on the front side) may be employed to shape the metal. 3) Engraving: The surface of the metal is often decorated with intricate engravings or etchings. Skilled artisans use chisels, gravers, or other specialized tools to create fine details and elaborate patterns. 4) Filigree and Inlay: Some brass trays feature additional decorative elements such as filigree or inlay work. Filigree involves shaping thin wires of brass into delicate patterns and soldering them onto the tray's surface. Inlay work, on the other hand, involves embedding contrasting materials such as silver or copper into the brass, creating intricate designs. 5) Surface Treatment: After the main decorative work is complete, the tray may undergo surface treatments to enhance its appearance. This can include processes like polishing, buffing, or applying various chemical patinas to create an aged or oxidized effect. While this bowl has certainly witnessed the passage of time, it remains in remarkably good condition, with only minor signs of age that add character to its appearance. The patina on the brass enhances its antique allure, making it a truly authentic and captivating collectible. Arabic Calligraphy: The Arabic writing on the bowl is a work of art in itself. The calligraphy showcases the mastery of the scribe's hand, with flowing curves and intricate details that form an elegant script. The script may include Quranic verses, blessings, or poetic verses, depending on the bowl's origin and purpose. The inscriptions are not only visually striking but also carry profound meaning, making this bowl a beautiful representation of Islamic heritage. Intricate Patterns: In addition to the Arabic calligraphy, the bowl features intricate geometric patterns and motifs that further enhance its visual appeal. These patterns are a hallmark of Islamic art and reflect the mathematical precision and artistic creativity that defined Islamic craftsmanship. This antique Islamic brass bowl...

Good size and impressive make, Gothic church altar crucifix. This ornate and all hand-crafted, bronze table crucifix comes with a good quality made a...

Antique 19th Century Indian Kutch hand-crafted solid silver cigar case. Of rectangular form with rounded edges, finely chased throughout with scrolling leaves and floral patterns on ...

Stunning, top quality made antique pendant in the Gothic style. If you are a collector of rare and ancient looking Gothic antiques then this large size and possibly one of a kind pendant could be flying your way soon. With antique light fixtures as one of our specialities, we know how rare Gothic lanterns are and to have found one of this age, size, beauty and quality more than made our day. Also, because this all hand-crafted specimen is, except for the glass, completely original and in superb condition. What makes this stylishly blackened specimen stand out from the other Gothic lights that we have sold over the years, is the thickness of the forged wrought iron parts and its relatively clean-lined design. The forged iron is thick and strong and that too is why this large lantern light...

Middle Eastern Islamic Egyptian metal bowl hand-etched and hammered brass. Early 20th century Egyptian Arabian brass vessel bowl. Engraved and hand-chased repousse with Egyptian arabesque...

Handcrafted and truly impressive Neo-Gothic Church fixture that can also be used for candles. Over the decades we have sold a number of very good antique bronze, Gothic light fixtures for both candles and electrical bulbs. However, we never offered one as high and with as many Gothic details as this hand-crafted chandelier. You will rarely come across a Gothic work of religious art that is more elaborate and with as many Gothic details as this fit-for-a-castle pendant...

Toledo Scale Company Model 8400A. Features an enameled green porcelain finish and tiled station. Features the iconic Art Deco Skyscraper design with a ...

Beautiful neoclassical altar shrine with original gilding and color. Great and unique item. Italy, circa 1760-1800 Weathered, losses and old repairs. More photo's available on reques...