15th Century and Earlier Sculptures

A collection of four multi-toned polished petrified wood pieces on a coordinating petrified wood slab. Petrified wood is a special type of fossilized wood. This type of mineralized...

Artigas is known for amethysts of the darkest and richest hues of purple. Lustrous and richly-toned, they are instantly recognizable and not uncommon in the mineral market. What sets...

A superb collection of naturally-occurring minerals, curated from private British collections to create a unique set. This varied group showcases nine individual small cabinet speci...

Exquisite Aquamarine Specimen With Mica And Feldspar From Pakistan Weight: 441 Gram Dimension: 8 x 8.5 x 7.5 Cm Origin: Skardu Valley, Pakistan Aquamarine helps us to gain insigh...

Huge Han Dynasty Terracotta figure Of A Court Lady. TL Test conducted by Ralf Kotalla Laboratory in Germany. Report included. Height: 29...

This rare Brannerion fossil specimen of a prehistoric fish is an impressive find from an ex private British collection. Believed to be from Brazil, t...

Powellite Crystal on Stilbite From Jalgaon, Maharashtra State, India. Huge pyramidal crystal of translucent brown powellite with lustrous striated fac...

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this sculpture of the Infant Jesus as Salvator Mundi, an exceptional piece originating from the renowned School of Mechelen of the 15th-16t...

This gorgeous large quartz crystal sits on a bed of rough crystalline matrix. A large piece is wonderfully sculptural. This piece was legally and ethically sourced. Place of ori...

This Prehistoric fossilized ammonite is likely from Madagascar and thousands of years old. This fossil is free standing and could be used as a unique design element as a natural specimen...

An extraordinary and museum-worthy 15th century Gothic Corpus Christi, masterfully hand-carved in wood with exceptional anatomical detail and partially polychromed in white and royal...

This superb Acheulean hand axe stands as a testament to the technological ingenuity of early hominins. Fashioned by Homo ergaster nearly one million years ago, it represents one of h...

Mankind has loved hematite for its sleek beauty and red undertones since its first discovery. It has been utilized as a reddening pigment by the ancient Egyptians, mined by the Etrus...

ANTHROPOMORPHIC SCULPTURE CARVED IN STONE OF THE RECUAY CULTURE PERU 400BC-400AC Recuay is an archaeological culture of Ancient Peru that developed in the Sierra of the current Peruvian department of Áncash between 200 AD. C. until 600 d. C. It corresponds to the stage called Regional Developments, it has also been called the Huaylas or Santa culture. Like the other Early Intermediate cultures, little is known about this culture. The most accepted position is that it was an extension of the Chavin culture, after the influence of the "White on Red" style in the region. Regarding the political aspect of the recuay, there is a hypothesis that questions their autonomy and maintains that Recuay would be part of one of the many political units that made up the Moche state. The recuay style, characterized by its ceramics and stone sculpture, was initially described by Eduard Seler in 1893, based on ceramic specimens brought to the Ethnographic Museum in Berlin by Mariano M. Macedo. Seler named this style of pottery Recuay, based on the report that these pieces had been found in the town of Recuay. Later studies showed that this characteristic pottery was not originally from Recuay but from Copa, near Carhuaz, for which reason the name change to that of this town was proposed. Eventually the name of Huaylas was used for this culture. In 1919 Julio C. Tello explored the area and recovered lithic sculptures and Recuay-type ceramics. In the 1960s Rafael Larco Hoyle proposed changing the names of Recuay and Copa to Santa, arguing that the Recuay style had originated in the coastal regions of the Santa Valley. However, the name Recuay has persisted. Its chronology is also highly debatable. The time of its origin between 0 and 200 AD is discussed. C. and its end or collapse is commonly set to 600 d. C. probably caused by the invasion of the Huari conquerors. It encompassed almost the entire Callejón de Huaylas, a narrow valley fed by the Santa River and enclosed between two mountain ranges, the Cordillera Blanca to the west and the Cordillera Negra to the east. Its influence extended to the east to the Marañón river basin and to the west to the upper parts of the Santa, Casma and Huarmey valleys. To the north it reached the town of Pashash, in the province of Pallasca. The Copa area, Marca district, Recuay province, Ancash department seems to have been the center or main nucleus of cohesion of this culture. The name of the culture would then be justified, derived from the province of the same name. Other important settlements were those of Huilcahuaín (near the current city of Ancash), Cátac, Araucay, Tambo, Jancu, Upayacu and Pashash (near the current city of Cabana). Its main form of expression of art was through stone work (carving and masonry), inherited from its predecessor, the Chavín culture. In addition, they made sculptures in lumps that represent warriors with shields or trophy heads, with which they decorated their complex architectural constructions. They also made white clay pottery...

FRAGMENT OF SARCOPHAGUS Painted with the djed pillar topped with the atef crown. This type of symbol was frequently painted on the bottoms of sarcophagus vats. H. 79,5 cm Egypt, end ...

A wonderfully sensual Khmer statue of a female divinity delicately carved from gray sandstone. Her face radiates a cool serenity. Almond shaped eyes ga...

Tourmaline on Lepidolite Aricanga mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil 11.5 cm tall x 12 cm wide Large "rocket-like" crystals burst forth from a lavender lepidolite matrix...

Important Olmec figure of Olmec ethnic dignitary from the preclassic period (2500-200 BC) Important Olmec figure of dignitary of the Olmec ethnic group of...

519.99 Gram Huge Quartz Specimen From Skardu, Pakistan Weight: 519.99 Gram Dimension: 12.4 x 8.8 x 4.2 Cm Origin: Skardu, Pakistan Quartz is one of the most common minerals in the...

Aquamarine with Schorl on Orthoclase Shigar Valley, Shigar District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan 12.7 cm wide x 11.5 cm tall Ex-collection William Ferris There are two significant...

Fine Costa Rican Jade Axe God, Guanacaste-Nicoya region, ca. A.D. 1-1500 Of celt form depicting the mythical part human- part avian figure, with circular eyes...

This extraordinary museum piece Enthroned Virgin Mary/Madonna with child on her lap comes from the Rhone region in France. The saint symbol and protec...

Mariopteris Species Natural Tree Fern Fossil Specimen, 300+ Million Years Old Discovered in Pennsylvania. Hues occur naturally over time through the mineralization process. The hues ...

Tang Dynasty Pair of Painted Pottery Lokapalas Tang Dynasty (618-907), Height: 27.25 x 11.5 x 7" each PROVENANCE: Weisbrod Chinese Art, Ltd., New York Condition: Losses and resto...

Amazing period piece. Beautiful hand-carved fragment depicting a dragon / mythical creature. Once had its place in wall of a medieval church or chapel in the South of France. Weather...

Italian renaissance hand carved wooden "putto" angel head, circa 15th Century Width 14 inches / height 14 inches / depth 4 inches 1 available in stock in Italy Order reference #: FAB...

A wonderful large formation of smokey quartz, unpolished and with all its natural lustre, the piece is wonderfully sculptural in quality. This piece was legally and ethically sou...

A Cretaceous period calcite septarian nodule, from Utah, resting on custom marble & brass plated stand. Exceptional crystaline interior shapes. Mid century modern stand...

A fine and unusual statue of standing horse with a Persian rider. Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) Silk Road trader from Persia, comes with Oxford authenticati...

Admired since ancient times, clear rock crystal quartz is prized for its extraordinary natural design and beauty. This vintage 1970s tower is polished and presented in a wonderful to...

Carved red sandstone bust of a female deity, India, circa 10th-12th century. The fragment itself measures 8.5 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide and deep, and stands 14.5 inches overall ...

A unique historic artifact – a Roman bronze statuette of Mercury, holding a caduceus, with ram at side, of Polykeitan style. Circa 1st Century A.D. Displayed on base pedestal. Polykl...

Genuine Spinosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth. Spinosaurus (meaning "spine lizard") is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in what now is North Africa, during the upper Albian to upper T...

Feast your eyes on this breathtaking polished citrine from Brazil, a true marvel of natural artistry. This stunning specimen boasts remarkable transparency, allowing the rich brownis...

Morganite with Smoky Quartz Mawi pegmatite, Nilaw-Kolum pegmatite field, Nuristan, Afghanistan 9.7cm tall x 11.5cm wide Ex-collection Stephen Smale All the members of the Beryl f...

Pre-Columbian Jaguar Head Pottery Pendant, with traces of green glaze. 2" H x 2" W x 1" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.

IMPORTANT GERMAN PIETÀ FROM THE 14th CENTURY ORIGIN: GERMANY, REGION DE COLOGNE PERIOD: BEGINNING IF THE 14th CENTURY, ca. 1330 Height: 98 cm Length: 45 cm Depth: 33 cm Polychromed linden wood Good condition of conservation Provenance : particular Alsatian collection The theme of the Pietà or Vesperbild appears in Germany at the end of the 13th century, reflecting the mysticism of the late Middle Ages. Although the theme does not exist in the Gospels, it was often mentioned in contemporary devotional literature. Indeed, during the first half of the 14th century, mystical thought and devotional practices changed under the impulse of a number of religious, among them Heinrich Suso and St Bridget. In his writings, Suso placed important emphasis on contemplation and meditation in the footsteps of Christ's martyrdom. This will have great impact in the field of art, especially in Germany and later in France. The emphasis will from now on be on grief, death is shown in a straightforward way. The wounds of Christ are gaping and bloody. The suffering of Christ and the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary are meditated upon. This piece demonstrates the interest of the faithful in these representations where pathos reigns. The virgin is represented seated in a frontal position. The bust is very elongated. She is wearing a red dress with a simple neckline and a blue mantel...

Two Neolithic basalt hone stones mounted on black steel bases. A hone stone was used to sharpen weapons and tools such as an adze, hoe or axe. These beautiful prehistoric objects are...

This rare fossil of a prehistoric fish is an impressive specimen originating from Brazil, preserved by time over millions of years. Mounted on a metal...

This striking fossilised wood cross-section, dating to the Miocene epoch (23-5 million years ago) and featuring paint-like streaks of greens, blues and browns, is a beautiful natural history specimen and impactful display piece. This is a magnificent example of the results of permineralisation, a process through which buried wood tissue, permeated by minerals transported in water, can transform into vibrant fossils. This particular example has fossilised over a copper deposit, resulting in the bright inclusions of copper minerals that manifest as impressive streaks of blue, green and red. This distinctive colouration is unique to Colla wood...

This small geode of lilac coloured amethystine quartz with several rhombohedral calcites at the front and red druze / blackish goethite accents. This piece was legally and ethica...

This breathtaking specimen comes from a distinctive group of fluorites that have affectionately been nicknamed, “tanzanite fluorite” for their gemlike aesthetics and color-shifting a...

Madagascar Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old Dimensions: 12.75 x 11 x 2.25 in. / 32 x 28 x 6 cm Weight: 12 lbs 14 oz/ 5.85 kg In this example, the complex...

10" Alethopteris Neuropteris Natural Tree Fern Fossil Specimen, 300 - 360 years old apx. This is a rather lush plant fossil natural specimen. The measurements point to point di...

Beautiful section of an amethyst geode, unusually thin in cross section and resembling a shell with gorgeous deep purple amethyst lining. Origin : Artigas, Uruguay

A very fine late Yuan to early Ming Chinese terracotta gilt and polychrome painted Buddha figure, he is dressed in thick robes, his hair arranged in ty...

With its extremely unusual central amethyst epimorph after calcite, this natural wonder evokes images of the legendary sword, Excalibur, magically fixed in the stone. Elsewhere we ...

An extraordinary natural Gogotte formation from Fontainebleau, France — a geological masterpiece formed millions of years ago from fine quartz sand fused together by mineral-rich wat...

Pre-Columbian pottery figure of a seated woman giving birth, with her hands behind the back. It was most probably used by a shaman to look for the benevol...

An unusual sculptural arrangement of two clear quartz crystals, punctuated and adorned on all sides with dark green tourmaline, watermelon colour in cross section.

Sculpture In Polychrome Wood Representing Saint Anthony Hermit Origin : East of France Period : End of the 15th century Measures: Height : 97 cm Width : 32 cm Depth : 26 cm Polychrome wood The saint is represented by an old, bearded man, dressed in a hooded monk’s habit over the tunic of his religious order. He is stood upright, holding an open book, La Règle des Antonnites, in his right hand. In the other hand, he is holding a staff in the form of the Greek letter tau with a rosary hanging down over it. At his feet lies a pig wearing a small bell around its neck. He rests on his right leg, whilst the left advances forward as if he were about to start walking. His belted tunic, forming several rectilinear pleats, is covered by a habit which is open only at the waist, therefore revealing these pleats. He is also wearing a hooded scapular over his shoulders. His thick hair escapes from under a distinctive hat, forming a collection of finely sculpted ringlets. This fine detail is also applied to the four long ringlets of his superb beard, which sit just below the shorter ones of his moustache. His face is a picture of harmony, with lowered eyes and his small mouth lost amongst the abundance of hair. At his feet on a pedestal of flames, hinting to the fire of Saint Anthony no doubt, a pig trying to scratch its ear. Born in 251 in Upper Egypt, he withdrew into solitude at a very young age. He would have been plagued in the desert with extremely diabolical temptations. He payed a visit to Saint Paul the hermit towards the end of his life. He was the dean of the Thébaïde anchorites, who was miraculously fed by a crow. On the day that Saint Anthony visited, the crow brought two portions of bread in its beak instead of one. Some time after, having learnt of the death of his venerable brother, Saint Anthony went to bury him with the help of two lions. The King of Catalonia pleaded to come and exorcise his posessed wife and children. He left Thébaïde for Barcelona. He appeared at the house of the provost André, bringing him a sow in his mouth, a monstrous piglet born without eyes. André wanted to kill it but Anthony stopped him, telling him that the poor beast wanted to ask for healing, as the King had done for his offspring. He made a sign of the cross on the piglet and it suddenly acquired its sight and the members which it did not have at birth. After which, André, guided by Saint Anthony, exorcised the Queen of Catalonia in the same way whilst she knelt at his feet. Théophile discovered the body of Saint Anthony wrapped in a palm fibre tunic which he had been given by Saint Paul the Hermit. In the Red Sea Desert there are two Coptic, IV century, monasteries which stand next to each other, one dedicated to Saint Anthony, the other to Saint Paul the Hermit. They are the oldest monasteries in the Christian world. The body of the famous hermit was transported to Constantinople and would have been transferred into the abbaye, Saint Antoine-en-Viennois, Dauphine. The Antonnite Order was a charitable order which specialised in treating contagious diseases. The fire of Saint Anthony, was identified by doctors as a grangrenous ergotism, caused by a diet of rye bread contaminated with the parasite ergot. The effect of this is the drying out of hands and feet which then need amputation, the plague and then later syphilis. All the skin diseases came from Saint Anthony. Saint Anthony’s pilgrimage to Dauphine rivaled that of Saint Jacques to Compostela. Thanks to the various commanderies created by the mother house, Saint Anthony’s cult spread throughout Christianity. In order to maintain commanderies and their hospitals, the Antonnites resorted to pig farming. They enjoyed having the benefit of letting their pigs roam freely through the streets of the villages, with little bells round their necks that had a recognisable chime so that they were able to find them. This privilege was very envied by other monastic Orders. Saint Anthony was the patron saint of several crafts such as basket makers and gravediggers. However it is to the pig that he owes the majority of his patronages; pigkeepers, pig sellers, butchers, porc butchers, brush makers who use pig bristle and bell-ringers because of the pig bells...

Of all the incredible malachite specimens recovered from the Katanga Copper Crescent of the DRC, there is only one known incidence of a stalactite composed of chrysocolla with stunning malachite "eyes" and azurite rings...

DESCRIPTION: Etruscan sculpture head made with terracotta, the art represents a young man from the 4th century. It's a very decorative piece and the stat...

This intriguing redware figure was crafted in 400 A.D. from the ancient Teotihuacan region of Mexico. Earthenware figurines were made in great abundance throughout Teotihuacan's history. After 250 A.D. objects made from clay increased dramatically, serving a wide variety of purposes and functions from religious rituals to burial offerings. Figurines like this commemorated important people and events within the city of Teotihuacan and other parts of Mesoamerica, portraying individuals of different rank and status such as soldiers, merchants, bureaucrats, and occasionally divinities. This figure is adorned with an elaborate headdress, a thick beaded necklace...

This well preserved tooth is 40 to 34 million years old from the Late Eocene Period. Basilosaurus was first thought to be a reptile but was later identified as a genus of ancient cet...

Antique Large Solid Stone Ammonite on Handcrafted Iron Stand Featuring Fascinating Ridged Surface Dimensions: 26"W X 5"D X 27.5"H

Standing at over 120cm (47 inches) tall, this rare prehistoric fossilised whale bone is a fascinating sculptural artefact for an interior or live-in museum....

A superb set of 7 ancient prehistoric ammonite fossils presented on our small turned painted plaster bases. This group showcases ammonites of varyi...

PINK FLUORITE ON SMOKY QUARTZ Tiefengletscher, Furka, Uri, Switzerland 28.5 cm tall x 12.7 cm wide In the mineral kingdom there are hierarchies, not all of them actually correct. Bu...

An exceptional cluster of lustrous epidote crystals from Casca, La Libertad, Peru, rising in sharp, elongated formations with a deep green tone that shifts to almost black in subdued...