15th Century and Earlier Furniture

One of the finest known examples of the type, this superbly cast, and delicately gilded Oxyrhynchus fish is a masterpiece of the highest order. Naturalistically rendered with deeply ...

This authentic Spinosaurus vertebra fossil originates from the world-renowned Kem Kem Formation in the Sahara Desert of Morocco, a region celebrated for yielding some of the most ico...

This is the well preserved and fully intact fossilized femur of a Dryosaurus altus, found in Emery County, Utah within the famous fossil-rich Morrison Formation spanning much of the ...

This large, Museum-quality Spinosaur tooth is completely in tact with no repairs. This incredible specimen includes a display box for preservation and display purposes. Spinosaurus (...

This is an old, monumental Tokoname ware “Yabure Tsubo” (broken-form jar) made in Japan. A yabure tsubo refers to a large jar that has sustained natural breakage and weathering over ...

Cartonnage masks such as this were used to protect and idealize the facial features of the deceased in burial. The oversized eyes outlined with extending cosmetic lines and conformin...

POLYCHROME CARVED WOOD VIRGIN AND CHILD FROM THE 15TH CENTURY   ORIGIN: SOUTH GERMANY, SWABIA, NUREMBERG REGION PERIOD: 15th CENTURY   Height: 94,6cm Width : 28 cm Depth : 18 cm   Lime wood Original Polychromy Good state of conservation     From 1430 onwards, sculpture underwent a profound stylistic renewal which continued until 1530, the so-called late Gothic period. In the Germanic countries, original sculptures flourished in an expressive and sensitive vein.
This renewal was inspired by the art of Nicholas of Leiden, who was active in Strasbourg in the 1460's. His style broke with the refined and delicate art of the international Gothic style in force throughout Europe around 1400. The figures became more authentic and realistic. The bodies became denser. Clothes are animated by deep, broken folds, the fabrics are heavy and have a great decorative value. In addition, the polychromy is intended to be illusionistic. The painting makes it possible to restore the texture of the materials, the richness of the textiles and the natural skin tone of the characters.   The dissemination of images through engraving and the great mobility of the artists led to the success of this style, which conquered the Upper Rhine, Swabian, Tyrolean and Franconian regions, contributing to the formation of a common stylistic identity in these regions. The economic boom in the flourishing German cities was conducive to the development of original production. Attracted by this prosperity, numerous workshops were set up in order to meet the orders of religious communities, the Church and the laity, including a clientele of middle-class rockers.      This precious Virgin and Child is depicted standing on a crescent moon, her head encircled by a crown of tall flowers. Her long wavy hair spreads over her shoulders, framing her beautiful oval face. Under fine eyebrows drawn with a brushstroke, her almond-shaped, slightly drooping eyes look at the Child with infinite softness. She is dressed in a long red dress with a rounded neckline, belted under the chest. The heavy fabric of her dress spreads out in broken folds at her feet. On her shoulders she wears a golden cloak. The drapery has deep folds. She holds out her right hand while she holds the Christ Child with her left.   Christ, with his well-defined hair, is naked. His cheeks are highlighted with red, he holds an apple in his left hand and with the other hand makes a sign of blessing towards the faithful.   Virgins with Child on a crescent moon were very popular in the second half of the 15th century, especially as the central subject of altarpieces in southern Germany and Austria. The crescent moon on which Mary is standing is reminiscent of the Woman of the Apocalypse. Often equated with the Virgin Mary.    This episode is taken from the Book of Revelation (12:1-6)   1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ; 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. ; 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: it was a great fiery red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. ; 4 His tail swept down a third of heaven's stars and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that when she gave birth, he might devour her child. ; 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child who is to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched up to God and his throne. ; 6 Then the woman fled into the desert, where God has prepared a place for her. There she will be taken care of for one thousand two hundred sixty days.   Some theologians see in this woman a reference to the Virgin Mary and in the child, Jesus.    
This remarkable work is a very fine example of sculpture from Swabian workshops in the last decades of the 15th century. It presents all the characteristic stylistic elements: a highly girdled silhouette, an abundant drapery with angular folds, but also a great physical presence accentuated by the polychromy that restores the anatomical details. This group is made of a wooden log. The deep folds of the drapery highlight the movement of the Virgin holding the child.       Bibliography :   Sophie Guillot de Suduiraut, Dévotion et Séduction, Sculptures souabes des musées de France, vers 1460-1530, Paris musée du Louvre-Éditions somogy, 2015   “Revelation 12 -   Common English Bible...

Pre Columbian Female Stone Fertility figure Costa Rica Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Central Highlands, Atlantic Watershed, C. 1000 to 1400 CE. A carved volcanic stone ...

China, a fine archaic male effigy hand carved from a granular medium to dark gray stone. Neolithic period, Hongshan culture (circa 4700-2900 BC) Likely a fertility fetish. Note the pecked surfaces and the stone carved hair line top knot. Quality: Fine original condition, no repairs, as collected. Dark varied patina from appropriate age. Dimensions: 13.5 inches tall and 6 inches width. About Hongshan Culture: The Hongshan culture was a Neolithic culture in northeastern China. Hongshan sites have been found in an area stretching from Inner Mongolia to Liaoning, and dated from about 4700-2900 BC. The culture is named after Hongshanhou, a site in Hongshan District, Chifeng. The Hongshanhou site was discovered by the Japanese archaeologist Torii Ryuzo in 1908 and extensively excavated in 1935 by Kosaku Hamada and Mizuno Seiichi. Provenance: Our private collection and accompanied by our Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity. Originally collected in the area of Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. In addition, our Hongshan stone effigy...

Madagascar Jurassic - Cretaceous Period, 200 - 145 million years old 8.75 x 7 x 2 in. / 22 x 18 x 5 cm Weight: 4 lbs 14 oz/ 2.065 kg Ammonites were cephalopods that resembled a s...

A Museum Quality Chinese Longquan Twin Fish Celadon Glazed Bowl, Song Dynasty Description: Celadon, 2 fish design at the center, scroll design on the cavetto. Provenance: Private A...

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...

Sui or Qi Dynasty Painted Pottery Armored Horse and Warrior Sui Dynasty (581-618) Height: 11 Inches x 10.5 Wide x 4.25 Deep Provenance: Weisbrod Chinese Art, Ltd., New York Conditi...

This incredible 27" long fossilized brow horn belonged to the Medusaceratops Iokii: an herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period circa 78-77 million years ago...

This is a guaranteed authentic ancient Chinese jade bi cache of ninety four (94) discs from the Qijia culture, Northwestern China, circa 3000-2000 BCE. Including Our Certificate of ...

8.5" Polymorphopteris Species Natural Tree Fern Fossil Specimen, 305 million yrs old apx. Discovered in Pennsylvania. Here is another gorgeous plant fossil specimen that would make a...

Original vintage sport event poster for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich / Olympische Spiele Munchen featuring a great image by the notable British artist David Hockney (b 1937) depicting a diver with his reflection on the shaded water background. Limited Olympia edition 1971. This Munich Olympic diving poster...

Polished to a breath-taking finish and presented on an artistic wooden stand, this unique and beautiful piece displays a half geode. The edges of the geodes have been polished reveal...

A fine group of early Ming dynasty (c. 15th century) porcelain dishes, hand-painted in cobalt blue underglaze with floral and foliate motifs. These plates were found in Japan, where ...

Immerse yourself in the captivating hues of this exceptional hemimorphite specimen from China. This unique piece showcases a mesmerizing gradient of colors, transitioning smoothly fr...

A rare handsome Chinese Heavenly jade Bi disk carved in a rarely found combination of mutton fat yellow and green jade with patches of brown accents in the stone that depict a green ...

Provenance : - Kunsthaus Heinrich Hahn, Frankfurt am Main, sale 16, June 17, 1930, lot 16. - Sotheby's, Amsterdam, Feb. 26, 2006, lot 201. HISTORIC Located between Moselle valley and Meuse valley, framed by the Vosges Mountains on the south side and the duchy of Luxembourg on the north side, the duchy of Lorraine is the result of several partitions. It starts with the 9th century when the Carolingian empire is divided, with Lothar 1st inheriting Lotharingia. In 959 this territory was in turn divided in two; Lower and Upper Lotharingia, the latter being the forebear of the duchy of Lorraine. This duchy was under the rule of the Holy Roman Germanic Empire until 1736 when it was absorbed by the kingdom of France. All along its history the duchy of Lorraine has found itself in the midst of many conflicts. Alliances and feuds marking European history were always particularly sensible in Lorraine where instability was frequent. Because of its geographic position the duchy of Lorraine was also an artistic crossroad. Hence the duchy of Lorraine becomes from the 13th century onwards an important artistic centre where a particular type of Virgin and Child appears. According to professor J. A. Schmoll the characteristics of Lorraine sculpture burgeon around 1280-1300 in the Aube region. It presents “vigorous volumes, restrained movements, rare but solemn gestures and a strong interiorised and stern expression”. Those Virgins look similar with a wide forehead, a shield- or oval-shaped face, large neck, small lips and a cleft chin. This model is particularly in favour during the 13th century because of the revival for Marial worship and for the theme of the Virgin and Child. It bears witness to a new religious sensibility with a more intimate vision of religious practice. DESCRIPTION The important 14th century Virgin we present to you is one of the most beautiful examples of sculptural art from Eastern France, with her fascinating distant gaze. Her contrapposto posture is induced by the weight of the child she carries high on her left side. The child has a chubby face framed by blond hair with well defined curls and he wears a long red V-collared tunic from which emerge his feet. The fabric is animated by long folds. The position of the right foot turned to the back is a detail we can notice on several Virgins from Lorraine. He holds a bird that seems to be pecking his thumb. “The bird /held by the child in his hands/ has been read as a reference to an episode from Christ’s childhood when he has moulded sparrows with clay before giving them life. It appears in the apocryphal gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (ch. 27) and later in the Quran (III, 43, v. 110). However the iconography seems to be more influenced by the concept of Redemption or of Eucharist, the bird symbolising the soul of the Christian about to be redeemed or revitalised.” Mary wears a long dress with two rock crystal cabochons remaining from the original five. She is covered by a red cloak enriched with old-gold motifs draped as an apron falling in long pleats along her left hip. The relief treatment and the volume of the cloak developing a network of concentric pleats contrast with the the flat pleating of her dress. They nevertheless suggest the curve of her bent right leg. She wears a floret crown securing a short thin veil carved in very low relief. From it emerges her blond curled hair characteristic of the 13th century. The large face with almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, small lips and cleft chin casts its gaze afar in a fashion typical of 13th century Virgins. In her right hand she holds a lily flower. In a very refined manner the artist has carved a band on her right ring-finger. In the back, carefully sculpted, spreads the minutely detailed short veil. COMPARATIVE STUDIES This sculpture of great quality presents obvious similarities with Virgins from Lorraine, designated by William Forsythe...

A high quality substantial geode is shown here, the heavily agatised borders beautifully polished. The very top of the geode has been carefully removed to expose the inner intense pu...

Fine Pre-Columbian Narino footed bowl from the highlands of Columbia, circa 1250-1500 AD. Desirable polychrome bowl would make a great addition to any pre-Columbian collection. Au...

A rectangular Byzantine mosaic, comprising six lines of Greek text in black and red tesserae set within a blue rectangular frame against a white background. The second line down is i...

- cleaned and rewired - good original condition with some signs of age and use on lacquered surface - 1x , E12-E14 bulb - US wiring compatible

Antique Khmer bronze gong with nice green patina with stand. Age: Cambodia, Angkor Vat Period, 12th Century Size of gong only: Diameter 33.6 C.M. / Thickness 4.2 C.M. Height includi...

Oriented Stone Meteorite Chondrite 5.00 kg Detached from its parent body by a mighty impact, this large, oriented Meteorite travelled over a hu...

This extraordinary and remarkably well-preserved ensemble represents a complete set of late medieval German infantry armour, dating from the 15th to early 16th century. Forged entirely from high-quality steel plates and joined with traditional leather straps for proper articulation and fit, the armour embodies the superb craftsmanship and engineering of the German armourers of the period. The helmet is a finely made European bascinet, the classic combat helmet of the era. It features a gracefully pointed visor and hinged cheek plates, designed to provide both excellent facial protection and freedom of movement, while allowing sufficient ventilation and audibility during combat. The bascinet retains its original character and displays the subtle fluted detailing that became a hallmark of German armour-making in the transitional phase from the Gothic to the early Renaissance styles. The suit is mounted on an antique wooden mannequin stand measuring 175 cm in height and includes its original linen undergarment and chainmail shirt...

Large white crystal quartz geode with a large naturally forming baroque pearl. 28lbs. Geodes are formed as gas bubbles within volcanic lava. Over time, the lava flow weathers away to leave the quartz geode buried deep in the Moroccan desert. This was dug by hand and includes druzy white crystal formations. This is a large geode specimen...

A Flemish carved oak panel in reliëf from the Gothic period, 14th - 15th century 21.2 x 38.5 cm

Chinese Yaozhou Celadon Ceramic Bottle Vase, Northern Song, Shaanxi Province. A high fired bottle form with narrowed base, bulbous body, high shoulder,...

Important 15th century polychrome wood virgin and child Origin: Southern Germany Period: Late 15th Century, Ca. 1480-1490 Height : 125 cm Polychrome limewood Good condition Provenance : Private collection, Alsace, France. As soon as 1430, sculpture starts a major and deep stylistic evolution than will unfold over a century, until around 1530. We call it the International Gothic. This production is particularly interested in a quest for realism. This important Virgin and Child wears a long red dress with a round gilded neckline. A delicate golden belt...

Of beautiful rich, translucent alabaster, banded with creamy hightlights, this sizeable vessel is of exceptional quality. The cylindrical squat piriform body tapers to a flat base, ...

Antique Thai Frog Shaped Kendi, Sawankhalok Kilns, Si Satchanalai. A squat globular stoneware body of good size having a narrow upright neck and everted mouth. The short narrow spout has the shape of an imagined frog snout. The modeled details include bulging eyes, ridge lines demarcating the spine, outline of the trunk and the legs with small webbed feet. The pot is glazed overall in a rich brown glaze lightly pitted from burial which stops short of the well trimmed foot rim revealing the beige colored biscuit. Condition: Excellent with no knowledge or evidence of any restorations. Age: 13th/14th century. Size: 5.5 inches high x 5.5 inches in diameter (14 x 14cm). Weight: 1 lb. 10.5 oz. (753g.) Provenance: U.S.A. art market For similar examples see: Museum of Anthropological Archaeology, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Bekker Collection UMAA 2007-8-56. Charles Nelson Spinks, Siamese Pottery in Indonesia, fig. 42. Charles Nelson Spinks, The Ceramic Wares of Siam, Ladejinsky collection, pl.36. Roxanna Brown, Legend and Reality, Early Ceramics from South-East Asia, pl.180. Note: Sawankhalok zoomorphic kendis have mostly been found  in the 20th century within the Indonesian archipelago. This may indicate that the shape, such as this frog pot...

Saint Nazaire Sword, Late Bronze Age, circa 800-900 B.C. An exceptionally well preserved Bronze Age sword, with elegant, finely incised decorations,...

Behold the dazzling beauty of this multi-colored fluorite specimen from the USA, featuring a rich palette of violet hues interspersed with transparent areas and edges adorned with a ...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

A very large, one of a kind epimorph amethyst. This piece is a visual spectacle with the natural sculptural formations of amethyst in a different ...

Ancient Greek city-states such as Corinth were defended by the hoplites (derived from the hopla or round shield), citizen-soldiers primarily armed with swords, spears and shields. S...

Pre-Columbian Tairona Tumbaga Pendant Rare original Columbian gold copper alloy Tairona Tumbaga effigy. This beautiful piece of jewelry from the 10th to 12th century Tairona culture...

An extraordinary specimen featuring vertically aligned, gem-quality bicolor elbaite tourmaline rising through a sculptural matrix of bladed white cleavelandite and glassy quartz. Th...

Impressive pair of Roman terracotta amphorae dating from the 3rd to 1st century BC, mounted on custom iron bases. These amphorae were traditionally used to store salted fish and othe...

Carcharodontosaurus (Dinosaur) tooth in a glass display box From Tegana Formation, North Africa. Cretaceous Age 65 million years Carcharodontosaurus is one of the longest and heavi...

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

This is an extraordinarily complete geode, split in two and mounted atop a custom metal Stand. This piece celebrates the visual phenomenon of the geode in its entirety, with some par...

A marble figure of the early Spedos type of sculpture produced during the Early Cycladic II Period. The simplified figure is depicted in the canonical posture, with incised arms fold...

A stunning amethyst formation formed of a three quarter geode with cut window, revealing deep purple amethyst crystals, with a beautiful central calcite coated in black goethite and ...

We would like to introduce you to some fascinating pots excavated in Japan. This is a pot fired in an ancient Japanese kiln called Tokoname ware. Tokoname is a kiln located in Aichi...

This substantial formation consists of prominent white quartz crystals with a slight green tinge, laid over a bed of undulating stalactites. A small hon...

A large and rare second half of 15th century religious marble sculpture group, hand carved, mounted on bronze base for display. This sculpture group depicts the death of Saint Joseph...

Pre Columbian  Calima vessel Columbia ancient South America  A Calima vessel featuring double spouted stirrup vessel with incised design in red clay   Calima circa 200 BC- 400 AD Col...

Oligocene Turtle Fossil, South Dakota This exceptional mounted turtle fossil originates from the Oligocene period (approximately 23–34 million years ago) and was unearthed in South D...

This exceptional 15th-century Venetian painted casket is a rare example of early decorative art from the late Medieval to early Renaissance period in the Republic of Venice, Italy. H...

Complete conch shell mounted on a large crystal quartz cluster and adorned with two crystal points, highlighting the neutral and warm hues of the shell. The piece was collected and ...

The amethyst geodes from Uruguay are mined from the same rock formation as their relatives just to the north across the border into southern Brazil and are igneous (volcanic) in orig...

SUISEKI, KAMUY KOTAN STONE – Kamuy kotan stone from the canyon called ‘Kamuy-kotan’ (‘Whereabouts of God’ in the Ainu language) in the western part of Asahikawa city in Hokkaido, Jap...

EXCEPTIONAL CATHEDRAL CHEST ORIGIN: GERMANY PERIOD: 15th CENTURY Height : 77 cm Length : 147 cm Depth : 58 cm Perfect state of preservation This rare Gothic Cathedral Chest with...

Very early, 206 BC to 220 AD, square shaped bronze fang hu bronze vessel would have functioned as a ritual container for the storage and transportation of sump...

7.5" Alethopteris Species Natural Tree Fern Fossil Specimen, 305 million yrs old apx. This plant fossil specimen is unique and subtantial. In addition to the two large fern leaf fos...