Antiquarian Art Co.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1940 item #512491 (stock #175)
Chinese carved malachite figural study of a sage or scholar fisherman seated on a large fish and holding another in one hand. Comes with a sliver wire inlaid rosewood stand. Measuring approx. 2.5 x 3 inches in excellent condition. A fine detailed carving a nice addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1910 item #491256 (stock #139)
A beautiful example of this exquisite art form in a floral vase on tinted silver foil background. Artist signed measuring approx. 5 inches tall 13 cm. In excellent condition no damage. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1930 item #542852 (stock #194)
Antique sterling silver overlay art nouveau perfume bottle. A beautiful example measuring approx. 4 inches tall in excellent condition some minor scratches to sliver clear glass nice heavy overlay. A fine addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #486279 (stock #116)
Japanese Arita Imari large bowl or charger Meiji period c.1900. A scalloped edge with beautiful hand painted bamboo and cherry blossom designs artist signed measuring 17 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep in excellent condition no damage, A fine example would be a nice decorative accent for any interior.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #548326 (stock #200)
Chinese antique jade and rosewood opium pipe circa 1890. A beautiful example with mottled jade bowl in the shape of a fist pipe damper and mouthpiece are also jade the pipe stem is rosewood. Measuring approx. 14.5 inches in length the bowl 2.5 in diameter. A fine example would make a nice addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #486710 (stock #121)
Fine porcelain large bowl with profusely hand painted decorations in traditional Imari colors and motifs. A impressive size measuring 11 3/4 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches high in excellent condition. A fine piece would make a great addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1800 item #1277974 (stock #669)
A fine pair of Sheffield Silver Candlesticks by Mathew Boulton c.1790. Boulton a famed English inventor and manufacturer of fine Sheffield Silver Plate. Each candle stick is hall marked with the Boulton touch mark. Measuring 8.5" T x 4.5"W. in very good condition some copper showing through.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #1101219 (stock #453)
Mettlach stein number 1786, the St. Florian stein, is one of the most beautiful and skillfully crafted, etched and glazed steins produced by Villeroy & Boch during its "Golden Era", with artistry attributed to Otto Hupp. In excellent condition no damage or repairs
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #1304130 (stock #719)
Antique brass balance scale with elaborate design of Serpent or Dolphin Fish motif. Complete with weights set in solid brass base. Dimensions 8" L x 18" W x 24" H
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #1023752 (stock #346)
A beautiful buzzer bell ringer button for calling servant or hotel desk call button. Fine example in very good condition original wire very pretty stone. Measuring approx. 2 1/4 inches long.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #490609 (stock #133)
A beautiful example with hand painted motif of gold fish Tong Zhi period 1862 1874 with date mark on bottom. Provenance: the Sunn collection with fitted silk box and certificate of authenticity.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #490051 (stock #128)
English rosewood traveling secretary circa 1850. These pieces were custom made for British Officers stationed in India and were brought home and have been widely collected. This is a particularly interesting example with a carved top brass banding and a exotic interior with place for correspondence and storage for writing utensils etc. It is mounted to a quality rosewood stand making it a nice side or lamp table. In good antique condition a repaired age crack due to shrinkage of the wood on the top and some minor wear.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1800 item #530671 (stock #187)
Sterling Stuffing or serving spoon by Hester Bateman London 1788 In excellent condition only minor wear fully hallmarked monogrammed W A H. Measuring approx. 11 inches 28 cm. long.

Hester Bateman 1708 - 1794 Hester Batemans's long career began after the death of her husband John Bateman(1704-1760. John was a chainmaker in London, but little is known about him. After his death, Hester began to build the business, entering her first silver mark in 1761 and continuing to expand the business and went on to be one of the best known of the female silversmiths working in London during the 18th century.

All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1910 item #490607 (stock #131)
A beautiful example with delicate sliver wire enclosure flower designs on a foil background. Meiji period c.1900 in excellent condition measuring 4.5 inches tall.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #491458 (stock #142)
An exqusite example of enamel work on ginbari style foil background depicting a dragon swirling and coiling around the neck of the vase. Artist signed on the bottom measuring approx. 9.5 inches tall. In excellent condition but for some discoloration or tarnish on the silver foil under the enamel and some fine stress lines (see picture) overall a masterpiece of this Japanese art form.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #486713 (stock #122)
Traditional hand painted mandarin figures and floral and butterfly motif. An 19th century example c.1880 a dinner plate measuring approx. 9 5/8 inches in good antique condition some wear to enamels no chips or cracks. A nice addition to any group or a great decorative piece on its own.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #579858 (stock #240)
Chinese Ivory carved reclining beauty or doctors model circa 1900 measuring approx. 6.5 inches in length 16.5 cm. In excellent condition yellowing from age this piece would make a fine addition to any Ivory collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1910 item #490141 (stock #129)
A beautiful example with subtle blue enamel hues and a pair of crane with flowers. Meiji period c. 1900 in fine condition no damage an exquisite miniature measuring approx. 3 5/8 inches tall 10 centimeters, a fine addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1950 item #543428 (stock #195)
A beautiful and finely woven vintage Navajo two grey hills rug. Design featuring an elaborate concentric medallion center stepped corner elements within a crenellated reciprocal border and solid outer frame in brown black white and grey. Measuring approx. 5 ft. 1 in. by 3 ft. 8 in. A fine example of this most desirable design of Navajo weaving in Very fine condition.

Two Grey Hills rugs are woven of natural, undyed, handspun wool in whites, blacks, & browns. Weavers produce subtle shades of these basic hues by carding together various colored wools. Because of the considerable time and effort required to prepare the wool for this style, weavings using these yarns may cost twice as much as those made from commercial yarns. Like other styles with borders, many Two Grey Hills rugs have a spirit line or spirit trail-- a single line of light colored weft near the top of the design, running through the border to the edge of the rug. This spirit line is meant to release the weaver's creative energies from the rug back to the Universe so that a weaver's spirit will not be trapped within the completed rug.

All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1960 item #1235921 (stock #622)
Pair of Roosters finely cast and intricately detailed life like made of solid sterling silver. Weighing 82 Troy ounces approx. 4 lbs. Measuring 12" L x 7"T x 7"W. Made in Peru.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #474833 (stock #087)
Antique carved wood Buddha Burma circa 1850. Finely carved image of the Buddha seated on a lotus made from a hardwood with a rich deep brown patina. Measuring approx. 10 inches tall in excellent condition. This fine example would make a nice decorative and inspirational piece.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1492 item #577450 (stock #225)
Pre Colombian pottery figure of a standing man holding a basket over his head from the Nayarit area of west Mexico, dating between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. Measuring approx. 11.5 inches tall in excellent antique condition with some minor professional restorations. Formerly purchased from the Seal and Bear Trading co. has been in a private collection for several years.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #486706 (stock #120)
Fine porcelain cylindrical vase or brush pot circa 1860 hand painted with floral and bird motif. Measuring approx. 11 inches tall and 4 3/4 in diameter. In excellent condition this piece has a Chinese ministry of antiquities export stamp on the bottom. Japanese Imari porcelain was first produced in the Genroku period c.1700 It is characterised by the striking use of underglaze blue, red and gilt, and occasionally green enamels. When it came to the attention of the Chinese at Jindezhen that these wares were extremely popular in Europe, they began to produce Imari wares in competition with the Japanese. The first Chinese Imari pieces were produced during the latter half Kangxi period (1662-1722). As a generalisation the Chinese Imari pieces are much more finely potted and have a thinner and more even glaze. The Japanese glaze is often crackled and on the inside of vases the glaze is clearly seen to have run. Furthermore most Chinese Imari has a much finer quality underglaze blue.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1910 item #553643 (stock #204)
Chinese carved spinach jade censer with intricate details of dragons and mythical beasts plus traditional Chinese decorative elements. A fine example with a deep green color in excellent condition measuring approx. 9 inches tall. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #1342066 (stock #779)
Beautiful antique Italian bronze sculpture of a woman by Professor Antonio Garella (1864 - 1919) . Signed on right shoulder Prof. Garella.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #579836 (stock #237)
Green Jade carved bat brooch or pin China circa 1900 with a silver filigree backing and pin mount. A fine quality translucent jade the brooch in excellent condition measures approx. 3 3/4 in. or 10 cm. wide. This jade brooch would make a fine addition to any jewelry collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #499577 (stock #155)
Antique Tibetan painted box made of wood covered with yak leather and exquisitely painted and decorated with traditional Tibetan design elements in gilt lacquer. Measuring approx. 16x10x8 inches in excellent antique condition a fine decorative accent piece.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #1260916 (stock #633)
Heintz Art Sterling on Copper bowl measuring 9.5 inches in diameter by 3 inches high. Impressed Heintz Art mark on bottom and made for Macy's co N.Y..
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1837 VR item #472126 (stock #79)
A beautiful Large Staffordshire blue transfer ware well and tree platter made by Clews circa 1825. The platter features a scenic view of travelers in a landscape with ruins and a floral border. Measuring an impressive 21 inches by 16.5 inches the condition is excellent but for a minor chip that was successfully reattached (see picture) . It is amazing that there are virtually no knife marks or signs of use for a piece nearly 200 years old. Overall this is a fine example of this wonderful art form of transfer ware.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #1146829 (stock #518)
A fine Tiffany blue favrile art glass vase with beautiful blue iridescent color and stretched glass rim. Measuring Approx. 6 inches tall and 7 inches at the widest point. Signed on the pontil L.C.T. Favrile and numbered. In excellent condition.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1837 VR item #553602 (stock #202)
A fine antique domed top mahogany stationary box with banded inlay and a ornate brass handle. In good antique condition with a beautiful rich patina some minor restorations to the banding. Measuring approx. 9.5 x 6.5 x 5.5 inches. A fine decorative antique accent piece.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Glass : Pre 1960 item #1299254 (stock #707)
Baccarat Crystal Roosters by Georges Chevalier c. 1950 with Baccarat acid etched stamp on bottom. Chevalier, A graduate of the École Nationale des Arts Décoratifs, in Paris, began working with Baccarat in 1916 ending his career there in the early 1970s. A journey, a life made of light. His designs earned the Crystalworks a place at the forefront of the history of the decorative arts. Both In excellent condition acid etched stamp is lightly worn. Measures 18" L x 5" W x 14.5" H. Original retail price was $14,000 each. From a Palo Alto Ca. Estate collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #1284746 (stock #680)
Antique Bronze horse and trainer after Guillaume Coustou's famous marble created for Louis XIV's chateau at Marly, and that now stand at the entrance to the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It depicts a dramatic scene of a fiercely rearing horse being restrained by a struggling groom. 19th century measuring 9" L x 18" W x 20" H. Good antique condition.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #1022251 (stock #332)
A Beautiful antique S Kirk and Sons sterling silver covered urn with heavy chased repousse a floral finial and ram head finial handles monogramed with a letter P measuring approx. 9.5 inches tall marked 11 oz. In very fine condition.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #511597 (stock #167)
Classical bronze figure of a Grecian woman with robe and sandals alongside a urn and disc. Signed Evrard for Victor Evrard French 1807-1877 sculptor known for works in bronze. The bronze in is in excellent condition with a nice original patina measuring approx. 19 inches tall a fine piece.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1950 item #543455 (stock #197)
A fine vintage Navajo Indian Teec Nos Pos rug, woven by Bessie Little Pouch. Featuring a centering double diamond hooked medallion design with geometric accents on all sides, feather pairs in the center, within finely serrated surrounds and a split wing border. Woven in tan, beige, black, red, orange, white and gray. Measuring approx. 6 ft. 4 in. x 3ft. 10 inches in very fine condition.

The Teec Nos Pos style of Navajo weaving is a bold, exciting and elaborate design. Many believe this style developed from pictures of Persian rugs while others see no connection and believe that traders introduced this design to the Navajo People from designs on flour sacks. The name, which means "Cottonwoods in a Circle," comes from a settlement in the northeast corner of the Navajo Nation. Always surrounded by a wide border and filled with an exuberant variety of motifs, Teec Nos Pos style rugs are usually large, and therefore very expensive. An elaborate center is enhanced with stylized feathers and arrows. Steps and angular hooks extend from the points of diamonds and triangles, while zigags are abundant. The many, brightly colored yarns are used to create a visually stunning design in the Teec Nos Pos style.

All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #578493 (stock #231)
A beautiful Tiffany Favrile art glass large center bowl with engraved grape leaf designs signed LCT Favrile on bottom. A gold color with peacock blue hues accent this ribbed form bowl. Measuring approx. 12 inches across and 3 inches in depth in excellent condition no chips or cracks some minor use wear to center and bottom edge. A magnificent example of American art glass c. 1910.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #1278005 (stock #670)
Fine set of Twelve Alvin sterling napkin rings in fine condition.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1920 item #586588 (stock #252)
Sterling silver overlay porcelain tea service tea pot sugar and creamer. All in excellent condition without chips or cracks featuring a beautiful art nouveau silver overlay design. The tea pot measures approx. 8 in. by 8 in. the service is probably Lennox but it unmarked.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1837 VR item #531753 (stock #188)
A fine antique Chinese export porcelain bowl circa from the late 18th to early 19th century. Featuring Hand painted decorations of Mandarin figures with a floral sprig in the center of the bowl. In excellent condition with no chips or cracks etc. measuring approx. 9 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall or 23 x 10 cm. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1910 item #512490 (stock #174)
Japanese Bronze jardinière or planter Meiji period circa 1890s with a molded crane design. In excellent condition with a beautiful patina. Measuring 8.5 inches tall and 7.5 inches in diameter. Would be a great decorative piece for plants or floral arrangement.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #542046 (stock #192)
A Continental European carved polychrome figure of a Saint or Santo from the first part of the 19th century. Finley carved from wood with flowing robe and well articulated face and hands with glass eyes. Measuring approx. 13.5 inches 34 cm. tall in good antique condition some losses or chips to carving.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1837 VR item #1025747 (stock #363)
A fine antique caddy in all original condition finish and interior compartments sugar or mixing bowl and brass feet all complete. In good condition some minor restorations to the banding.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1910 item #490612 (stock #134)
A beautiful example with delicate sliver wire enclosure flower designs on a foil background. Meiji period c.1900 in excellent condition measuring approx. 4.5 inches tall.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1837 VR item #565304 (stock #217)
Staffordshire brown transferware platter circa 1830 by T. Heath Burslem England titled on reverse sporting subjects. This beautiful example is in excellent condition no chips or cracks repairs etc. some age discoloration on the reverse. Measuring approx. 16 inches by 12.5 inches.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1837 VR item #638205 (stock #261)
Chinese export Canton porcelain platter circa 1840. A large and beautifully hand painted decorated example in excellent condition no chips cracks repairs etc. some minor glaze flaws bubbles on edge. Measuring approx. 19.5 inches by 16 inches.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1837 VR item #1025748 (stock #364)
A fine pair of early covered vegetable servers rare multi colored design. Both in excellent condition one minor chip to underside of one top.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Glass : French : Pre 1910 item #563884 (stock #216)
Emille Galle art nouveau art glass miniature vase circa 1890s. A frosted clear glass with a lavender color etched and wheel cut floral motif signed Galle. In excellent condition no chips or cracks some residue in interior. Measuring approx. 2.5 inches tall a fine addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #1334678 (stock #760)
A Beautiful antique sterling silver overlay cut crystal decanter. Marked sterling. Dimensions 5.0ʺW × 5.0ʺD × 10.0ʺH Condition Excellent
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1800 item #486735 (stock #124)
Beautiful rare Quianlong 18th century porcelain large bowl or charger exquisite Floral motif in soft enamels. Measuring approx. 14 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep. In excellent condition no chips or cracks with wear to the enamels. A fine early example would be a fine addition to any collection.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1960 item #1266094 (stock #647)
Vintage Scrimshaw on Whales Tooth by Jon Laubin of a Schooner at full sale on both sides. Tooth 4 1/4 tall mounted on a custom wood stand. Jon Laubin was born in Hartford CT, Sailing lessons & a sailboat at age 14, a 20 year career in the U.S. Navy, traveling to foreign ports, exposure to ships of all kinds, and a love of nautical antiques, contributed to understanding the principles of accuratly drawing sailing ships. Around 1980,Jon started drawing and etching reverse scrimshaw on slate, which made nice custom coffee table tops and wall hangings. In 1981, Jon discovered whale teeth scrimshaw while visiting Mystic CT. Unable to afford antique prices, Jon started building a library of scrimshaw books & photos, buying the odd whale tooth or elephant ivory tusk tip, and started scrimming.Jon presented many of his old navy comrades with his early scrimshaws. His scrimshaw style emulates the journeyman whaler-scrimshander of the Victorian age.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1980 item #553652 (stock #206)
Fine Santa Clara pueblo pottery example by Gwen Tafoya. Completely hand made and fired in the traditional manner featuring a water serpent design. Measuring approx. 3 tall and 5 inches in diameter. A fine signed example of Native American pottery by one of the great pottery artists.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1700 item #1340236 (stock #773)
This rare engraving depicts the siege of Szczecin (Stettin), situated on the river Oder (north to the left), at that time part of Swedish Pomerania. A combined allied force of Poles, Austrains and Brandenburgians, under General Jean-Luis des Souches, invested the fortress on the 19th (29th) of September 1659. The besieged Swedish forces, under Major General Paul Wirtz, defended doggedly and eventually the besiegers gave up on the 6th (16th) November 1659. Plate 106 Background: In 1648, the Peace of Westphalia brought to an end the Thirty Years’ War and at the same time thwarted Sweden’s ambitions to control Baltic trade. Sweden was intent on gaining control of the whole of the Baltic trade (Dominium Maris Baltici) and the enormous customs duties deriving from it. All that was missing was control of the major ports on the southern coast of the Baltic or, alternatively, the Oresund, the gateway to the Baltic. A pre-emptive strike against Poland would isolate Prussia (east & west) forcing it to concede control of its ports, or at least pay Sweden a substantial amount of its income for ‘protection’. In July 1655 Karl X Gustav, King of Sweden, declared war and invaded the Commonwealth of Poland and Lithuania, giving rise to the 2nd Northern War, known in Poland as ‘The Deluge’. The Commonwealth was already weakened by fighting on two front; In the Ukraine it was attempting to suppress a war of independence whilst in the east Russian forces were overrunning Lithuania and Belarus. By superior tactical use of infantry and artillery, within the space of 4 months Karl X Gustav had overrun the whole of the area of present day Poland and forced the Polish King, Jan II Casmir, to flee the Country. All but a handful of the major stronghold gave up with just token resistance, the notable exceptions being Gdansk, Przemysl, Zamosc and Czestochowa. Two years later 'having conquered the Country but not the people' Karl X Gustav recieved information that the Danes had declared war on Sweden. Leaving some of his forces to hold various strongholds in Poland Karl X Gustav took 6000 of his most seasoned troops and marched to Denmark. This engravings comes from the book: De Rebus a Carolo Gustavo Sueciae Rege Gestis Commentariorum Libri Septem elegantissimis Tabulis Aeneis exornati (Sieben Bucher von denen Thaten Carl Gustavs Konigs in Schweden) Author: Pufendorf. S. Von, Published: Nuremberg, Christoph Riegel Date: 1696 The book is an account of the life and deeds of Charles Gustav during his reign as King of Sweden from 1654 to 1660. Engraver: ? Drawn by: Dahlbergh. Erik von, Condition: Very good ready for framing. Color: Uncoloured Size (h x w) 16.5" x 14" or 35 x 41.5 cm (approx. sheet size) Technique: Copper plate Scarce Samuel Pufendorf (1632-94): A German jurist and historian, he is especially noted as an early theorist of international law. In his later years, he served as royal historiographer at Stockholm and Berlin. Erik Dahlbergh (1625-1703): A Swedish field marshal, military engineer and cartographer, Count Dahlbergh was the author of a number of topographical works including the maps and plans in a famous account of the military exploits of the Swedish King, Charles X Gustav by Samuel Pufendorf. From July 1656 he served with the Swedish forces as military engineer and his engravings are that much more valuable in that they were made as an 'eyewitness'. The engravings are scarce and have great historic as well as artistic value showing as they do plans and elevations of towns & castles as well as the costumes of the period.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1940 item #562713 (stock #214)
A Japanese Sumidagawa or Banko pottery figural tea pot with multiple faces or mask images. A charming piece with bamboo handle impressed mark on bottom. Measuring approx. 7 inches tall from bottom to top of handle in excellent condition.

Sumida pottery is a heavy, brightly glazed pottery and often has human and animal figures attached as reliefs. This pottery has its name from the Sumida river in an area near Tokyo. The origins of Sumida pottery are in the mist. It is probably a creation of a family of potters from the nineteenth century. Sumida pottery was probably produced mainly for export to the West.

All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1980 item #1025756 (stock #370)
A fine pair of the finest hand carved wood duck decoys. A mating pair of green wing teal. Made from cedar artist signed Dan Heiman in very fine condition. Carved from a cedar log found at Big Bear California artist information written on bottom.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #531756 (stock #189)
Pair of Beautiful 19th century French Bronze busts of young women. Finely detailed castings mounted on dark stone bases measuring overall approx. 10 inches 27 cm. tall in excellent condition. Some minor wear and chips to the base on one. Truly a wonderful pair would be a great decorative addition to any interior design.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #1141462 (stock #511)
"Eutoxeres Aquila" An original John Gould Hummingbird lithograph published in 1861 Beautifully hand colored with watercolor and added iridesence. Hallmandel and Walto printers London in good antique condition some age toning and light foxing. Slightly trimmed measuring approx. 14 x 21 overall size. A fine example of this important work one of the finest images. A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-Birds Written by John Gould
Published by John Gould (London, England)
5 volumes and supplement, 1861-1887 John Gould (1804-1881) was a British ornithologist, artist, and successful businessman. Sometimes referred to as the "English Audubon," Gould had an illustrious career in which he served as official taxidermist to King George IV and established himself as Queen Victoria's favorite illustrator of birds. Gould was so devoted to the study of birds that he asked for his epitaph to read: "Here lies John Gould, the Bird Man." Though he chronicled a wide variety of bird species, from partridges to toucans, spanning all corners of the globe from Great Britain to Australia, Gould had a particular interest in hummingbirds. He developed a personal collection of 1500 mounted and 3000 unmounted specimens, containing at least 300 different species of hummingbird. A Monograph of the Trochilidae represents Gould's stunning effort to create a comprehensive guide to all the varieties of hummingbird with a high degree of accuracy, detail, and beauty.Gould's five volumes on the hummingbird contain 360 hand-colored lithographic illustrations. Gould would draw rough pencil or watercolor sketches of hummingbird specimens, which then served as guides for a team of artists (including his wife, Elizabeth). Gould also worked with lithographers, who used pure gold and silver leaf (applied underneath the watercolor) to achieve a lifelike illustration of the hummingbird's iridescent feathers.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1900 item #543706 (stock #198)
Fine pair of antique Chinese Famille Rose porcelain vases finely hand painted with court scenes of Mandarin figures with applied molded dragons and foo dog handles. Late Ching Dynasty circa 1880s measuring approx. 14 inches 35 cm. Tall and 7 inches 17 cm. At widest point. In excellent condition one vase has a small repaired chip to the underside of the rim not affecting the value or Beauty of these exquisite vases.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1910 item #486715 (stock #123)
Fine porcelain large bowl or charger scalloped rim form with beautiful transfer ware design of cherry blossoms. Circa 1900 in excellent condition some minor firing flaws to the underside rim, measuring approx. 12 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 inches deep. A beautiful decorative piece would make a nice addition to any interior.
All Items : Archives : Decorative Art : Pre 1910 item #490613 (stock #135)
A beautiful example with delicate sliver wire enclosure depicting a Dragon on a sliver foil background. Meiji period c.1900 in excellent condition measuring approx. 6.5 inches tall. A masterpiece work of cloisonné art.