18th Century Animal Sculptures

Magnificent and rare pair of 18th Century Dutch Colonial sculptures of lions. Striking Dutch design from 1723! Original hand-carved solid oak sculptures of lions. The pair is dated a...

Decorative 18th century wooden phoenix bird with polychrome lacquer. From Henan Province, China. Untouched original condition. Measures: Height bird 22....

A Indian 18-19th century hand-carved wooden horse decorated with polychrome colors. In original untouched condition with a beautiful age-related patina, showing the antique authentic...

Beautiful handcarved giltwood bird ornament. Made out of wood with later chalk restorations. Italy circa 1780 . Weathered, losses and old repairs. Measurements individual and includ...

Just discovered and coming from a Shinto Shrine deaccession Call or message us for details or to reserve. Japan an early and superb pair (2) of mythical Shi Shi Temple Foo Dogs als...

Pair 18th C. Carved Marble Terracotta Figures Lions Sculptures Garden Statues LA . Rare large Pair of early 18th century carved marble terracotta Figures of regal lions, holding an i...

Sculpture of a seated rampant lion, modeled in glazed earthenware and hand-decorated in vivid shades of cobalt blue, mustard yellow, and touches of black, typical of the traditional ...

Pair of Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Griffin Figures – Exquisite Architectural Salvage Stunning pair of antique hand-carved wooden griffins embodies the drama and elegance of 18th to...

More information coming soon… Dating to circa 1700, this heavy stone armorial has been hand-carved in relief. The 9 1/2 inch thick stone was found on a chateau in Nice, France. Th...

18th Century Chinese bronze duck incense burner, Qing period Please note that one foot is missing, broken off, see detailed image.  

Extraordinary wine-cooler in the form of a beautifully sculpted, gilt and polychromed Swan of impressive stature, makes certainly the conversation-piece of the party. The white paint...

Pair of identical Sterling Silver realistically modeled fish with articulated sections allowing the body to move from side to side. Original purpose: fish spice box...

Pair of Chinese porcelain cats, circa 1750.

French carved seated lion with a ring in his mouth, carved French limestone, circa 1700s. Provenance: The Danish author Karen Branson 1875-1936, One of ...

Staffordshire, England, circa 1745 – 1760 This charming and unusual figure depicts a seated cat, its body marbled in tones of buff, grey, and warm brown, the patterns flowing like fur beneath a translucent salt glaze. From the crown of its head rises a small candleholder—an enchanting, functional variation that transforms the cat into a decorative light for the Georgian home. The salt-glazed surface has a gentle satin sheen, enlivened by a cobalt wash brushed across the ears and shoulders, a subtle touch of colour that draws the eye. The figure is compact and beautifully balanced, exuding both humor and grace: a work of wit and craftsmanship meant to charm and amuse as much as to illuminate. As a pair, this cat with candleholder and its companion cat carrying a mouse form a dialogue of light and life—one playful, one practical—representing the Staffordshire potters’ genius for turning everyday subjects into artful curiosities. Attribution and Significance Within the history of English ceramics, agateware animals represent the marriage of experimentation and domestic charm. They were objects of conversation—proof of a potter’s technical mastery and a household’s refinement. This cat, with its delicate candleholder, captures that artistic playfulness and innovation. The glaze’s clarity, the elegant pose, and the subtle marbling make it not only an artifact of mid-18th-century Staffordshire but also a small masterpiece of whimsy and craft. Scholarly Analysis and Authentication The figure is made from laminated clays of contrasting colors, known as laid agate, a technique perfected in Staffordshire workshops during the 1740s and 1750s. Strata of buff, pale grey, and iron-bearing brown clay were rolled together, pressed into a two-part mold, and luted along the spine before firing. The cat’s body thus shows true through-body marbling: the veining continues through the thickness of the clay, not merely applied on the surface. The candle socket, made from a single buff clay rather than agate, was luted to the head before glazing. This practical choice prevented distortion during firing and was a typical workshop economy seen in other mid-18th-century functional animal forms. The piece was salt-glazed in a wood- or coal-fired kiln into which common salt was introduced near peak temperature. Sodium vapor combined with the silica of the clay to form a thin, glassy coating. Here, the glaze is smooth and even, suggesting the cat was fired within a protective sagger. The underside of the figure is open, revealing the pressed-clay interior. Two or three minute stilt contacts are visible on the bottom ledge, confirming that the figure rested on kiln props during firing rather than being supported from beneath a closed base. The cobalt wash was brushed under the glaze before firing. It fuses permanently into the surface, creating soft haloes of blue wholly consistent with decoration on salt-glazed figures from the Whieldon circle circa 1750-1760. Later 19th-century reproductions employ overpainted enamels that sit atop the glaze. The open underside, authentic stratified body, integrated socket, and original cobalt staining collectively identify this as a genuine product of Staffordshire’s mid-18th-century agateware tradition, most plausibly from the orbit of Thomas Whieldon at Fenton Vivian or a closely related potter. The measured height, modelling, and marbling correspond closely to examples in the Burnap Collection (nos.. 362–363, Nelson-Atkins Museum) and Sotheby’s (2015) — “A Staffordshire agateware cat-form candlestick, circa 1755. Provenance / Condition: Current Condition: Excellent, with one ear repaired at the tip and restoration at the top of the candleholder; the glaze remains bright and continuous across the body and socket. References: Burnap Collection, English Pottery 1675–1825, nos. 362–363. Sotheby’s (2015) — “A Staffordshire agateware cat-form candlestick, circa 1755. Christie’s, London 2010, lot 82. 1stDibs “Staffordshire Agateware Pottery Saltglaze Figure of a Cat,” item ref LU95812370442 Price: $4,482.16 Chipstone Foundation, Marbled Agateware: Techniques and Identification, 2005. Henry Sandon, Staffordshire Pottery, 1970, pp. 52–54. John Howard Antiques, Antique Agateware...

A large early 18th century carved gilt wood eagle, mounted on a square red velvet covered plinth. Originally used as a lectern adornment, this archite...

Decorative 18th century wooden Phoenix bird with polychrome lacquer. From Henan Province, China. Untouched original condition. Measures: Height bird 21...

Charming 18th century carved and painted lion in repose, having full mane and growling expression. Wonderful naive quality and retaining original paint decoration.

Beautiful large Greek mythology white porcelain figural group with Europa en Zeus. I never came across such a large model and think it's impressive by size, details and color. ...

Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terra...

A rare pair of 18th Century Dutch Delft cows, blue and white, made in the De Twee Scheepjes (The Two Little Ships) factory, circa 1780. 24 cm (9 inches) lo...

Description: 18th century style silver royal carriage pulled by four horses. Metal: Silver. Origin: Dutch. Weight: 107.00 grams. Brand: Espada. Dimensions: 12.7x3.1cm. Content: 830/1...

A very finely made pair antique Chinese porcelain blanc de chine figures of hawks dating from the early qing period and from the 18th century, possibly from the Kangxi reign. The fig...

This is a very old Japanese "si-si" mask made in the middle to late Edo period. (Japanese ``si-si'' is an imaginary animal that deifies a lion.) It is thought that materials such as...

Hard porcelain bear modeled and painted in gray-brown and black Manufacture of Meissen, by Johann Gottlieb Kirchner and Johan Joachim Kaendler, 1735 It...

A European carved stone lion garden statue from the 18th century. This antique sculpture from Europe has been hand-carved in the image of a m...

One of the only known sculptures rendered in Blue John to exist in the world, this extraordinary George III panther exemplifies Georgian sophistication. Georgian — and later Regency — aesthetics revived classical themes of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. With a proud stance, gaping jaw and unyielding gaze, the stately panther closely resembles the grand ancient Roman panthers often carved from marble as trapezophoros table supports. The regal cat rests atop a plinth, also made of Blue John, with Siena and Ashford marble detailing. The intrinsic and richly hued mineral inclusions of the Blue John replicate the textures and colors of the animal’s fur. The rare stone is a variety of natural calcium fluorite found exclusively in Derbyshire, England. It was first discovered in the early 18th century, but its mining did not being until circa 1760. Blue John was a wildly popular material in the decorative arts during the Georgian and Regency...

Pair of rare 18th century temple elephants carved in sandstone with chalk and leftovers of gold leaf. Chalking is used as a surface to bind gold leaf. Originally fully covered with g...

A superb terracotta lion, French 18th century Height: 70 cm Width: 38 cm Depth: 82 cm. Provenance: Private Australian Collection acquired in 1990s.

Pair of 18th century Italian gold-leaf fragment horse head sculptures. The pair is made of 18th century Italian water-gilt fragments mounted on scroll wood bases. The fragments come...

A late 18th-early 19th century full size wooden sculpture of a horse, with tail made from horse hair, resting on a rectangular wooden base mounted on four castors.

Cavalier King Charles spaniel gilt porcelain dog. Antique gilt porcelain dog sculpture on conforming white oblong octagonal gilt banded ...

De Gilde-os: A Celebratory Dutch Delft Cow, Polychrome Pastoral: Dutch Delftware, Circa 1760 This captivating Dutch Delftware cow model, dating to circa 1760, is an exceptional exam...

A big hand carved painted stag sculpture in wood, early 18th century. Pre-owned by a collector. This sculpture are one of a kind. The stag deer are a symbol of spiritual authority, a deer stag is here depicted in all its magnificent elegance. Wooden sculpture of a life-size deer stag laying upon a rectangular platform base. The symbol of the stag: The deer’s antlers are one of the characteristics that have made it the figure of a spiritual superiority, according to some. Like a crown, the antlers grow beyond its body, bringing it closer to the sky and making it sacred. In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority. During a deer’s life the antlers fall off and grow again and the animal is also a symbol of reGeneration. In the Christian imagination, the deer is a symbol of piety, devotion and of God taking care of his children: men. The legend of Saint Eustace...

Unusual 18th century fish sculpture made of antique giltwood fragments. A very interesting and unique piece of art!

A pair of mounted porcelain Karp shaped vases. Gilt - Bronze Mounted Blue Enameled Stoneware, Chinese 18th Century, the Mounts are Louis XV, Circa 1750...

Date / Origin: Staffordshire, England, circa 1745 – 1760 A seated cat with upright ears and grounded paws, holding a small brown mouse in its mouth. The figure is formed from two pre...

Faience, painted blue. With spiny back and seated on a cross-hatched rectangular plinth base.

Each with cute expressions seated on a plinth base. Provenance, Manheim Antiques. Drue Heinz.

Pair of early giltwood book stands carved as doves mounted upon orbs, from the late 17th or early 18th century. Nice large scale. Books are laid open across the backs of the doves' w...

Bronze crabe Padua, 18th century bronze 2 x 10 x 7 cm (One of the crab’s legs is missing its end) This finely cast bronze sculpture of a crab reflects the enduring interest in natur...

Unique 18th century giltwood element fish sculpture. This piece includes antique fragments along with a tortoise shell and sea shells. A real conversation piece.

Modelled as a yellow bird, green deer, and yellow monkey grouped together on a brown-glazed stand. These brush rest with a bird, a monkey and a deer probably refers to the rebus 'may you receive high rank and emolument' or 'general long life, happiness and wealth' Period : Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period Production Date : C 1725 Made in : Jingdezhen Destination : Netherland Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Ca Mau...

Fine porcelain figure of seated hounds. The mouth of the dog is open; the ears are flipped back; and there is a chain around the neck. The dog's bones are well depicted. Period : Qi...

Italian School, 18th century Pacing Horse Bronze with brown patina, on a rectangular marble base H 8 x L 8,5 x P 3 cm H totale 11 cm

A sculpture of 2 Minogame turtles with their distinctive fan-like tails. The smaller turtle is standing in the she’ll of the larger one. This is an excellent Japanese hardwood carvin...

A striking Italian 18th century giltwood and polychrome statue of two eagles. The statue is raised by a most decorative polychrome ground and branch like designed base. Above are two...

According to Japanese folklore the fox, or kitsune, can assume human form to protect and trick humble country folk. Dating to the 18th century, this fox protects its own pup. Carved ...

Naples painted terracotta tiger. Louis XVI period finely painted terracotta tiger in the grand Naples tradition of exotic creche animals. Italy, circa 1790 Dimensions: 7.5" W x 2" D...

This important George III tazza is attributed to famed Scottish-Swedish architect Sir William Chambers. The magnificent piece features a base carved from statuary marble in the shape of a stylized dolphin, which relates to Chambers' extraordinary 18th-century architectural designs. A marvel of beauty and craftsmanship, the tazza is also inset with specimens of Derbyshire Blue John in both the plinth and bowl. Blue John is one of the most in-demand decorative stones in the world, and its inclusion in this piece elevates the tazza to a true Georgian masterpiece. Due to its popularity, the largest veins of Blue John had disappeared by the early 19th century, and only a small amount of the stone remains today. Because of its scarcity, most examples of Blue John furniture feature only small inset veneers. By contrast, this rare tazza features not one, but two substantial specimens of the stone. It represents some of the last ornamental wares created of such grand size and proportion, though other smaller examples still grace the stately British estates of Chatsworth, Hardwick, Kedleston and Haddon, among others. Not only does this tazza boast a highly rare material, but it was also designed by one of the most important architects and designers of the Georgian era. Sir William Chambers was a Scottish-Swedish architect based in London who was active during the reigns of Kings George II and George III. Celebrated for his combination of English Palladianism...

Beautiful garden terracotta sculpture of a seated lion, a ball between its claws. 18th-century terracotta, some losses (eyes, tail, etc.), wear, chips, and cracks. Height 68 ...

A pair of Empire gilt and patinated bronze chenets, French, 18th century each with a winged sphinx raised on a rectangular base with curved ends on acorn feet. Measures: Height 10.25 in. (26.03 cm.), width 11.5 in. (29.21 cm.), depth 3.5 in. (8.89 cm.) Provenance: Arthur James Galleries.

Dutch Delft PolychromeModel of a Cow Being Milked, De Twee Scheepjes Pottery (The Two Little Ships), Circa 1765 The Dutch Delft cow figure, from the De Twee Scheepjes Pottery (The T...

Subtle and wonderfully painted fur expressive faces.

Italian 18th C Grand Tour Roman Bronze Bust of a Horse, Specimen Marble Base Italy, Later 18th Century A Italian 18th Century Grand Tour Roman Bronze Bust of a Horse, displayed on ...

Regal Guardians: Ralph Wood Type Pearlware Lions: A True Pair: 18th Century Pearlware Lion and Lioness This magnificent, true pair of pearlware pottery figures—a majestic lion and i...

Patinated bronze stags standing over rocky outcrop, signed after Jules Moigniez with marble base.

A very handsome 18th century Statue of an Eagle from the Lombardy region of Italy. Beautifully carved from gilt wood. A wonderful accessory for any table top or bookcase.

Cow, attribued to delft earthenware 18th century

Unusual pair of two small Delft earthenware cows with enamel. They had rough life but still very nice. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Europe...