Designed with elegant simplicity, this drinking cup was first used when the Roman Empire was at its height. What drink might it have contained and whose lips might it have  More »

Designed with elegant simplicity, this drinking cup was first used when the Roman Empire was at its height. What drink might it have contained and whose lips might it have refreshed in that vanished age? Perhaps it held Gallic wine downed by a thirsty centurion. A Judean lady might have sipped cool well water while gossiping with her friends. An actor might have cleansed his voice with juice between acts of a play. From an object like this, used in an everyday context, we can reconstruct an entire world in our imaginations. - (GF.0255)   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less

It was during the Roman period that the technique of glassblowing was first perfected, and translucent, jewel-like color was first added. This lovely vessel, the color of the  More »

It was during the Roman period that the technique of glassblowing was first perfected, and translucent, jewel-like color was first added. This lovely vessel, the color of the sunlit Mediterranean, makes superb use of both innovations. What might it have contained when the Roman Empire was in its glory? Sweet oils? Fragrant attars? Precious balms? Surely the contents must have been something rare and costly to deserve so lovely a vessel. Today it seems filled with the elusive perfume of imagination. - (GF.0256)   « Less

Cloisonne Lamp, black ground, Chinese 1950 or earlier. A very finely (tight small round wires) crafted cloisonne vase with elegant motif. Fittings are brass, moued on dark  More »

Cloisonne Lamp, black ground, Chinese 1950 or earlier. A very finely (tight small round wires) crafted cloisonne vase with elegant motif. Fittings are brass, moued on dark wooden base. A custom cream colored silk lobed early shade is included. Lap is in good working order. A beautiful subtle accent lamp which will fit into any Asian decorator scheme or provide the perfect Chinese touch to your home. Dimensions: Height with shade 21.5 Inches Width 5 Inches Shade 10 Inches   « Less

Green Glazed Earthenware Bowl - AMD.172, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 700 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 4.7" (11.9cm) high x 8.4" (21.3cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium:  More »

Green Glazed Earthenware Bowl - AMD.172, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 700 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 4.7" (11.9cm) high x 8.4" (21.3cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Medium: Glazed Earthenware. The incised wares of Eastern Ancient Iran (present day Afghanistan) have only emerged in fairly recent archeological publications. They represent a very widespread and diverse manufacture. Significant quantities have survived in very good condition, like the associated fritwares.   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less

Kashan 'Lajvardina' Lustre Bowl - AMD.174, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1200 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 3.9" (9.9cm) high x 8.2" (20.8cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art,  More »

Kashan 'Lajvardina' Lustre Bowl - AMD.174, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1200 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 3.9" (9.9cm) high x 8.2" (20.8cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Lajvardina, Medium: Fritware. Lajvardina ware is the Mongol continuation of the beautiful and regal Minai technique. It is so called because of the usual dark blue glaze which is reminiscent to the stone lapis lazuli (lajvardina, in Persian). The graceful figurative painting and delicate coloring techniques are replaced by bold colors and robust shapes and intricate designs that are generally abstract scrollwork and arabesques and geometric designs from cut gold leaf. Here a white glaze with blue radial panels forms a simple cross shape with intricate details. They replace the normal dark blue glaze, giving a lighter more delicate appearance, though the geometrical layout and textured paneling are characteristic of lajvardina wares. Ceramics such as this piece and those from the Mongol Palace at Takht-i Suleiman, provide us with true guides to the qualities of original lajvardina decoration.   « Less

Though the Roman artisan created a vessel of utmost simplicity, the passage of time has added a glowing peacock patina to enhance its perfection. While we marvel at the  More »

Though the Roman artisan created a vessel of utmost simplicity, the passage of time has added a glowing peacock patina to enhance its perfection. While we marvel at the fluid, graceful lines that no doubt pleased the ancient owner, we can also appreciate the radiant shimmer that is the gift of the centuries. It is one of the unique properties of glass that it gains beauty from the passage of time, while most everything else fades away. It is difficult to believe that the ancient craftsman did not deliberately intend for this vessel to achieve its present splendor in our time. It seems too exquisite to be a mere accident. - (GF.0258)   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.763Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.5 " (6.4cm) high x 6.9 " (17.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern medium: Terracotta   « Less

MAJOLICA Passion of Christ tin glazed tile panel icon, probably Italian or French, unsigned. True museum quality fine art of Jesus Christ with thorn of crowns, carrying cross  More »

MAJOLICA Passion of Christ tin glazed tile panel icon, probably Italian or French, unsigned. True museum quality fine art of Jesus Christ with thorn of crowns, carrying cross with incredible simple pictoral details, characteristic of pre renaissance religious works. This very large and imposing tile pictoral is a religious statement and art treasure beyond compare, for the discerning collector. Displays beautifully. A treasure for the lover of fine art majolica, tile and religious art. Dimensions: 19" x 24" Framed as shown 16" Width 21 1/2" Length Condition: Exceptional for period. A horizontal crack which is stabilized. This is a fine early and solid tile, museum quality. Please enjoy the photos. Additional photos will be posted. Dimensions   « Less