Catalog: Sold Items (421)

Original Besler Botanical engraving with period hand coloring c.1613 text on verso. Basilius Besler¹s magnificent engravings are the first large-folio natural history botanicals. His work, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden of Eichstätt), is man¹s earliest documentation of a specific garden and is the oldest of all of the great botanicals. Over 1,000 varieties of flowers are depicted in 367 exquisitely engraved and colored plates. Plate mark image 18.5"L x 15.25"W. overall sheet size 21"L x 16"W. Unframed. Condition: Good antique condition some age yellowing small hole upper left commensurate of age.

A fine early English Oak Carved Tudor period bible box. With an antique hand written not on the inside lid stating. "Old Tudor Bible Box from Oddington Church Oxfordshire used for more than 100 years as a reading desk bought in Burford Aug 1509. In good antique condition replaced lock and comes with a later stand. Great for magazine storage a beautiful early period piece with exquisite patina.

A fine Song Dynasty period East Asian celadon vase measuring 5 inches or 13 cm tall. In excellent condition a fine example.

Chinese ceramics of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) constitute perhaps the foremost expression of ceramic art, not only in China but in the entire world. During the Song period, a unity of the essential components fundamental to the art: vessel shape, potting techniques, glaze, decoration, firing processes, and aesthetic theory were all combined in a high standard of excellence. In general, the shapes of Song Dynasty are simple and sedate by comparison to what preceded them and what was to follow. Likewise, the glazes tend to be monochromatic and subtle, a fluid, integral part of the form of the vessel they cover, with a depth of color and texture that invites the spectator to both touch and contemplate.

Korean Silla period, 6th century A.D., glazed Pottery Pedestal bowl with pierced decoration on the pedestal traces of celadon color glaze on the interior measuring approx. 6 inches tall ,or 16cm. A beautiful example in excellent condition it would be a fine addition to any collection.

Original antique carved sandstone seated Buddha circa 1500-1700, carved in meditation with crossed legs and arms in the "Bhumisparsa Mudra", set in an arched recess, with two monkey bodhisattvas at his side. Presented displayed on modern wood stand. Dimensions 16.5" W x 22.75" H x 5.25" D - measurements including stand.

Antique gold gilt Thailand amulet exqusite ancient Buddha. Provenance purchased from and English ambassador to Thailand from his personal collection. Measuring 3" x 1.5" or 8cm x 4cm. In all original antique condition.

Original Antique 16th century Mamluk empire spice jar. Hand painted cobalt blue design glazed potter jar. Used in the early spice trade with Venice and the Islamic empires. Measuring 10.5 x 7.5 inches.

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.

An Antique Pre Columbian Mayan sub culture pottery bowl c. A.D. 800-1000 Macaracas style central America. A round shaped bowl with lobed rim painted with images of birds on a museum stand. Measuring approx. 6 inches in diameter.

A beautiful antique carved stone statue of a Hindu deity 10 - 11th century. Of a red sandstone measuring approx. 18.5 inches tall. A fine example would be a nice addition to any collection.

Pre Columbian Olmec Jade hardstone figure of a seated man. Mesoamerica Circa: 1200 BC to 500 BC. The material is a variegated pale green nephrite with oxidation to the matrix of the stone due to interaction of soil minerals over several centuries. The dimensions are 8"H x 5"W x 4"D.

A fine Mayan Jade classic period pectoral chest ornament plaque. From a Stanford collection measuring 11.5" x 7".

This finely burnished blackware effigy vessel comes from Peru and dates c.a.1000-1470AD. It is a beautifully constructed representational of a squirrel measuring approximately 7 inches in length In excellent condition a minor restored chip to the spout (see close up) i. A beautiful and unusal piece for any collection. Provenance From The Late Phillip Kirkeby Collection.

Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907) Chinese poly chrome pottery figure of a female musician with old hongmu rosewood stand. 6" L x 4.5" W x 6" H. In antique condition.

A Beautiful and rare Song Dynasty 960-1279 A.D. Celadon tea bowl of very delicate form featuring intricate incised designs of dancing children and vines. Measuring Approx. 7.5 inches by 3 inches, In very fine condition to chips or cracks. A museum quality example.

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.

Anasazi culture corrugated drinking vessel circa 1300 AD a grey pottery with smooth interior and handle with corrugated exterior design. Measuring approx. 5 inches tall in very good condition some minor chips on the rim. A fine piece of ancient Native American Pottery from a old collection found in the 1930s.

A Beautiful and rare Song Dynasty 960-1279 A.D. Celadon tea bowl of very delicate form featuring intricate designs of dancing boys and vines. Measuring Approx. 4.5 inches by 2 inches 12 x 5 cm. in very fine condition to chips or cracks. A museum quality example.

A fine Chinese Ming dynasty period large storage jar with dragon design the top has loops to tie the wooden top for long term storage. Beautiful museum quality example large in size and fine in form measuring approx. 35.5 inches.

An exquisite Olmec culture pre Columbian Mexico Jade hard stone mask. Measuring 8" x 6" x 3". A beautifully carved image with bold facial features. In ancient condition with centuries of deterioration of the stone matrix from being buried in an acidic soil, leaving the harder Jade intact authenticating the age. From a Stanford collection.

An ancient southeast Asian (Thailand) pottery bowl from the Ban Chiang culture, dating to approximately 500 B.C. A wonderful piece measuring approx 10" x 8.5" in excellent ancient condition a small hair line at the top edge. This a distinctive vessel with a bold form and individualistic style, the body rises from a rounded base. The piece is adorned with exuberant painted curvilinear forms This striking earthenware vase was produced at the site of Ban Chiang, Thailand, and is typical of works attributed to its later phases. A site of remarkable social complexity, Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in southeast Asia. It marks an important stage in human cultural, social and technological evolution, presenting the earliest evidence for farming and complex metallurgy in the entire region. Its long cultural sequence, size and economic status has no parallel in any other contemporary site. Representing a seminal point in the history of human development in its region, it is unusual for vessels of this type to survive undamaged and in such excellent condition.

An Ancient Greek Pottery Ewer Mycenaean era polychrome designs of mythological lions c. 1000 BC.-1030 Measures approx. 7.5 inches tall in good antique condition.

Han Dynasty Cocoon Jar (206 BC-220 AD). The distinctively plump, ovoid form of this jar, imitating the shape of a silkworm cocoon, has a fair amount of the original paint remaining on the body. Characteristic swirling cloud / scroll designs in reddish-pink and white cold-paint pigments decorate the surface. This jar is in very good, “as excavated” condition with no visible repairs, one chip to the rim of the mouth (see photos), as well as some burial dirt still attached. Authenticity guaranteed. Measures approx. 12 1/2” wide x 10 1/2” high x 8 1/2” thick. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: During the time of Han Emperor Wudi (140-87 B.C.), fascination with the idea of the afterlife and the search for immortality reached a pinnacle. This preoccupation was given physical form in the distinct swirling decorations of painted Han earthenware vessels. Along with a variety of other earthenware objects such as domestic animals, soldiers, and attendant figures, richly decorated vessels of this kind were placed in the tomb and intended to serve the spirit of the deceased in the afterlife.

An ancient panel relief depicting Buddha and Bodhisattva gathered around him. The sculpture is deeply carved from a single block of schist. Measuring 24 x 13 x 3 cm. in antique condition. Such schist friezes such as this were some the walls of Buddhist shrines, together making up large story panels telling tales from the Buddha's life. These stories would have been read, either casually or ceremonially by Monks and lay Buddhists alike. So-called Gandharan Sculpture was produced in parts of modern-day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan from the first century A.D. In the second century BC these areas were ruled by the Graeco-Bactrians, the farthest flung people of the Greek World, who brought with them the beautiful Hellenistic Greek Artistic tradition. This tradition became incorporated into the art of the region, resulting in a kind of "Graeco-Buddhist" Art from the 1st to the 3rd Centuries A.D., persisting for centuries later.

A fine Ban Chiang pottery bowl in very good condition no restorations original polychrome decorations. Measuring approx. 5 inches tall a museum quality piece.