John J. Gredler Works of Art, Inc. Desk Accessories

A rare silvered metal desk or tabletop planter inlaid with 12 framed Pietra Dura panels of inlaid colorful flowers on a black base, complete with its ...

Pair small alabaster grand tour sphinxes. Great to use as paper weights on your desk. Italy circa 1850-1900. Weathered,small losses and old repair Mo...

Unique model of dial plastic phone by Sergio Todeschini, made in Italy in the 1970's.

The red marble sarchophagus mounted on a slate base. Removing the top reveals an empty well.

The round paperweight framed in black marble, with porphyry and sienna marble and other marble specimens. The center in sienna marble with carved bea...

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...

A pair of gilt bronze Grand Tour urns mounted on marble bases.

French, late 19th to early 20th century. Pair of gilt bronze cupid mantel statuettes, one with bow drawn and one removing an arrow, on white marble plinths...

Jewel box in polished ebony. Lockable by key and with the necklace bar on the top and a removable tray inside. All the hardware is 24-karat pink gold-plated.

Very unusual 19th century silvered bronze tobacco cigar table lighter. The finely cast and chiseled features of a bronze man with a top hat and a large beared. The beared can be us...

A handsome French 18th century balance scale in iron and brass. The balance mechanism is in iron. The foot and the plates are in brass. The...

This is a superb decorative antique Italian Grand Tour marble Pietra Dura mounted desk paperweight, circa 1880 in date. This splendid rectangular paperweight is exquisitely inlai...