15th Century and Earlier Furniture

iconic Three shelf bakers rack in White metal with brass banding and accents - the piece is a wonderful addition to many kitchen or pantries, or works well in an space needing extra ...

Hadrian's Villa Mosaic Table 118-134 CE Roman Mosaic tabletop with later gilt wood base This extraordinary mosaic table from Hadrian's Villa stands as one of antiquity's most impo...

A striding figure of the Egyptian god Khnum, in bronze. The god is depicted as a man with a ram’s head, with two large horns curving inwards and forwards towards the face, in the sty...

Rock crystal vessels were highly demanded and valuable in Medieval times. Inventories from European royal houses and the highest aristocratic families detail the important and sophisticated collections of ewers and bowls. Rock crystal has also been used extensively in religious art. Fine European reliquaries were also made of Rock Crystal including gems, enamel and other precious materials. The work of rock crystal is very ancient. The materials has been worked and valued for its solidity and its purity: it has been believed to be water ice permanently frozen. Our superb example is a gold-mounted rock crystal bowl with enamel. The items origin is not clear and various features and characteristics may lead us to think of different origins and periods of creation. A single piece of stone mounted with gold could be a Milanese work. Although the cut could be French as similar pieces belonged to the French royalty (especially the art lover Duc de Berry, (1340-1416)). French and Italian crystal cutters have been active at the same time and it is often difficult to differentiate their works. Islamic art also influenced European artists. The famous Fatimid treasury provided examples of their sophistication and quality. The seven ewers carved for the Fatimid Imans (known as "The Magnificent Seven") display impressive quality of both rock crystal and enamelled mounts. Even though not identical to works by French silversmith Jean-Valentin Morel who was appointed goldsmith to Queen Victoria in 1852 or Reinhold Vasters (1927-1909) another renown German goldsmith who embellished older rock crystal items, there are similarities between these works. Both reduce their use of colour to black and white on pure gold mounts. Moreover the black enamel design is quite similar. Also, no gems are included and no human figure is represented. Sotherby's described our bowl as a "German Rock crystal bowl with later gold mounts, 15th century." Other items from the period from Germany or Austria are usually silver mounted and the decorations are more colourful and include gems or human figures but they have in common enamel motifs. In our case, the gold foot, handles and rim could date from the 1900s. An expert has established the foot, handles and rim are pure gold. The goldsmith responsible for the improvement of the bowl is possibly the most famous Reinhold Vasters whose work has been displayed in the greatest museums such as the V&A in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The Rock Crystal bowl we have is gold mounted. The gold shows in enamelled details that are black and white. The gold handles are also enamelled with black acanthus-like leaves. The enamelling method could be "champleve" or "painting metal". The metal that is usually preferred is copper but these techniques are also applied to gold. The bowl itself could be from the 14th century. It's cut reminds of an estimated 14th century rock crystal ball bearing the Buoncompagni family arms...

This finely polished Roman marble head of a satyr is an impressive and characterful sculpture. Depicted with full, parted lips, with teeth visible in between, a pointed goat’s ear, t...

Large Plant Fossil/Fern Fossil Specimen, Multiple Species, Carboniferous Period. Discovered in PA. This is another large, substantial and colorful fossil plate specimen. The largest ...

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...

A double-sided illuminated manuscript on parchment hand-written and coloured from the Gothic period (15th century) This is a page from a liturgical book such as the Psalters and cour...

Pre-Columbian Standing Male Nude Figure, probably Aztec, black burnished terracotta, mounted on ebonized wood base. 14.5" H x 7" W x 4.5" D. Provenance: From an Upper East Side Colle...

This spectacular, almost heart-shaped cross-section of fossilised incense cedar wood is a beautifully aesthetic display piece, with vibrant hues of browns, oranges and creams, as wel...

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...

The tooth of an adult Gorgosaurus, dating to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 67 million years old. This large beautifully preserved specimen has a rich brown enamel, near p...

Alethopteris Neuropteris Natural Tree Fern Fossil Specimen, 300 - 360 years old apx. Discovered in Pennsylvania. Colors occurred naturally over time through the mineralization...

A beautifully preserved example, this askos features a globular body defined by two vertical spouts and a conjoined ribbed handle in between. The whole of the body is decroated with ...

This Paradoxides trilobite specimen presented as-unearthed in matrix dates back over 499 million years to the Middle Cambrian Epoch. Paradoxides is one of the earliest known genus of...

Rare large Zacatecas seated Figure Pre-Columbian, West Mexico ca. 200 BCE – 300 CE A striking large terracotta figure from the Zacatecas culture, depicting a standing female with ...

A tiny and complete Parisian Book of Hours with a plethora of intricate illuminations. 91 x 65mm (3.6 x 2.6in). 190 leaves on vellum, additional 4 paper leaves after (plus 3 paper e...

Pair of wooden Louis XV candelabra.   Fantastic Pair of carved and gilded wooden palm holders. Terminating handles painted with plant elements and Chinese Lacquer (RARE). At the bott...

Antique Sukhothai glazed ceramic fish dish. Age: Thailand, Sukhothai Period, 14th - 16th Century Size: Diameter 23.8 C.M. / Thickness 8.2 C.M. (size...

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...

Chinese painted pottery immortal. Age: China, Ming Dynasty, A.D. 1368 - 1644 Size: Height 23 C.M. / Width 11.9 C.M. / Depth 8.5 C.M. Condi...

This genuine Carcharodontosaurus tooth is a prehistoric treasure from one of the most fearsome predators of the Cretaceous period. With its razor-sharp serrations and blade-like shap...

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

A magnificent large specimen from Guangdong, China, displaying a captivating blend of deep blue azurite and rich green malachite. The surface is covered with crystals of varying size...

An impressive large crystal of selenite from the Mica Mine in Chihuahua, Mexico, beautifully transparent and resting on its natural matrix. The surface has a soft, glassy lustre that...

Burmese pottery standing Buddha. Age: Burma, Ava Period, 15th Century Size: Height 13.4 C.M. / Width 6.2 C.M. / Length 10.7 C.M. Condition: Nice c...

Pair of Chinese Jun ware bowls, Yuan dynasty (circa 1250-1400): Large Jun Yao, purple splashed stone ware bowl Yuan Dynasty, China. Well potted, on a neatly cu...

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...

Chinese Song Dynasty Cizhou Black and Brown Glazed Stoneware Grain Jar Extremely rare, high quality and historically significant stoneware grain jar from the Song Dynasty, 12th Cent...

Chinese Longquan celadon brush washer, Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), covered with a sea green glaze, the sides slightly everted at the rim, rising on a tapered foot. Presented o...

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

Large Mexican Green Onyx Tower Obelisk Specimen Weighing 20 lbs. Offered for sale is a very large specimen Green Onyx Tower Obelisk. It is a variation of the renowned Onyx stone, di...

This stunning sphere is crafted from Labradorite, a mesmerizing mineral renowned for its remarkable play of colors, known as labradorescence. The sphere predominantly showcases a gre...

This is an absolutely incredible rare and truly unique pre-expulsion Iberian Peninsula handwritten Esther Scroll, inked onto animal leather parchment (15th century, -laboratory teste...

A framed Pre-Columbian hand-woven gauze panel with open lattice design from Chancay culture (10-15th century). Located in Northern Central coast across three valleys: Huaura, Chancay...

An impressive extra-large water pitcher designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by Emilia Castillo, one of the most celebrated contemporary designers to emerge from the region’s le...

A classic and very attractive specimen of Pyrite from Huanzala Mine, Huanuco Province, Peru. Complex pyritohedron cluster with striated crystal faces and a metallic mirror luster wit...

Provenance : In the same private collection for several generations, Burgundy. The canonical Gospels describe briefly the episode of the Nativity. It comprises three parts : • The Preludes : the Journey to Bethlehem, the Census • The Nativity • The Announce to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi Only the Gospel according to Matthew (2, 1-12) speaks about the Adoration of the Magi. Staying vague about their number it does say they brought the newborn gold, incense and myrrh. The apocryphals, the fathers of the Church and many other authors have filled in the gaps of the evangelic tale. The sobriety and symbolic of the story have been a huge inspiration to artists. Although one of the oldest depictions of the Adoration of the Magi dates from the 2nd century the theme became very popular in Christian art during the late 14th century. One of the reasons explaining this success is that it celebrates both the Virgin and Christ at the same time. This important walnut panel is carved in a strong relief and depicts the different steps of the story of Jesus’ birth. On the left, the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph from Bethlehem are depicted behind a trough. On the thatch roof appears the star that would guide the magi to the place of birth of Jesus. Mary is wearing a veil and is seating on a bed. She holds her baby at arm’s length to present him to the magi. Saint Joseph is by her side. The old man is holding a cane in his left hand while from the right hand he seems to uncover himself to greet the visitors. A woman assists to the scene. In front of the holy family the three magi stand behind one another to pay their homage to the newborn. The first magi has a pointed beard. He is already kneeling out of deference and has placed his crown to his feet. He gives the baby a hanap filled with gold coins. This is Melchior as the legend describes him with white hair and a long beard. Caspar, the second magi bears a cup of incense. He is looking at the third magi and with his right hand he points to the star that has guided them there. He has a short beard and wears crakow shoes, breeches and a wide sleeved doublet. Finally Balthazar, the elegant last magi proceeds proudly towards the holy family with his one hand on the saber’s hilt and the other holding a cup. He brings the divine child the myrrh. He probably just dismounted as the horse can be seen behind him. The scene is set in a very detailed and narrative decor. In the right part of the panel the shepherd receive the announce of Jesus’ birth. An angel comes down from heaven with a scroll bearing the good news in his hands. The herding dog sleeps peacefully while sheeps graze. At the top of the cliff we notice the gilded sheeps enclosure. The panel’s moulded frame is carved with a foliated decor. In it’s centre appears a coat-of-arms. It is the alliance of the three magi’s arms. Indeed as it was common for legendary figures the three of them received imaginaries coat-of-arms. Thus, on a field of azure stands a star for Melchior, a crescent for Caspar and a pennon for Balthazar. This high-relief panel is undeniably the work of a very skilled and imaginative artist. This key moment in the New Testament is transposed to a contemporary environment thanks to the figures’ clothing and the rural daily life scene. This way the universal dimension of the episode is highlighted allowing a better understanding for the contemporaries. The sculptor has represented the episodes of the Adoration of the Magi and the Announce to the Shepherd with great talent and numerous details giving life to a picturesque and narrative scene. The important traces of polychromy give those already very animated scenes a stronger pictorial power and a rich dynamism. Because of the picturesque and familiar realism so dear to the artists of the late Medieval era, of the didactic function of this type of panel as well as the quality of the sculpture this piece is an astounding example of Burgundian art of the 15th century. Literature Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...

Pre Columbian  INCA / Early Colonial period  Wood Kero    A superb Inca Kero carved and painted in a mosaic style with Avian floral and animal designs Height...

A marble portrait head of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180 A.D.), in his fourth and final portrait type. Known as the Capitoline Imperatori 38 type, after the most famou...

A magnificent and large early Tang dynasty (618-906 AD) model of a prancing or dancing horse, circa 7th century. The majestic animal is caught mid-motion, one leg raised, head grace...

Pre Columbian Inca double chambered whistle Vessel Circa 15- 16th Century Ad A fine Inca greyware vessel double chambered with a bird whistle on ...

For Padiusir, this Shabti figure displays a serene countenance, with finely delineated facial features and elegant proportions. He stands mummiform with arms crossed, holding two ag...

This wonderful complete painted textile was probably made to be the final wrapping for a burial shroud. What is fascinating about the piece is that although it was used as a vestment...

This large fossil plate is incredibly unique, featuring a long Diplomystus dentatus along with two Cockerellites (Priscacara) liops, fossilized in its natural matrix. The entire piec...

This peculiar archeological piece is described as a 'cup stone'. These cup marked stones have been found worldwide and been dated from 300.000 bc up to 1000 bc. The exact purpose of ...

A pair of antique Khmer bronze ritual ladle spoon for holy water with stand. Age: Cambodia, Angkor Vat Period, 12th Century Size of each ladle: Length 21.1 - 23.8 C.M. / Width 9.2 -...

Tokoname ware is a historic kiln in Japan, where pottery has been made since before the Common Era, and a kiln was established in the 5th century. This kiln is located in Aichi Prefe...

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...

Own a tangible piece of history with this captivating antique ceramic horse, a relic , probably from the illustrious Han Dynasty , This beautifully restored artefact offers a uniqu...

An Etruscan "bucchero" black ware two handle vase dating from the 6th century BC. Adorned with boar designs in relief around the body of vessel and a single standing human figure in...

Slice cut and polished geological specimen of Southwestern American petrified wood.

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 ...

Chinese Han Dynasty Stoneware Storage Vessel, with two applied animal form handles. 10" H x 12.5" Diameter. Provenance: From the Upper East Side Apartment of a Former Ambassador.

A very nice vintage polished petrified wood paper weight, circa old! The piece is in very good condition with wonderful brown and tan colors and measures 4.5"W x 3.5"D x 3.75"H. Col...

An impressive and well carved Gandharan figure of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, carved black schist, ancient Kingdom of Gand...

This superb marble mosaic is a Roman original from the 3rd to 4th Century AD. It features a winged Eros, wearing a billowing cape, holding his bow in his outstretched right arm and ...

Pre-Colombian Casas Grande Olla Pot, Arizona, c. 1150-1450 , Zoomorphic Polychrome Decoration. The Casas Olla Pot is made of clay and has a rounded, bulbous shape. It's surface is de...

This is a Shigaraki ware ceramic piece, crafted in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Shigaraki ware originates from the Shigaraki region and dates back as far as the 8th century. It is one of...

This captivating lapis lazuli sphere from Afghanistan features a deep, royal blue body accented with delicate veins of golden pyrite and soft white calcite. Place of origin: Afghani...