In exquisite miniature, this pitcher imitates larger glass vessels in everyday use. Created from a few drops of molten glass, it may well have contained the rarest bit of  More »

In exquisite miniature, this pitcher imitates larger glass vessels in everyday use. Created from a few drops of molten glass, it may well have contained the rarest bit of essence or perfume when Rome was at her peak. The passage of centuries has given it a rich iridescence, the shimmering aura of a baroque pearl. As we contemplate this charming object, we cannot help but wonder what function it served so long ago. Did it hang around the neck of some legendary beauty, filling her senses with sweet perfume? Did it capture a single tear from the eye of a mourner to be buried with some beloved friend? Was it the grave gift of a child, miniature version of the glass vessels buried with adults. Its past, like its size, poses only mystery. Yet, as we hold it today, delighting in its perfection, we share our pleasure with those who lived in a distant age. - (GF.0287)   « Less

BARBOTINE accents and fine painted figurals on this extremely rare and exceptional condition 19th century French faience book vase, Confessions by Rosseau. Exceptional  More »

BARBOTINE accents and fine painted figurals on this extremely rare and exceptional condition 19th century French faience book vase, Confessions by Rosseau. Exceptional polychrome painting on this rare "ROUSSEAU BOOK" signed France, Desvres color palette Definitely a first edition! Dimensions: Height 5" Width 4" Vase Opening 2" Condition: Excellent. No chips,frits or hairlines.   « 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 Lustre Dish - AMD.249, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1200 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 3.3" (8.4cm) high x 12.2" (31.0cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Kashan,  More »

Kashan Lustre Dish - AMD.249, Origin: Central Asia, Circa: 1200 AD to 1300 AD, Dimensions: 3.3" (8.4cm) high x 12.2" (31.0cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Kashan, Medium: Fritware, Condition: Extra Fine. This simple piece shows striking color and form very much in line with the Kashan style. These fritwares form a distinct group of pottery, unified by their fabric, shapes techniques of making and decorating and their motifs. Kashan frit tends to be of very high quality, particulary in comparison to its Bamiyan cousin. During the manufacturing process, they were occasionally stacked on tripods which left distinctive scars on the inside of the bowls.   « Less

This early KUTANI bowl is an exceptionally fine and highly detailed work of art. Painted in "Rouge De Fer" with gilt accents the bowl has strong KUTANI details with well  More »

This early KUTANI bowl is an exceptionally fine and highly detailed work of art. Painted in "Rouge De Fer" with gilt accents the bowl has strong KUTANI details with well executed figurals and landscape views in the cavettos. The porcelain body has a fine small krackle finish on a grayed body presenting a total Japanese feel yet the coloration will blend with your Chinese Imari or Rouge De Fer as well. The enamels are particularly well executed in the interior as well as the exterior. Indeed, a special signed Kutani porcelain. Dimensions: Diameter 7 1/2"(19cm) Height 3 1/2"(9cm) Condition: Very good. There is a small area in the under glaze on exterior which was possibly rubbed prior to firing. there are a few pin head pits in the glaze. This is typical in works of this age.   « Less

In exquisite miniature, this pitcher imitates larger glass vessels in everyday use. Created from a few drops of molten glass, it may well have contained the rarest bit of  More »

In exquisite miniature, this pitcher imitates larger glass vessels in everyday use. Created from a few drops of molten glass, it may well have contained the rarest bit of essence or perfume when Rome was at her peak. The passage of centuries has given it a rich iridescence, the shimmering aura of a baroque pearl. As we contemplate this charming object, we cannot help but wonder what function it served so long ago. Did it hang around the neck of some legendary beauty, filling her senses with sweet perfume? Did it capture a single tear from the eye of a mourner to be buried with some beloved friend? Was it the grave gift of a child, a miniature version of the glass vessels buried with adults? Its past, like its size, poses only mystery. Yet, as we hold it today, delighting in its perfection, we share our pleasure with those who lived in a distant age. - (GF.0288)   « Less

Islamic Dish - DAC.003, Origin: Central Asia, Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic Medium: Glazed Earthenware, Condition: Extra Fine.

Islamic Dish - DAC.003, Origin: Central Asia, Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic Medium: Glazed Earthenware, Condition: Extra Fine.   « Less

Here is a fine dry red orange interior,black lacquer exterior Edo bowl. Wonderful painted Morning Glory details in gilt and metallic color. I have never seen a bowl quite  More »

Here is a fine dry red orange interior,black lacquer exterior Edo bowl. Wonderful painted Morning Glory details in gilt and metallic color. I have never seen a bowl quite like this. Very thin, lots of flair and simply gorgeous! Dimensions: 9" Diameter Condition: Very good, wear appropriate to the period.   « 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

Glazed Islamic Bowl - DAC.004, Origin: Central Asia, Dimensions: 2.5" (6.4cm) high x 6.25" (15.9cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium: Glazed Earthenware.

Glazed Islamic Bowl - DAC.004, Origin: Central Asia, Dimensions: 2.5" (6.4cm) high x 6.25" (15.9cm) wide, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Islamic, Medium: Glazed Earthenware.   « Less