French Animal Sculptures

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...

Fine metal painted head horse on horseshoe, circa 1890.  

Shellfish French 1960 Table Lamp in Ceramic Representing a Fish Vallauris This can be use as a Decorative Garniture. Vallauris & Monaco, France, Table Lamp in Glazed Ceramics Shaped ...

Luxury at its finest,  A collector’s item made by Baccarat in France. The Large Baccarat cat is a stylish and minimalistic crystal sculpture of a cat sit...

ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE French, 1795-1875 "Tigre Qui Marche" Patinated bronze Signed in base "BARYE", incised "F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR, FRANCE" conceived 1841, cast circa 1880-1900 Item # 110UGP10Q Barye's ability to merge our romantic idealization of nature with a colder reality of nature's predator is beautifully represented in this striding cat. Originally conceived in 1841, Tigre Qui Marche (Walking Tiger...

Luxury at its finest, high-end glass sculpture by Allison Hawkes for Baccarat, France. The sculptures are two horses. The horses, made from clear crystal, are rearing up on their hi...

Very Rare French Art Deco Ceramic Bear Sculpture by Santiago Rodriguez Bonome, France, 1920s. This exceptionally rare French Art Deco ceramic bear by Santiago Rodriguez Bonome, crea...

Large oval Majolica Palissy wall platter Vallauris, circa 1950. Large fishes, lobster, seaweeds, tomato, garlic. From Provence, Mediterranean fishes. Length / 20 inches on 9 inches, ...

Stylish pair of Art Deco bookends with vulture birds by Max Le Verrier. Art Deco metal with lovely Silver plated patina on Belgian Black marble base, France, circa 1930 This model is...

Dramatic early 20th Century French Art Deco clear glass car mascot modelled as a standing falcon with good hand finished detail, signed R Lalique and France 'Faucon' Bouchon de Rad...

French Art Deco peacock sculpture by Gabriel Beauvais. We offer this rare French modernist glazed ceramic peacock sculpture by Gabriel Beauvais, 1930....

Circa 1935 Rare Art Deco mantel clock exquisitely made with marble and onyx with surreal dog figurines in contrasting poses. Original patination. Statement piece.

A stunning, quite large French Art Deco bronze Egyptian cat representing Bastet the Egyptian goddess of the home, domesticity, women's secrets, fertility, childbirth, and cats (She i...

These monumental bronze statues of reclining Great Danes are a masterful example of the French animalier tradition, blending aristocratic elegance with a spirited, alert presence. Ex...

This important and unusual pair of life size French 19th century Blue Herons are realistically depicted with the two birds foraging in their natural environment. One large Heron is h...

French Art Deco Terracotta Sculpture by Demetre Chiparus (1886-1947), France, 1920s. This exquisite French Art Deco terracotta sculpture, created by the renowned artist Demetre Chipa...

Antique Majolica oxen cart jardiniere circa 1900, signed Clement Massier Golfe-Juan. Reference: Page 111 "Barbotines de la cote d'Azur" of Bottero.

Art Deco spelter sculpture. Black-patinated panther on a marble base, signed Ouline. In perfect condition. Height: 17.5 cm Length: 45 cm Width: 11 cm Weight: 4.7 kg Alexandre Ouline...

Shellfish French 1960 Table Lamp in Ceramic Representing a Fishes Vallauris Has to be re-electrified. This can be use as a Decorative Garniture

Extremely rare sculpture in brass and agate, by Henri Fernandez for atelier Duval Brasseur, modelled as a Longhorn Beetle and dating to the 1970’s. The beautiful blue agate wings ar...

Luxury at its finest, high-end glass panter sculpture by Daum, France. The panter - made out of art glass - is lying on a green tree. A beautiful sculpture. Founded in 1878 in Nanc...

The pair of French hand-carved antique garden stone lions are crouching and are made of stone. The dimensions are for the slightly larger of th...

Offered is a 1970s Vintage Boho Figurative Animalia Wicker Rattan Monkey ape hanging figure in the style of Mario Lopez Torres. This French Animalia vintage 1960s-1970s woven wicker...

Charles Lemanceau for Sainte-Radegonde — “Antelope Standing” Art Deco Ceramic Sculpture, France, 1920s. This elegant French Art Deco antelope sculpture—titled “Antelope Standing”—wa...

sculpted realistically in brass and silver plated

A glazed ceramic bird on a round base the body and base are glazed in shades of white, brow and green. by Jean Derval ( 1925/2010) Vallauris , South of France. Signed under the bas...

A family of lions having green patination depicting a male lion feeding two cubs; mounted on a naturalistic base - signed and applied entitled plaque "Lion 1st Gibier" Paul Edouard Delabrierre, Paris born, was a member of the school of Animalier painters, active in the late 19th Century. He studied with was born in Paris, France on March 29th 1829. He was an important member of the Animalier school in late 19th century Paris, and the last two years of his career, introduced cast iron as a legitimate material for sculpture. Delabrierre studied art under the painter Eugene Delestre...

French Art Deco bronze rabbit sculpture by Edouard Marcel SANDOZ, Paris, Susse Freres Foundry, France, 1920-1928. Rabbit, head turned. Just 7 copies edited. Rare. Bronze with dark gr...

French Art Deco Ceramic Bull by Antonio Savioli for Saint-Clément, France, 1930s Material: Ceramic Dimensions - Width: 12.6 in (32 cm), Height: 9.4 in (23.8 cm), Depth: 6.7 in (17 c...

Decorate a table or entry commode with this one-of-a-kind "Tortue" sculpture (French for tutle). Crafted in southern France and built of ceramic using the Raku method, the vintage to...

An Antoine-Louis Barye bronze sculpture from the 19th century depicting a horse with left foot raised and dark patina. Discover the evocative e...

This stunning sculpture of an Art Deco Pouncing Tiger is realized in a pale terra-cotta glaze ceramic .It features a stylized Tiger on a stepped geometric base echoing the design of ...

Large rare French Majolica swan vase signed Choisy le Roi, circa 1890. Height / 23.3 inches. 16 inches by 12 inches. At the end of 19th century, Choisy le roi was one of the most im...

Couple of Bears" by Charles Lemanceau, Sainte-Radegonde, France, circa 1935. This striking and rare French Art Deco ceramic sculpture, titled "Sur la Banquise" (On the Ice Field), depicts a charming couple of bears in an elegant, minimalist style. Created by renowned artist Charles Lemanceau in the mid-1930s, this rare and highly sought-after piece showcases his mastery of ceramic craftsmanship. The sculpture is produced in a distinctive crackle glaze technique, a hallmark of Lemanceau's work and the French Art Deco period. Dimensions: Width: 24.4" (62 cm), Height: 13.6" (34.5 cm). Condition: Very good, with some minor imperfections typical of the technique used during this period. This model is illustrated in the Sainte-Radegonde catalog (see photo) and is available in two sizes. The piece presented here is the larger of the two. It is also featured in Les Craquelés Art Déco by Alain-René Hardy & Bruno Giardi (page 109), as well as in Craquelés, Les Animaux en Céramique 1920-1940 by Patrick Malaureille (page 38), which is a reference book on French crackle glaze ceramics...

This stunning French Art Deco crackle-glazed Cubist ceramic sculpture is extremely rare, both for its color and model. The sculpture was designed and manufactured in Saint-Clement, F...

Edouard Marcel Sandoz (Swiss, 1881-1971,) Guinea pig silver plated bronze paperweight. Marked "Ed M Sandoz" near the lower edge, also with Susse Fres Ed mark. Description "COCHON D'...

Mid-20th century glazed ceramic elephant garden stool, flower pot. Handmade of ceramic. Nice addition to your home, patio or garden. This is in good condition,with some chips, blue c...

This antique cow sculpture composition was created in France, circa 1895. Set on an oval base, the bronze sculpture features a standing cow looking at its baby calf suckling milk. Th...

Amusing Majolica monkey pianist tobacco jar Sarreguemines, circa 1880.Rarely found complete with his lid ,he wear a costume of Oriental style, he play piano and two books are represe...

Large oval Majolica Palissy wall platter Vallauris, circa 1950. Large fishes, lobster, seaweeds, shells. From Provence. Measures: Length / 22.5 inches on 9 inches, height / 2.5 inche...

Charming vintage decorative sculpture of paperweight was created by the historic French glassworks company Daum, founded in 1878. Daum teddy bears were produced not only as decorativ...

A fine French decorative horse model of leather with saddle, circa 1880 to 1900, standing on four legs and featuring fine detail to the head and body. Makes a great gift for an eque...

Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.

Large French Art Deco pheasant sculpture by LIMOUSIN (Paris), France, ca.1920. Cold-painted spelter marble. Important sculpture ! Width: 29.5"(75cm), Height: 13"(33cm), Width: 7"(17....

Art Nouveau green Majolica frog who playing mandolin unsigned Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1900. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. The Massi...

This is a dashing, collectible antique pair of Marly horses. A French, bronze equine statue in the manner of Guillaume Coustou (1677-1746), dating to the late 19th century, circa 1900. Excellent representations of the famous Marly horses, on display in the Louvre Each displaying a desirable aged patina, pleasingly natural finish Appreciably heavy bronze in very good original condition Weighing 7.74kg and 7.70kg respectively (approximately 17lb each) Two horses rear up as their grooms struggle to contain their inherent power The majesty of each horse resplendent with their sense of dynamism Defined, muscular haunches beneath detailed horse tack Further embellished with flowing manes and swishing tails Each groom with a look of surprise and fear at the ensuing situation Representative miniature leather reigns unite them with the animal The originals commissioned by King Louis XV, for the gardens of the Chateau de Marly Standing upon a detailed base and bearing the signature of the original sculptural artist Coustou This is a striking and eternally collectible antique pair of Marly horses. Considered a masterpiece of French sculpture, the large marble originals skilfully represented here in quality, heavy bronze. With the originals displayed in the Musee de Louvre...

French Art Deco stoneware fox by Paul MILET, 8, rue Troyon, Sèvres, France, 1920s. Height : 25cm - 9.85 in. , Width : 35cm - 13.8 in., Depth : 13.5cm-5.3in. The condition is excellen...

A 19th century French velocipede of a white pony, the horse of polychromed wood with horsehair mane and set upon an iron tricycle. Deaccessioned from the MacLean Collection of Asian...

Susse Frers Foundry Circa 1930 Origin Francia Handmade technique It is a table bell (electrical system is missing) The bronze of the sculpture is in excellent condition. It has its ...

Deer Antler Mount from France probably from the 1960s.

Fabulous single ceramic Asian turquoise female foo dog. The carving details are amazing. Great addition to your chinoiserie collection.

This bronze sculpture in the taste of Rembrandt Bugatti is a expressive example of 20th-century animal art. This sculpture portrays a seated stork with elongated legs and a poised, c...

This exquisite 19th-century French silver sculpture is a finely crafted decorative piece featuring an elegant swan motif. The design centers around a gracefully sculpted swan with in...

A 19th century antique wounded sparrow bird paperweight/hunting trophy in chased gilt bronze, after Comolera (1818-1897). Mounted on pink marble. Sourced from a French collector.

19th century French bronze sculpture, Faison (Pheasant) signed "F. Pautrot". Bronze figure of a pheasant standing on a naturalistic base. Ferdinand Pautrot (1832 - 1874) was born in ...

This striking Art Deco sculpture, crafted in France circa 1930, depicts a powerful lion in silvered bronze, embodying the bold and dynamic energy characteristic of the Art Deco movem...

Pair Carved Stone Figures Of Hunting Dogs Garden Antique Statuary Animal Lovers . PRICED FOR THE PAIR. beautiful Chateau De Chasse hand carved stone dogs large size mounted on top ...

Unique carved wooden horse, 19th century, France

Edgar Brandt Serpent art deco. in wrought iron. Remarkable work of hammering of the wrought iron for this decorative snake dating from the years ...

Bull Ceramic by Solange Latteur from 1960