20th Century Mounted Objects

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...

Garniture "Neptune". 20th-century French sculpture by Louis François Moreau, in patinated antimony. Marble bases. Dimensions: (clock) 68 x 38 cm; (jars) 49 x 19 cm.

Large stone carving of a bird by the indigenous Inuit People who inhabit parts of Canada and Alaska. The sculpture is signed on bottom by unknown a...

An Exquisite 14K Gold, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Semi Precious Stone Mounted Rhodonite Camel. Possibly by Verdura, circa 1970, Italy. A very good quality and unusual gold mounted jeweled object...

1900s Copper Horn Holder On Copper Base All copper Little chip at top in one of arches Horn secured to base - one solid piece except for insert that pops out

Stylish Pair of Grand Tour style Figural Bookends Holders depicting two sculptural male views of Music Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Standing in p...

Beautiful spider sea shell professionally mounted on a natural coral base. Artistically embedded with citrine and Quartz crystal pieces that make a beautiful object of art for displa...

Largest ever (9.5 feet wide) wall coat rack with 12 hooks, a beveled mirror, lion sculptures, male and female bust sculptures, birds and floral motifs etc. This antique and largest in size ever, antique Dutch coat rack is special and desirable for a number of reasons. First of all, it is very well carved and with great depth and the chance that you will ever find an antique wall coat rack...

We can notice the organic curves. The Driftwwod is a Root. We have a socket in plastic, with a plastic switch You can use any kind of bulb up to 100 watt, but choose by priority, bul...

Alberto Donà does simple things, but to great effect. And simple, by the way, is a big word. The work they do in the furnance here in Murano is certainly not easy. The Katia vase...

Pair of 1950s carved horns with dragon motif on wood base. They are a definite statement piece.

French Lion Mask Fountain Head Sculpture, Mounted on Iron Stand. Lion head has great attention to detail featuring a nice flowing mane. White in color with a fabulous patina. Has han...

Wonderful TV towers from the 1960s-1970s. Some made of steel, metal, aluminum, bronze. The little one golden ist made in plastic. Various heights from 22cm to 47cm! Have the normal...

COPY OF AN ANCIENT ROMAN MASK MADE IN TERRACOTTa

This exquisite 20th Century French model boat beautifully captures the elegance and intricacy of traditional French maritime craftsmanship. Carefully han...

Antique Indonesian Buffalo Racing Cowbell Painted Wood with Rope Handle Discover this antique Indonesian buffalo racing cowbell, traditionally strapped around the necks of water bu...

A rare Frederic Weinberg zodiac series wall mounted sculpture circa 1950s Cast bronze modernist Libra figure with brutalist texture and subtle holes f...

This is a porcelain plaque of the Holy Virgin Mary. It depicts an oval shaped medallion adorned in the center by a high relief profile of the Virgin Mary. Around the medallion is pie...

Mounted on custom black-painted metal stands, this striking pair of antique Singa sculptures originates from the Batak tribe of Sumatra. Each piece is carved from a single block of wood and features the iconic protective Singa motif, a mythical creature often used in Batak architecture to ward off evil spirits. The sculptures showcase wonderful polychrome detailing, with traces of natural pigments still visible, adding depth and character to the intricately carved surfaces. The weathered patina, fading, and age-related wear and tear speak to their authenticity and long history of use, possibly as architectural or ritual elements. Together, these pieces present a rare opportunity to own a significant example of Batak tribal...

The Rocaille tureen or center piece is a unique piece produced in the 70.80s in sterling silver 925 silver by Alcino Silversmith 1902. This piece was designed and produced in our w...

Stunning stainless steel “swirl” floor sculpture by Curtis Jere. Swirl sits atop a painted black steel base and swivels, allowing the perfect placement. Pictured with Milo Baughman f...

Large wall-mounted sculpture colored stone in concrete Mid-Century Modern, 1952 This wall Sculpture was taken out of a building by Dutch Architect Jan Duiker. It should be made circa 1952, the sculpture is signed with ACK. Jan Duiker (also Johannes Duiker) (The Hague, 1 March 1890 – Amsterdam, 23 February 1935) was a Dutch architect. Partnership with Bernard Bijvoet from 1919 until 1925. For the commission of the Zonnestraal project the architects were recommended by Hendrik Berlage. Bijvoet left the Netherlands in 1925 to work in Paris with Pierre Chareau for projects such as Maison de Verre...

Zulu bridal hat, made of natural hair and red pigments. The young girls were called ‘Itshishi’. They let their hair grow, cut it of, conserved it and worked the strings of hair aroun...

A polished hardstone disc. Provenance unknown but probably a early 20th century Hawaiin Ulu Maika stoen. Ulu Maika is a ancient game simular to bowling played by the indigineaous Haw...

Decorative fresh water turtle shell professionally mounted on onyx base, the shell is cleaned and seal with clear protective satin finish. And the back is upholstered with fine qual...

Antique Indonesian Buffalo Racing Cowbell Painted Wood with Rope Handle Discover this antique Indonesian buffalo racing cowbell, traditionally strapped around the necks of water bu...

Architectural Brutalist wall mounted sculpture made from cast metal. Imposing wall sculpture 1970s - Belgium Height: 87cm/34.25" Lenght: 190cm/74.80".  

Striking and meaningful finest work of religious art. This beautifully stylish hand carved and large size Sacred Heart of Christ statue is another one of our recent great finds. In our view the sculptor has perfectly managed to capture both the wisdom and serenity of our Lord Jesus Christ. This large size and carved out of solid teakwood Sacred Heart sculpture...

Unique and all handcrafted, practical size antique circular chandelier. Some chances you only get once in your life and that is exactly what we thought when we first saw this unique...

An extremely well-made copy of a classical mask after the antique, the face shown in high relief within a dished background and a border of Greek Key with discs to the four sides. No...

A hand-crafted sculpture specimen of natural red coral branches mounted on a 18th century giltwood urn fragment base.

A large and impressive torch cut palm tree sculpture, circa 1970s. It features an all aluminum & steel construction. Nice warm patina. Leaves are adjustable so you can style and mode...

Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture showcases a square base and narrow stem that expands outwards to the right and left showcasing a layered look. One side appears to be...

A 20th Century English silver plated model of the legendary Rolls-Royce mascot which was designed by Charles Sykes, this later cast silver plated statue stands on round marble plinth...

Iridescent glass by Venini & Co. attributed to Carlo Scarpa. Possible Nautilus shell. Acid stamp Venini Murano Ars. This signature was used from 1930 to 1943. Good condition. Thank you.

A decorative 6-inch by 3-inch Arts and Crafts lustre glaze tile by Pilkington’s Tile and Pottery Co. One of four similar in design we have for sale, this antique tile is artisticall...

Beautiful natural clamshell with cream color patina, professionally clean and mounted on original natural coral base, some crystal quartz accents. Great nat...

Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7310 An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown lea...

Bronze mounted abstract sculpture. The sculpture features four topographical like forms connected to a narrow bronze stem, mounted to a thick limestone base. Signed by the artist. D...

Large tall schooner ship with six masts torch cut in brass in the style of Curtis Jere. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. This item can be parcel posted.

Small unusual desk sculpture with removable bronze dice. Despite its small size its very heavy. The dice may have been mounted as a hood ornament originally and then made in to a dec...

Fantastic pair of table lamps made of genuine turquoise stone, artistically handcrafted on bevelled Lucite base. One 100 watt maximum light socket. Overall height with shades 37" ...

Handcarved, endearing and remarkable work of art. If you are a collector of rare and good quality antiques then this wonderful alabaster sculpture table lamp could be perfect for yo...

Ettore Fico — “Colline”, 1993 Oil on wood, double-sided Dimensions: 40 cm W × 22.5 cm H × 13.5 cm D Signed and dated “Fico 93” lower center Provenance: Artist’s studio, Turin, Italy ...

Curtis Jeré “Seagulls” metal wall sculpture in white with blue splatter finish. This design is often referred to as “Birds in Flight”. It casts s...

Black enameled iron indoor / outdoor wall relief sculpture, circa 1980's easy to mount cool design that blends well with mid Century contemporary Boho home decor.

An early 20th Century, pair of vintage Italian obelisks made of hand carved Porphyry marble, in good condition. The large monolith décor pieces are enhanced with spheres on the corne...

A fine unique wooden sculptural wall decoration. Hand Carved motifs, made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in the 1970s. Nice texture and dimensions in this vintage piece, it can be used as ...

Was mounted on the wall, there are holes for wall mounting. Could also be mounted on the ceiling. The paint is partly off, here and there rust. But therefore has its absolute vi...

We can notice the curves. The wood is a solid Wood. We have a socket in plastic, with a plastic switch You can use any kind of bulb up to 100 watt. Art deco or tribal and Brutalist s...

Original Hand-Carved South Asian Antique Architectural Bracket Fragment for display Anonymous Probably India; early-to-mid 20th century Wood Approximate size: 4.2 x 3.8 x 12 in. A...

Early 20th Century African Antique Wood Comb with Human Head From the Chokwe Culture of Angola. A fine, old, much used comb with a glossy, glasslike patina...

Large mortar and pestle from late 19th to early 20th century, carved from single piece of wood. This item was used to mill grain, wheat and hem...

Sculptured model of a smoked Papua Mummie, papier mâché, 20th C Burial practices vary in New Guinea, just as they do everywhere else in the world. Some cultures believe the soul is d...

Impressive classical marble torso of Hercules, carved in Italy during the first half of the 20th century. The sculpture emphasizes the heroic anatomy and powerful presence of the myt...

Fine Chinese hard stone disc on black metal stand, beautiful form, color and texture. Measures: 7" wide, 8.2" total height included stand. Stone disc itself...

A Beautiful Italian grand tour style pietra dura mosaic on marble plaque with gilt framing. Picture is a bird on branch with leaves and flowers.

Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7309 An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown lea...

Mounted on custom black-painted metal stands, this striking pair of antique Singa sculptures originates from the Batak tribe of Sumatra. Each piece is carved from a single block of wood and features the iconic protective Singa motif, a mythical creature often used in Batak architecture to ward off evil spirits. The sculptures showcase wonderful polychrome detailing, with traces of natural pigments still visible, adding depth and character to the intricately carved surfaces. The weathered patina, fading, and age-related wear and tear speak to their authenticity and long history of use, possibly as architectural or ritual elements. Together, these pieces present a rare opportunity to own a significant example of Batak tribal...

A very nice Grand Tour marble and bronze neoclassical orb / sphere by Theodore Alexander, circa 1990s. The piece, which consists of a solid marble orb sitting in a bronze pedestal m...