Gold Decorative Objects

A special musical design object for lovers of music and transforming technology. This is a handcrafted model of the first gramophone, elaborately crafted and true to detail despite ...

Murano Glass Geode Bullicante Bowl with Gold Polveri - Seguso This is likely a Seguso piece but since Barbini also made them, we mention both as possibilities. This handsome mid-cent...

An enameled box by Louis Kuppenheim for Alfred Dunhill. This is an extraordinary and extremely rare desk box with double enameling. The box have been created in the city of Pforzhei...

This late 17th-century Portuguese Baroque figure in polychromed wood depicts the Madonna holding the Christ Child, carved with exquisite detail and spiritual grace. The Virgin is p...

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...

Round pill box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché, and hand-painted floral miniature. With raised beaded decoration. Viennese Art Nou...

Mid Century Modern Sculpture Green Art Glass Vase Bowl Basket. This stunning teal glass basket designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri D'Arte in 1950 is a captivating example of Mid...

Margareta Hennix for Johansfors Glasbruk Set of Three Signed & Numbered Mid-Century Modern Art Glass Pieces by Margareta Hennix for Johansfors Glasbruk . An exceptional trio of scul...

Hand blown Murano multicolor murrine art glass vase with gold leaf flecks. Attributed to Arte Vetraria Muranese (A.V.E.M.), Italy, 1950s. Exquisite and sculptural handblown Murano glass vase with an eye-catching 'Tutti Frutti' design different from all sides, multicolor murrine decorations and Aventurine gold flecks. This highly decorative vase shows a magnificent art glass work and it is in excellent condition. To be exhibited alone or as a part of a Murano glass collection. Lovely to be used as decorative vase or flower vase and perfect as a gift idea. Measures: 23 cm H x 20 cm W x 10 cm D // 9,05 in H x 7,87 in W x 3,93 in D A curated selection of Murano glass vases and other decorative objects is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to enjoy the whole collection. Tutti Frutti Murano Art Glass Vase // AVEM Murano Glass Vase...

The heart collection is the result of the extravagant creativity of two innovative designers, who are inspired especially by the human body. This collection is made by beautiful p...

An exceptional and spectacular candelabra candle holder sculpture, Post-Modernist, Brutalist, Shabby-Chic, plant-inspired composition of folded and welded metal rods mounted on a tri...

Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Black Trinity Vendome Ballpoint Pen With Cartier Box And Papers Made in Paris, France Cartier pens are designed by Cartier are manufactured by Montbl...

Belle epoque desk clock designed by Cartier. An impressive and magnificent "mignonette" desk clock, created in Paris France by the house of Cartier, during the Edwardian Belle Epoque period, back in the 1905. This stunning piece is very rare and has been designed with neoclassic French patterns and carefully crafted with parts made up in yellow gold of 18 karats, silver and platinum. It is mounted with four spherical parts, carved from green chrysoprase. The five sides are embellished with applications of vivid purple enamel over a sunburst and linear guilloche ground and the borders are accented with a linear frame of white champleve enamel. Fitted in the reverse with a system to open and close the three winding parts to manipulate. Movement: Mechanical 8 days, key winding and It is accompanied with the associated original key. Dial: White ceramic, with Arabic black numerals, with gold indexes batons for the seconds and gold hands with juxtaposed circles ending on arrowhead, inscribed, Cartier Paris-London. Diamonds: The platinum part on top is mount, with 60 calibrated Old European rose cuts diamonds, 0.30 carats, F color, VS-1 clarity Chrysoprase: Mounted with screws on the base, with 4 four spherical cabochon cuts carved from natural translucent green chrysoprase with a weight of 8 carats. Weight: 272.8 Grams, (174.87 Dwt). Measurements: 69 mm by 50 mm by 37 mm (2.72 x 1.97 x 1.46 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the mark of the boar for the silver and the gold assay and warranty, the maker's mark for Eugène Bako inside a lozenge cartouche, the case numbers, the Cartier serial numbers and signed at the bottom, "CARTIER LONDON PARIS 2027,11290,11453,21". Literature: Olivier Bachet & Alain Cartier, Cartier Exceptional objects, Palais Royal 2021, Volume 1, Pp-117 and 128, for two similar Illustrated, see figures. Comparative Literature: Hans Nadelhoffer, Cartier, Jewelers Extraordinary, London, 1984, pl.18 Barracca, Negretti & Nencini, Le Temps de Cartier, Milan, 1989, p.34 A Cartier carriage clock of very closely related design was sold Antiquorum Geneva, The Magical Art of Cartier, 19 November 1996, lot 36 (illustrated in its travel case in Nadelhoffer). The dial design may be compared with other Cartier desk clocks of this period illustrated in Barracca et al. Publications: Published in the Vogue Art...

Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown white surface with green spots and gold flecks Italian art glass bowl / ashtray. The piece is documented to designer Alfredo Barbini, ci...

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown frothy bubbles, over black core and gold flecks Italian art glass cat sculpture. The piece is attributed to designer Alfredo Barbini, circa 1950s....

Japanese vase from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). This is a beautiful pair of antique decorative vases created in the imperial Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), back in 1910...

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...

Émile Louis Picault, (1833-1915). Pegasus and Perseus patinated bronze, French, 19th century. Fabulous original period bronze figural group standin...

A beautiful Atmos Clock By Jaeger LeCoultre numbered 120482, with a square dial with gilded Arabic numerals and battens and smoked tip hands. Unusually this clock still has it’s orig...

Music box’s sound recording available on request Antique early-19th Century Exceptional Swiss 18k gold & enamel music box, of elegant rectangular form, in the shape of an envelope, ...

NIPPON - Art Nouveau hand painted and gilded ceramic planter / vase on pedestal base - featuring an over-all robust design of flowers and gilded tentacles on a moss green and cobalt ...

An elegant pair of Empire Appliques in gilt bronze. Made in France during the early 19th century. Very beautiful original gilding. Wear consisten...

Extremely rare Montblanc sealed set of 3 Charles Dickens pens, consisting of a fountain pen (with a 18k gold nib), a ballpoint pen, and a mechanical pen, the green resin barrel decor...

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown cobalt blue over bright pink, and gold flecks, Italian art glass decorative bowl. Documented to designer Archimede Seguso, in the "Doppio Opaco" t...

A pair of sophisticated and elegant gilt bronze Candlesticks, Probably made in Paris, France. Directoire circa 1795. Beautifully decorated with leaves. Wear consistent with age an...

50s-60s Murano Glass Rigaree Perfume Bottle with Gold Polveri - Barovier Toso (assumed) IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOLLOWS; PLEASE READ THE BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY. ABOUT OUR LISTINGS...

A Dutch 19th century crystal and gold scent, perfume bottle, ca 1860 A Dutch scent or perfume bottle with crystal cut shaped body and gold (14 Carat, 585...

Charming trinket, pill or small jewelry box in the shape of a heart. Text reads I Love You, surrounded by flowers. This piece would certainly be a fantastic addition to an existing c...

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white and gold flecks Italian art glass kitty cat sculpture figurine. The piece is attributed to designer Alfredo Barbini. The cat is profusely co...

Wonderful set of 6 handmade teapots, carefully realized by an italian artist with love and passion. Unique and exclusive pieces. The set includes only teapots. Cups and plates a...

Montblanc Black Resin Rollerball and Fountain Pen Set With 14ct Gold Nibs Presentation Box Papers, Leather Montblanc Pen Holder 1980's Made marked as W. Germany on...

Beautiful pair of early Murano hand blown gold flecks Italian art glass footed flower vases. They are documented to the Barovier e Toso company. One has an almost complete "Barovier ...

Statue De Nuestra Señora De Los Desamparados (The Virgin of the Forsaken) with 18Kt Gold Italy, 1980. This Madonna is the protector of Valencia. My grandfather in 1990, on the occas...

quare table frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with edges and ornaments in French Empire Napoleon III style. External cm. 18 x 2...

Parker 75 Vermeil Sterling Silver GT Fountain With 14k Yellow Gold Nib. Supplied With An Original Parker Blue Leather, Blue Velvet Lined Presentation Box Circa 1964-1969 Made in U...

Rare Hubert Bequet ceramic pitcher vase was decorated with a bright colorful raised pattern of abstract flowers on textured teal background. Gold accents draw attention to highly de...

An elegant example of mid-century Italian ceramics, this gold sgraffito vase was crafted by Fratelli Fanciullacci for Elbee in 1950s Italy. Its slender conical form rises from a cir...

by LENOX Estate collection swirled ivory Vegetable Bowl gold trim Richmond Collection made in USA 8.25 x 4h Preowned very good condition Refer to images

Rectangular with rounded corners table box for cigarettes in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent enamels on a radial guilloché an...

Gorgeous gold plated "Adam Eve" magnifying glass and letter opener set by Michael Aram, circa 2010s. This desk accessory set was part of the Michael Aram 25th Anniversary Comm...

Murano Art Glass 'Spira Aurata Striato Vase' by Ercole Barovier, Barovier e Toso, Italy, 1966. Spira Aurata series oval-section conical vase in blown glass with polychrome garnet, r...

Midcentury Round Murano Bullicante Art Glass Bowl with Gold Dust ____________________________________________________________ Beautiful hand blown bullicante Murano glass bowl / asht...

No description provided

An Incredible 19th Century Royal Casket Box/Safe with Coat of Arms, Made of Gold, Damascene, and Etched Steel. Charles Le Hon, a Belgian politician, lawyer and industrialist, served...

Octagonal table snuffbox in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with black fired enamel inserted in a hand engraved drawing and with fired enamelled miniature, hand painted by the p...

This wonderful modern masterpiece has been created using original antique and vintage elements. The beautiful silver and guilloche enamel case da...

Exquisite dimpled Japanese decorative porcelain plate intricately hand painted, showcasing a dramatic breathtaking phoenix in deep blue extending its beautiful long wings to cover th...

Cartier Santos Billo M Brushed Chromed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Cartier Box in Red Cartier Presentation Box Pen length 12.5cm Box dimensions - Height 3.4cm I Width 18cm I Depth 7....

Antique Alabaster Chandelier / Pendant w. Bronze Godd Sculptures & Rose Shades. If you're looking for a lighting piece that truly tells a story — one that combines artistry, craftsm...

Victorian, sterling silver heart-form trinkets box with hinged lid and gilt interior, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1897, H. Matthews - Maker. Lid is designed with a Joshu...

A remarkable blend of history, design, and luxury, this Tiffany & Co. Congressional Eagle Plate celebrates the 118th Congress of the United States. Designed in the USA and crafted in England, this porcelain plate commemorates one of the nation's most esteemed governmental bodies. Featuring a gilded American eagle, the symbol of national strength and liberty, this piece captures the essence of patriotism with its red and gold detailing. The gilded border and intricate filigree pattern evoke the timeless craftsmanship for which Tiffany & Co. is renowned. The Congressional seal and finely detailed eagle emblem make it an exquisite symbol of American pride. The design is inspired by the art and architecture of the Capitol, adding a layer of historical depth and significance to this collectible. Made in 2023, this plate stands as a tribute to the heritage of both the United States and the Capitol building. It is a coveted piece for collectors of American presidential memorabilia...

Completely hand-crafted in 18th century Spain, this sculpture of the Virgin stands 1.5 meters / 5 feet tall and was most certainly created for devotional purposes, to be displayed in a church or chapel. Besides its impressive size this sculpture is an excellent, museum-quality example of the Spanish “Estofado” polychrome technique, developed during the Gothic period to imitate rich brocade fabrics. The finely carved “fabric” areas of the sculpture would be first covered in gesso, and then a layer of gold leaf would be applied. The gold leaf would then be painted over with various colors of tempera paints. Once dry, the painted surface would be incised or scratched away in patterns, revealing the gold beneath. The sculpture was professionally restored in 2022 by a firm that is often hired by the Spanish government to work on historic building interiors and museum pieces. The virgin was carefully cleaned, repaired and its condition stabilized. A complete and fully-illustrated restoration report will be included with purchase. Often confused with the virgin birth of Jesus, the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary herself was conceived “immaculately” without original sin has been variously defended and debated within the Catholic Church since the pre-Middle Ages. For centuries, artists struggled to create an acceptable visual representation of this highly abstract concept, in part taking inspiration from the Book of Revelation and other scriptural sources. We see the Virgin standing on a half moon (biblically inspired, though also an ancient symbol of chastity) with her long natural hair loose down her back, another indication of purity. Both her white tunic and flowing blue mantle...

A set of Antique Five German Pewter Defregger Beer Stein Decorative Cup Bowl decorative objects , decorative beer cup or beer glass with lid, pressed, cast and chased. Circular, curv...

The Hand-Blown Modern Murano Bowl with 24-karat Gold Flecks and Bubbles is a striking fusion of Italian craftsmanship and contemporary luxury. Expertly created using traditional Mura...

Antique 18th Century Exceptional French 18k gold & enamel snuff box, a circular snuffbox crafted in solid gold, adorned with blue, green, and white enamels, further enhanced by gold ...

Silver and silver gilt nef sailing ship Continental, 20th Century Height 44cm, width 38cm, depth 12cm Made from silver and silver gilt, this nef, also known as a model ship, is br...

Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate Perfect gift for your special someone. Dimensions: Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches) A s...

A fine Steuben art glass model of a trout just caught by an 18 karat gold fly. Designed by James Houston in 1966. Model No. 2011. Simply a wonderful figural sculpture of th...

Russian made gold and enamel cigar tube, circa 1900 - 1910, in red and white enamel with applied diamonds and ruby decoration. The piece is stamped with the work master's initials AH...

Rectangular photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent emerald green enamel on guilloche, with late 19th century Russian Empire style ornaments. Blue alcant...