An Art Deco Gentleman s Alligator Traveling Vanity Case

A powerful and dramatic pair of Italian neoclassical carved and gilt wood mythical animal figures on faux painted bases, mid 19th century or earlier, Italy. The fantastic beasts are well carved, with dramatic wings that follow the sensuous curve of the neck, and a sinuous body ends in an eel-like tail gracefully curled in upon itself. The bearded heads feature a flattened snout with sharp teeth and a lolling tongue, and pointed horse ears and mane. The long forelegs stretched out in front of them and ending in pawed and clawed feet. The beasts have characteristics of several different mythical animals, making them hard to positively identify. The most likely candidates would be dragons, hippocampi, or chimeras. The beasts are unfinished to the back, indicating they were originally part of a relief decoration, possibly from a mirror. They have now been mounted to wooden bases faux painted to imitate porphyry. They would make perfect bookends or mantle sculptures.

An unusual table screen featuring a reverse glass painted portrait of a young noble lady set into a hardwood frame and stand. The beautiful maiden has a roun...

A charming Tibetan painted leather storage trunk, 18th century, Tibet. Of smaller size, the softwood construction of the trunk covered by a richly tanned yak leather. The central p...

An elegant Art Deco period square table with slight, tapering legs. Beautiful and rich Amboyna veneer, finished with a high gloss clear lacquer.