Indian gouache painting depicting a court procession, framed, late C20th
Price: £55
This is an attractive painting of a court procession, the principal figure, presumably a Sultan, seated in a howdah borne by an elephant and accompanied by an attendant, also conveyed by an attendant. A further attendant follows on foot carrying a banner and in front is a group of five ladies, two carrying baskets with floral petals. The style of painting here can be loosely termed ‘Mughal’ but similar works are often ascribed to the artists of Rajasthan in India, which is probably the case here. The composition is lively and the work finely detailed but dating is probably to the late twentieth century, and the frame itself can be firmly placed in the years between 1995 and 2000 since it was only during this time that the outer London dialling code ‘0181’ was used.
Chinese Blue and White Snuff Bottle circa 1900
Price: £45
A Chinese Blue and White snuff bottle of flattened rectangular form with a short round neck slightly flaring at the top, decorated on each side with boys, one writing on a tablet with a brush and two playing together, the sides with lotus petals and the base glazed inside an unglazed foot. The style of decoration, which is not without a naif charm, suggests late nineteenth century work and the paste of the foot rim does not conflict with this, indeed it could be a bit earlier. Similar pieces are found, usually more coarsely potted and painted, and were probably made for the local market rather than export to the West. Doubtless originally fitted with a stopper, perhaps with an attached spoon, this piece is still an amusing and decorative item for the collector.
Art Deco Galalith Necklace and Pendant with Coral Red plaques, 1930s
Price: £75
This is a striking necklace and matching pendant made from Galalith, the necklace comprising red facetted graduated beads separated by small rings with grey facetted beads below and two silver gilt metal large modelled ovoid beads, all with silver gilt chain links, terminating in a trapezoid form plaque with a large grey hemispherical stone set in a stylised floral silver gilt mount, with further red and grey stones below and two triangular drops with silver gilt metal styised floral mounts.
Galalith is a a synthetic plastic made out of the interaction of casein and formaldehyde and was introduced to the fashion world by Coco Chanel in 1926. The commercial name is derived from the Ancient Greek words 'gala' (milk) and 'lithos' (stone).
Two Corgi Silver Jubilee Toys Boxed, (41) State Landau, (417) London Bus, 1977
Price: £45
The silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 stimulated the production of a near avalanche of commemorative items. Mettoy, the manufacturers of the well known brand of Corgi toys, played their part in this producing a model of the 1902 state landau used in the royal processions and an accompanying model of a silver jubilee London bus with its special silver livery colour. The state landau is an example of their rather more ambitious pieces with the carriage rendered in great detail and the figures of the Queen and Prince Philip realistically modelled. The designer also allowed himself to include a corgi dog, appropriate for two quite distinct reasons. The bus is a typical example of the ‘Corgi Toys’ collected by so many during the years of their production and indeed thereafter. The typical ‘Corgi Toy’ was finely cast with detailed modelling and colouring accurately reflecting the features of its original. The two together, then, complete with their original boxes and in in good condition are a souvenir in themselves of a whole area of collecting.
Oil Painting, Shakespeare Cliff, Dover, unsigned, C20th
Price: £75
It is easier to identify the subject of this painting than the artist who painted it. The white cliff outcrop in the background is the well known ‘Shakespeare Cliff’ situated just to the West of Dover harbour and famous for its association with the play ‘King Lear’ as well as for its coastal views. It was often painted and even caught the imagination of Turner who captured many views of it including one aspect closer up but similar to that seen here (see image 9). In this picture, the cliff is a backdrop for a maritime coastal scene with riggers beached below and cockle boats with a fisherman in the foreground while various bystanders survey the scene. All the elements depicted are Victorian and some of the representations to be found do date from that period, but the style of the work here, particularly the semi impressionistic treatment of the rocks looks later and an early twentieth century dating seems more likely. But the anonymous artist was accomplished and has produced an attractive version of a well known composition.
Lacquer Box in the form of a Duck, possibly Persian C20th
Price: £35
This is an amusing trinket box in the form of a duck made from black lacquer with gilt decoration, the lid with wings and a feathered tail and the head with gilt eyes and beak. The base has a simple band of a repeating gilt geometric design. The form resembles the well known Chinese export porcelain 'goose' tureens made in the eighteenth century but the lacquer technique has more of Persian feel to it and this may be a more likely provenance. The whimsical style also suggests a date of manufacture in the 1960s or 1970s.
Black glass apple pendant on a long chain, 1980s
Price: £25
This is an amusing necklace comprising a black glass pendant in the form of an apple mounted with a leaf with diamante stones and suspended from a long complementary chain.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Daum pate de verre bowl, Gingko
Price: £750
This is a beautiful large bowl in pate de verre glass formed as leaves or petals. The design is Gingko. Comes in original fitted box. Model 03570 Coupe Grand Modele
Tall glass vase with orange, grey and black swirls, probably by Carlo Moretti, Italian 1970s
Price: £180
This is a striking glass vase of slender proportions, the ovoid body above a flaring stepped foot, the short ridged neck flaring outwards to the top rim, decorated with a continuous design of black, grey and orange trailing swirls on a white ground. While similar to pieces produced by ‘Vetreria Barbieri’ at Empoli, vases of this type are usually attributed to the Murano based designer Carlo Moretti. Born in Murano in 1934, he founded in 1958 with his brother Giovanni a glassworks named after him which enjoyed great success and was eventually sold by Giovanni in 2013, five years after Carlo’s death, to an Italian fashion company who continue production under the name. Vases in this style were made in the 1970s and this is an exceptionally fine and large example, well deserving a place in a collection of contemporary Italian glass.
Framed Ceramic Plaque depicting St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon, late C20th
Price: £25
A small ceramic plaque of octagonal shape painted in tones of sepia and depicting St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon, signed by the artist, ‘B.West’, and dated 1991. It is set in an oak frame with a border of stylised foliage on a ‘fishscale’ ground, the reverse backed with hardboard. St John’s Church, Old Coulsdon dates back to the late thirteenth century although some form of church on this site seems to have existed from the seventh century onwards. The view is taken from the south west and shows the old church nave and chancel (C13th) with the new church nave to the right (C20th). The artist was presumably local, perhaps a member of the congregation, and produced a pleasing, slightly impressionistic view of a familiar building. The frame looks earlier than the 1991 date inscribed on the plaque and may have been made from older pieces of wood adapted to fit. The combination produces an attractive decorative item, even to those not familiar with the location themselves.
Murano glass four layer Sommerso tear drop shape Vase, 1960s
Price: £55
A stoutly blown art glass vase of pear or tear drop shape, very thickly walled with a narrow aperture at the top, three different layers of coloured glass, blue pink and magenta, formed using the ‘sommerso’ technique (Italian ‘submerged’) and set in clear glass, the base flat. Sommerso pieces are formed by dipping coloured glass into molten glass of a different colour, before blowing the glass into the required form, creating two or more contrasting layers without the colours mixing together. The technique was developed by the Murano factory in Venice and there are similar signed pieces by Flavio Poli and Luigi Onesto which date from the 1960s. The creator of this piece is anonymous but no less accomplished; indeed few other examples are found with four layers of glass. It is reasonable to assume then that this is the product of one of the workshops at Murano and dates to the same period of manufacture as the signed examples we have. It is a highly attractive example of the technique.
Victorian Whitby jet mourning brooch
Price: £75
This is a quite large brooch in a scroll work design and Greek key edging. It is Whitby jet a fossilised wood stone that is from the Jurassic period that is found in the North York moors in northern England. Whitby jet was the main material for mourning jewellery during the Victorian age for obvious reasons.
Massive Victorian Carnelian Cameo Shell
Price: £55
This is a very large example of a carnelian shell, such pieces often being used for the creation of cameos in the nineteenth century and before. This example has been polished in certain areas to give the shell a more elegant and finely worked decoration suitable for use as a table ornament. Carved carnelian cameo shells were favoured souvenirs from the Grand Tour and were found mainly in the North and West African waters. This piece is of an exceptionally large size, which is both desirable in itself and occurs much less frequently.
Abstract Design White Glaze Vase, probably British mid C20th
Price: £25
This is an unusual vase of slender ovoid form, glazed in white and with an abstract geometric design to the front with vertical rows of dots and dashes, the reverse plain. The paste of the foot suggests British manufacture and the geometric patterned design recalls pieces from the 1950s and 1960s, although there are no exact parallels for the decoration here. But the elegant shape combined with truly minimalist decoration together produce an object of decorative appeal, highly suitable for the most contemporary of interiors!
Egyptian Revival necklace depicting Tutankhamun c1980
Price: £35
This is a a dramatic necklace in the Egyptian Revival style. It has a large central pendant with three drops with stations all the way around depicting Tutankhamun in a rather humorous way. This necklace appears to be a museum edition from possibly the British Museum or the Met in New York. The reverse of the stations and pendant are also finished with Egyptian designs. A very well thought out and finished piece.
Aesthetic Movement locket on chain c1880
Price: £125
This is an amazing locket that is a perfect example of the Aesthetic Movement in Britian. This was aligned with Arts and Crafts but the Aesthetic designs featured classical and Japanese designs that were considered more opulent and elegant than the over the top designs of the Victorian period. It was a response to the mass consumerism that was taking over Britian during this time. This locket is marked with full English marks. It is paired with a belcher chain of a similar age.
Danish silver floral brooch, Max Standager c1960
Price: £45
This is a large brooch in a typical modernist floral design by Max Standager, a silversmith who worked in Copenhagen from 1961 to 1985 and was well known for his organic form designs. It is marked 'Sterling' '925' 'Denmark M.S'.
Chinese Soapstone Brushwasher decorated with flowering Lotus, early 20th Century
Price: £45
A Chinese soapstone Brushwasher, carved in high relief with two vase like vessels and a shallow bowl all surrounded by flowering lotus and set on a ground of stylised rockwork, the back flat carved and the base hollowed out at the interior. Various similar pieces can be found with one or more vases surrounded by flowers or sometimes animals and presumably intended as brushwashers. Soapstone was first used by the Chinese over three thousand years ago but began its popularity in the Ming dynasty (1368 -1644) with the height of production during the ensuing Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911) when a stone mined in the Shoushan village in northern Fujian was most commonly used. Shoushan soapstone is noted for its smooth texture, bright colours and fine grain and a wide variety of objects were carved from it. Production continued into the 20th Century which is what we have here but the quality of the work, with sparing use of the drill, suggests a dating in the early 1900s.
Georgian neck brooch c1820
Price: £85
This is a very unusual brooch meant to be warn at the neck. It comprises white metal and brass elements. It has a hanging garland that moves and then there are three chains attached. It has a typical Regency design. It has been restored so the pin and clasp are not original. Nor are the chains original although they compliment the brooch so well this most likely is an authentic restoration back to its original state.
Vintage Carved wood figure of a seated Man, Bali, Indonesia, second half C20th
Price: £75
A finely carved wood figure with a rich patina of a seated man in deep contemplation wearing traditional headdress. The style and quality of this piece indicate that it was the work of a Balinese craftsman. The island of Bali in Indonesia has a rich tradition of wood carving dating back hundreds of years. Known in the Balinese language as 'Batuan', wood carving has its roots in Bali's Hindu-Buddhist culture. Typically, the pieces are made from hardwoods with a coarse grain including teak, chempaka wood and sandalwood. The highly decorative grain effects here suggest teak and the patterning complements the composition perfectly. Dating is probably to the 1950s or 1960s. Similar pieces are said to have been purchased around that time.
Victorian Black Watch iron doorstop c1890
Price: £25
This is a whimsical doorstop in the form of a Black Watch soldier. It is made of cold paint decorated iron. The 'Black Watch' was another name for The Royal Highlanders, a famed Scottish regiment of the British Army, distinguished by its longevity, having been initially formed in 1725.
Pair of Chinese Hand Painted Eggs in Case, 1970s
Price: £25
This is an excellent example of a type of souvenir model made in China, probably in the 1970s. The pair of eggs are delicately painted with ladies in a garden scene to the front which continues to the reverse. They are displayed on small stands set on a crushed fabric base and set within a purpose built case made from wood and glass. Underneath is a label reading ‘Made in China’ with four Chinese characters ‘Zhong Guo Zhi Zao’ which translate as the same. This type of mark seems to have been used on porcelains from the 1970s allowing an approximate dating here.
Large patent crocodile handbag, Dofan France, 1950s
Price: £150
This is a stunning bag in glossy crocodile skin, with a simple gold tone closure in an unusual square design, lined in leather
Zoisite pendant on necklace with zoisite beads, modern
Price: £75
This is a very unique and beautiful necklace that centres around a modernist pendant that has two large ruby zoisite stones. The square stone is a true work of art that only nature can create. The pendant is strung together with zoisite roundel beads and silver beads. There is a round box clasp. It is marked 925.
Ruby Zoisite, or Anyolite, is a natural combination of green zoisite and red ruby, primarily sourced from Tanzania. This pendant is most likely from Scandinavia or Eastern Europe. This necklace has been constructed using different elements. It has recently been strung on steel wire with a new silver clasp.
Murano White Glass Vase of abstract organic form, 1960s
Price: £55
A white glass vase of abstract organic form with wavy edge sides and openwork panels, the edges finished in clear glass, the interior with a slightly blue finish at the bottom and the base clear glass and flat. While there is no direct comparison, very similar pieces were made by the well known Murano factory in Venice and some of them carry its name on an affixed paper label. Murano experimented with many abstract organic shapes and, as with other pieces, dating here seems to be to the mid twentieth century. This piece certainly has a feel of the 1960s and given the complexity of the design, it is remarkable that it has survived unscathed.
Beautiful paste evening necklace c1940
Price: £25
This is a wonderful necklace comprising pink and clear glass stones with a large central pendant with a very unusual floral crown design. There are stones all the way around this necklace set in leaf settings.
Two Vintage Japanese Kokeshi Doll Groups, C20th
Price: £25
Kokeshi are simple wooden Japanese dolls that have been made in Japan for more than 150 years as children's toys. Originally from the Tohoku region in northern Honshu, kokeshi are handmade from wood, having a simple torso and head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. One characteristic of kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. Production continues to this day and the dolls are regarded as highly collectible. These two groups are a variation on the traditional design. In one, two child dolls, a boy and a girl, sit in a wicker pannier basket, presumably expecting to be carried. The cylindrical objects on top may be intended to represent logs. In the other, two lady figures are seen wearing the traditional straw rain cape. Regarded as good luck charms, these dolls have a naif charm of their own and might well appeal to an adult as well!
Diamond cut millegrain silver bracelet, 20th century
Price: £45
This is a very intricately designed bracelet comprising numerous diamond cut spheres that have been individually connected. This is most likely Italian. It is marked 925.
Small Art Deco wrist bag with Bakelite closure, French 1920s
Price: £35
This is a lovely small bag that is made from taffeta in the form of a gathered sack with a strap handle. The interesting feature is the large carved Bakelite closure in black and white. It is lined in a woollen fabric as the original lining, traces of which remain, has been removed as it must have degraded. Although quite small for today's requirements still quite usable and definitely a collectible piece!
Lot of two vintage Chinese miniature Cork Groups
Price: £25
This a lot of two cork groups that are very detailed and unusual as there are not only the natural cork colours but also other stained colours that make them stand out. The square shaped group depicts a pagoda with foliage and cranes, the oval group also had a pagoda and cranes with a cherry blossom tree in addition.
Fabulous Butler & Wilson cross on long chain
Price: £110
This is a very beautiful military cross style pendant with green cabochons and facetted diamante stones, with very long chain that is unsigned, cross is signed
Chinese silk embroidery panel, early C20th, later framed
Price: £75
A very fine quality Chinese silk embroidered panel, the main design showing two birds sitting on branches of flowering lotus, the scene in two halves in close mirror image, within an inner gilt thread border of stylised clouds and an outer border of repeating butterflies. The precision and detail of the stitching display the very best work of the Chinese needlework craftsmen, most likely women, working in the early twentieth century. Embroidered panels were exported to the West, sometimes in their own Chinese made frames as screens or table screens and sometimes unmounted for framing on arrival. The frame here is modern, although highly sympathetic, but the fabric borders at the edge, a common feature of these pieces, look to be contemporary with the panel itself suggesting that an older frame was recently replaced. The combination is most successful, and the embroidery itself remains in excellent condition with no loss to the threads or staining to the silk backing, which is not always the case, making this a fine decorative addition for a contemporary interior.
Very finely carved soapstone pendant necklace
Price: £175
This is a wonderful necklace comprising a large carved soapstone plaque depicting the double fish, bat and heart symbols. These are symbols for good fortune, happy relationships and good luck. The are combined with jade and cherry amber beads which is a very striking combination. The is a silver clasp and the bale is brass.
Framed Chinese painting on silk, two Silk Dyers, C19th/C20th
Price: £15
This is a Chinese genre painting on silk of two men seemingly engaged in dying skeins of silk in a rocky landscape scene. To the right stands a man holding two loops of fabric thread, most likely silk and to his left, a boy stands in front of a vat filled with liquid, clearly twisting the threads into cord, perhaps having dipped them into liquid dye using the tool he is holding in his left hand. The strip of wood across the top of the vat may have been used to help removed excess fluid from the dyed thread. The significance of the rather desolate landscape setting is unclear. The two workers seem to have been banished by their companions! Silk dyeing was an old tradition in China which is still kept up today (see image 7). While there are many painted scenes of rural and craft activities, this particular manufacturing process does not seem to be illustrated elsewhere. The style of the brushwork suggests a dating to around 1900 and there is a stamped artist's seal mark in red at the bottom left but the frame and mount are clearly later, perhaps mid C20th. An unusual composition, then, for collectors of Chinese art.
West German Pottery Lava Glaze Vase, Scheurich, 1960s
Price: £45
A ceramic vase of squat cylindrical form, the body incurving at the shoulder and the neck with a slightly flaring rim, the heavily pitted glazes combining mottled blues above and black below, the interior glazed brown and the base glazed black with moulded marks ‘215-18’ and ‘W.Germany’. This is an excellent example of ‘lava ware’, a rugged and rustic glaze effect which became very popular in the 1960s and was produced extensively by some of the West German potteries of the period. The marks here indicate the firm ‘Scheurich Keramik’ which started production in 1954, rather later than most of its competitors, but soon became the largest producer of commercial art pottery in Germany. Similar pieces by them can be found in either form or decoration. Their pieces rarely carried the factory name but usually the model number followed by the height in centimetres with ‘W.Germany’ below, as here. The size and form of this piece makes it particularly attractive.
Very fine German silver scent bottle, c1900
Price: £180
This is an extremely fine silver scent bottle with the decoration comprising delicately formed flowers and scroll work. It has the Crescent and Crown for Germany and the makers mark 'W' for Christoph Windman. Dating to around 1900 it is also marked '835' which was a typical silver purity in Germany at this period.
Art Deco style Glass Box and Cover decorated with a dancing Ballerina, mid C20th
Price: £35
An opaque cream coloured circular glass box and cover, the bulbous body with high domed lid which is decorated with a dark grisaille dancing ballerina poised on one leg with grass below and hanging willow above within a yellow scalloped border which is repeated on the base. The style of decoration clearly suggests the 1930s and this piece probably dates to that era although there is no certain proof of this. Presumably a powder box it retains great charm and could well find a home in a contemporary setting.
Pair of Ceramic Figures of Swans, probably continental, C20th
Price: £45
A pair of ceramic figures of swans, their heads bowed and wings outstretched, decorated in brightly coloured enamels of blue, yellow and iron red with gilt highlights, the bases with a circular aperture and a stamped gilt mark depicting a bird and a globe above the words 'Fine Porcelain'. The style of these pieces closely resembles the products of the Italian firm 'Manifattura Italiana Porcellane Artistiche Fabris', established by the sculptor Luigi Fabris in 1916, which produced high quality ceramic items for much of the C20th, finally being sold by Luigi's son Augusto to the Elite Company in 1979. Indeed there are examples of a very similar swan figure, clearly marked with the Italian factory's name, which was produced by them. But the mark here cannot be identified and Continental manufacture has to be assumed, perhaps in the 1970s.
Mexican silver floral brooch 1930s
Price: £35
This is a very large floral spray brooch in silver with a slightly abstract modernist design, marked Sterling. Hammering of silver sheets like this was a popular technique in Mexican silver and this is an excellent example.
Arts and Crafts style bar brooch with matrix turquoise stone c1910
Price: £125
This is a very interesting brooch with a matrix turquoise stone in a silver setting. It is in the distinctive Arts and Crafts style with enamel flowers and leaves and is marked 'STERLING' indicating American manufacture.
Zuni Cuff Bracelet set with Kingman Turquoise, marked, New Mexico 1970s
Price: £550
This is a heavy silver cuff bracelet comprising a large oval Kingman turquoise stone set into a typical Zuni design featuring clean lines and millegrain work. The Zuni Tribe, located 34 miles south of Gallup, New Mexico, is an extensive community with over 10,000 members and renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistry, particularly in the realm of jewellery manufacture. Many of their pieces employ the use of turquoise and the colouration and features of the stone here indicate a provenance from the Kingman mine in North West Arizona. This exceptional piece has the stamped maker's mark 'CIRCLE J.W.' 'STERLING', possibly for Jack Whittaker, an artist known for other pieces in a similar style, and is a prime example of Zuni work, highly fashionable at the time of manufacture in the 1970s and highly desirable today.
Fairing Figurine - The last in bed to put out the light, German, late Nineteenth Century
Price: £25
Fairing Figurine "The last in bed to put out the light". 'Fairings', as they are known, were ceramic figures made to be given out, sold or won as prizes at fairs, hence the name. They were a product of the late Victorian era but continued to be made until the beginning of the First World War when they fell out of fashion. Manufacture was in Germany principally by the firm Conta and Boehme who developed a mass production method that no other company could match, thereby achieving a market advantage. They exported large quantities to Britain and the United States, but their pieces have even been found in Australia along with other destinations.
The various figures were made in white glazed porcelain with coloured decoration. The compositions were sculptural and often accompanied by an inscription, as here. Many models are known. Two typical examples are 'Returning from the Ball' and 'Twelve Months after Marriage' but the most common example is represented here 'The last in bed to put out the light'. A couple are seen climbing into a covered bed at the foot of which stands a candle in a holder. These candles are usually broken off, most likely because of simple damage over the years but it has been suggested that this was done deliberately for good luck.
Some of the fairing figurines are marked, as here. The impressed number '2851' comes from the first series of figures produced by the Conta factory with numbers ranging from 2850 to 2899. The earlier examples do not have the shield mark found on most of the pieces which indicates an earlier dating here, more towards the middle of the nineteenth century.
Fairings have been collectors' items for many years now and still hold a naif charm which makes them appealing display items, with a history of their own.
A silver filigree decorative Spoon, probably Scottish circa 1900
Price: £55
This is a delicately worked filigree spoon with an openwork bowl in the form of a shell with stylised leaves, the slender handle of rope twist design with thistle leaf terminals at either end and finished with a thistle flower. Of a decorative rather than practical design, the use of thistles suggests that this piece is Scottish; dating is probably around 1900 or the the early Edwardian period.
Edwardian silver fleur-de-lis collar necklace circa 1910
Price: £85
The ‘fleur-de-lis’, a stylised form of lily symbolising fertility and purity, has been used as decorative motif for centuries and is particularly associated with the French royal family. It is more normally found as a single pendant necklace but the Victorians produced various collar necklaces in silver with the motif. These tend to be slightly heavier in construction than the example here suggesting a slightly later dating probably to the Edwardian era and most likely English manufacture. The finely cast silver fleur-de-lis leaves are joined by links and terminate in a spring ring closure presenting a delicate accessory, perhaps for a young lady.
Please note that the necklace is not marked for silver and has not been tested.
Large floral ivory white Bakelite buckle, British 1930s
Price: £65
This is a very large buckle in ivory white bakelite carved with leaves and flower heads set in an openwork ‘bow tie’ frame, the reverse with metal fitments for securing the belt and fastening the buckle. The naturalistic decoration here is something of a contrast with many of the Art Deco buckles produced although floral design brooches from the period are quite commonly found and there is enough abstraction in the design here to make this piece clearly representative of the period.
Chinese Sancai Glaze Model of a Horse in the Tang Dynasty Style, 20th Century
Price: £45
A Chinese Sancai Glaze Model of a Horse in the Tang Dynasty Style, 20th Century modelled in typical style with the horse standing erect and gazing forwards, its tail slightly raised, and decorated with the sancai (three colour) glazes which were popular during the period. These brilliantly colored lead glazes in shades of green, amber, and white were widely used in funerary goods in the late seventh and the first half of the eighth century and 'Tang Horses', as they are known, (the Tang Dynasty dating from 618 to 907) are one of the staples of early Chinese ceramics. This example is modern but the modelling and glazing can stand comparison with its earlier predecessors, with a much more modest purchase price for the buyer! The base is unglazed with a recessed rectangular centre within which is an impressed mark.
Long Art Deco necklace with spinach jade 1930s
Price: £100
This is a lovely necklace with a large carved piece of spinach jade with beads of jade, carnelian, amber and silver, ending in a Buddha figure. This necklace has been restrung using vintage elements.
Rose de France cross on torque necklace, c2000
Price: £55
This a large necklace that comprises a large cross set with rose de france stones. Rose de france is the lighter form of amethyst. The stones are bezel set to give a bubble effect. These are together with a torque necklace. They torque has full English hallmarks. The pendant is marked 925.
French Art Deco Clutch bag with faux jade insert
Price: £65
This is a very elegant small bag that features a faux jade moulded glass plaque surrounded by Art Deco motif paste stones. It comprises very soft kid suede and is lined in taffeta with the typical inside purse. The taffeta on this bag is quite degraded as can happen. This is not noticeable on the exterior so this bag is very usable. It has two chain handles.
An Octagonal Brass Tray with a roundel of an elephant, probably Persian early C20th
Price: £55
An octagonal Brass Tray with a short squared rim and a wide central well decorated with panels of sylised floral designs in various shapes all interlinked by narrow bands in milled edge decoration, the well with repeating geometric pattern borders and the centre with a raised design of a well modelled elephant standing amidst palm trees. The reverse plain and unpolished. The techniques employed here include repoussé and chased work, but with the addition of niello work where a black metallic alloy is employed as a background to other metal working techniques. Some of the elements of the design, particularly the borders and the central roundel of an elephant can look Indian but the floral work and use of colour is much more typical of Persian decoration and this is most likely what we have here, probably an early twentieth century creation intended as a tourist souvenir. Doubtless designed as a serving tray, this piece functions well as a decorative object for the wall which is why it was later given a soldered hanging fixture.
Scottish silver ring inset with a Chalcedony stone, 1950s
Price: £45
A Scottish silver ring with a thistle design, inset with a Chalcedony stone, marked ‘silver’ to the interior, 1950s.
Chinese Famille Rose Bowl decorated with ladies, Qianlong mark, Republican period
Price: £45
Chinese Famille Rose Bowl of typical deep form with a short foot decorated to the exterior with two panels of ladies seated in a stylised garden scene, the lobed borders in iron red, on a ground of densely packed floral blooms in the 'mille feur' pattern, the interior similarly decorated with peony and lotus, the exterior decoration continuing over the foot rim which is unusual. The base with an apocryphal Qianlong period mark (1736 - 1795) in iron red. The style of decoration and paste of the foot rim suggests a dating in the Republican period (1912 - 1949), perhaps around 1930 and this piece, which very loosely follows Imperial designs from the eighteenth century, was probably intended for the local market, in common with the 'Straits Chinese Porcelain' pieces also produced for the local market in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Bakelite Ivorine Mourning Brooch, British c1930
Price: £25
This is a brooch formed from bakelite intended to mimic ivory with its off white colouring. It shows a hand holding a rose and the slightly antique style reflects the fact that this was originally a Victorian design, intended to be a mourning brooch, the material of which would have been ivory (see image 4 for examples in the British Museum). Developed in New York in 1907 and patented two years later bakelite was the first plastic made from synthetic components. By the 1920s it became a popular material for jewellery and pieces were produced for some years thereafter. Dating here is probably to the 1930s or 1940s.
Incredible long jade necklace with large carnelian pendant
Price: £135
This is a constructed necklace comprising numerous large celadon colour beads interspersed with different coloured jade beads. There is a ox carving at one of the stations and it ends in a large carnelian disc pendant and silk tassel. This necklace is a very long opera length.
Group of 4 large brooches 1950s
Price: £25
This is a great lot of four brooches all set with large glass stones
Whitefriars knobbly red glass Vase, pattern no 9612, 1960s
Price: £75
This is an example of the ‘knobbly’ vase range, first produced by Whitefriars Glass in 1964. The organic circular body tapers gently upwards to the uneven top rim, the thick walls with raised ‘knobs’ irregularly placed and the base countersunk. Founded by James Powell in 1834, who bought an existing glassworks in Whitefriars, London, Whitefriars Glass continued through the generations, relocating to Wealdstone in Middlesex in 1923. Many designers worked for it including Geoffrey Baxter, who created the celebrated ‘banjo’ and ‘drunken bricklayer’ vases, but vases of this form and similar pieces with ‘knobbly’ decoration were designed by William Wilson, Whitefriars’ chief designer, and Harry Dyer, with the pattern number 9612 and to be found in the 1964 catalogue (Introduction Page 1) as one of the new designs for that year (see image XXXX). Unfortunately the high labour costs of handmade glass and the economic difficulties in the UK in the late 1970s made Whitefriars uncompetitive and it ceased trading in 1980 after which its factory was demolished.
Egyptian Revival Czech statement necklace set with real beetles c1920
Price: £150
This is an unbelievably rare example of early Czech costume jewellery. It is set with real beetles and faux lapis glass cabochons and beads. There is even a beetle on the central drop. Between the beetles are Egyptian icons, enamel flies and gilt leaves set on a cartouche design plaque.
Silver cuff bracelet set with Scottish banded carnelian stone, Birmingham 1975
Price: £85
This is a very striking bracelet set with a very large Scottish.banded canelian stone. The setting is a very simple and elegant three band design. Bears full silver marks for Birmingham 1975. The makers mark is AP.
Oriental White Metal Box decorated Dragons and Chrysanthemum, C20th
Price: £25
A white metal box and cover of rectangular form with spreading feet, the surface with highly detailed cast decoration, a swirling dragon on the lid and profuse chrysanthemum to the sides, the interior lined in wood and the base with a two character mark within a diamond shape frame. Similar examples are catalogued as both Chinese and Japanese and the same mark appears on some. The style of decoration here, particularly the rendering of the flowers, suggests more Japanese work than Chinese and a dating to the early C20th when the cigarette box was a favourite form for export to the West.
Victorian Indian paste pendant
Price: £50
This is a very large pendant that was made in India for European taste. It comprises numerous paste stones surrounding a very large paste pear shaped stone, set in brass. The design is typical of the Victorian era with scroll work and fleur-de-lis. With rock crystal bead drops, the chain not included.
Art Deco Davidson purple cloud glass bowl, stand and frog, 1930s
Price: £55
This is a sunning flower display set, comprising a bowl, stand and ‘frog’ (or flower holder) made by George Davidson & Co in purple 'Cloud Glass'. This type of glass work was unique to the firm which was founded by George Davidson as the Teams Flint Glass Works in 1867, later becoming known as George Davidson & Co. In the 1880s the company began producing pressed glass tableware in a variety of shapes and by the 1920s their designs began to reflect the new Art Deco trends. From 1923, Davidson began producing their hugely successful ‘Cloud Glass’ range, created by applying streaks of dark coloured glass to paler glass, creating a random swirled, ‘clouded’ pattern of which this piece is an excellent example. The firm continued production until the 1980s, closing in 1987.
This model can be seen in the firm's catalogue for 1931 where the bowl and stand are combined with a separate pierced flower holder in the same style. No doubt the size of the ‘frog’ was up to the purchaser who could choose from a range of dimensions which probably explains the slightly different proportions here to the catalogue image which otherwise illustrates our example extremely well, even down to the milled edging to the rim of the bowl. With its archetypal shape and colouring this piece would be an excellent addition to any Art Deco collection as well as providing a striking and decorative item for a contemporary interior.
Chinese Blue and White Box and Cover with pierced lid, late C20th
Price: £25
A Chinese Blue and White Box and Cover, possibly intended as an incense burner, of rounded form, the base decorated in underglaze blue with panels of dragons and flames on a diaper ground above a band of stylised waves and the lid similarly decorated with piercing to the surface, the underneath with a broad flat foot rim. The paste of the foot and style of the decoration suggest later twentieth century work and some examples are found with an affixed label which reads ‘Andrea by Sadek’.
The Charles Sadek Import Company was founded in 1936 by the father and son Charles and Norman Sadek and began by importing decorative items from Japan later broadening their range to a wider variety of suppliers including China. These pieces were sold under the ‘Andrea by Sadek’ brand, named after Norman's daughter Andrea. The business continued to a third generation until it was taken over by Fitz & Floyd in 2015.
This box, then, is a typical example of their range of wares, good quality decorative items marketed at an affordable price. The quality of these boxes can vary and this piece seems to be an above average example.
Spode Imari Salad Bowl, pattern no 1409, early C19th
Price: £450
Spode is one of the great names amongst the English potteries of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Founded by Josiah Spode in 1770 it saw under his leadership the development of innovatory techniques for transfer decoration onto earthenware and the production of bone china. But there was another important invention which was introduced by Josiah’s son, Josiah II, who took over the running of the firm after the death of his father in 1797. ‘The Times’ in 1817 referred to a range of ceramics now produced by the firm called ‘Stone China’ which it described as ‘newly invented’. There is some mystery about this. The technique of producing ‘stone china’ was invented by the sons of the Staffordshire potter John Turner and by repute Josiah Spode II bought their patent in 1805 when they went bankrupt. This conflicts with the reference in ‘The Times’ and according to Leonard Whiter in his authoritative book on Spode, examples of the ware decorated with patterns introduced before 1813, when it began to be manufactured in volume, ‘are rare in the extreme. I can recall seeing only one – a magnificent service in the freehand Imari-style pattern, 1409, introduced c1810’ (Leonard Whiter : Spode p191).
The bowl featured here is indeed marked ‘1409’ (see image 8) alongside a form of the name ‘Spode’ which dates to before 1821 (Leonard Whiter : Spode p224). It most likely derives from the service which Whiter once saw complete but has now, presumably, been dispersed. The pattern with its vivid palette of red, blue and gold and floral decoration is a lavish reinterpretation of the ‘Imari’ wares which had been exported to the West in great quantities by the Chinese in the eighteenth century and the Japanese before them. These pieces took their name from their port of export in Japan, Imari; they were actually made at Arita in the former Hizen province. Amongst the wares exported by the Chinese were extensive dinner services and their popularity caused them to be copied and imitated by many of the English potteries from early 1800s onwards, indeed a near identical and contemporary version of this pattern was produced by Coalport.
The square form bowl, indented at the corners and curving inwards towards the base, was a classic Chinese form and is usually referred to as a salad bowl. The standard Chinese dinner service would have had a pair of these, but the shape is rarely found in the English dinner wares made in imitation. Its occurrence here combined with a firmly dateable early nineteenth century pattern in an opulent design which has survived in a remarkable state of preservation makes this very much a ‘one off’ piece and a highly desirable addition to a collection of nineteenth century decorative ceramics.
Oriental Style Vase, West German Pottery, possibly Scheurich, late C20th
Price: £45
An Oriental Style Vase, the body of baluster form with a ribbed shoulder and a slender slightly flaring neck, the bottom with a spreading foot and ridged bands, the base glazed to the centre with an unglazed foot rim, covered in a purple flambé glaze with mottled effects. While Chinese in style overall, the paste of the foot clearly indicates European manufacture and is very similar to that found on some West German pottery pieces; the brown glazing at the interior top rim reflects West German work as well. The most likely candidate is the firm Scheurich Keramik who were well known for their experimental glazes. Three other examples of their work are included in this sale. Not all of their pieces were marked and this may well be a slightly later example of their work, perhaps dating to the 1980s. Certainly it is a fine quality piece and the elegantly potted form is combined with complex glaze decoration which would not have been easy to achieve and certainly can match that of its Chinese counterparts.
Carved Chinese brown jade necklace
Price: £55
This is an intricately carved brown jade necklace with a large carved pendant with corresponding carved and round beads. It is strung on a brown silk cord with adjustable Chinese knot.
Large Islamic silver necklace with heart shaped box c1920
Price: £85
This is a very large statement necklace comprising a detailed pendant that is a tubular piece set with malachites stones with handing drops. There is a very large hard shaped pendant attached that is a box with a red fabric interior. This may have some religious signficance such as a prayer box. This is set with beautiful agate stone that is also heart shaped. The pandant has filigree work on both the pieces of the pendant. It comes with its original herringbone style chain. This does not appear to be silver like the pendant. The pendant is 800 silver so a slightly lower grade fo 925 or sterling silver.
An Arts and Crafts small Brass serving Tray, English early twentieth century
Price: £95
A Brass circular tray with a shaped raised pie crust edge decorated in repousse work with overlapping geese on a chased punch work ground. Repoussé work is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. Chasing or embossing is a similar technique in which the piece is hammered on the front side, often with a punch, sinking the metal. The two techniques are often used in conjunction as here. Metalware items with 'hammered' decoration were a common feature of 'Arts and Crafts' work with their reminiscences of earlier metal working techniques and the effect of the slightly rustic. The design here is unusual and attractive and the bold metalworking techniques used complement the medium of burnished brass. A dating to the early twentieth century seems reasonable
Art Pottery Vase with Geometric Motifs, C20th
Price: £55
An Art pottery Vase of slender ovoid form, narrowing slightly towards the base and with a short everted rim, the body splash glazed in brown with raised geometric motifs
and bead work in green, the base with a blue green glaze and a repeating geometric design again in green incorporating rectangular motifs and bead work, the foot also
glazed in a blue green glaze.
The style of decoration suggests Art Nouveau designs but there are no obvious parallels. Continental manufacture seems likely, perhaps France or Germany.
Vintage Petit Point Tapestry Bag, Austria, 1920s
Price: £55
This is a fine example of the minutely stitched embroidered bags made in Austria during the 1950s. Of sack form, the black ground tapestry canvas is decorated on each side with a profusion of multicoloured flowers including peony and lotus worked in the ‘petit point’ style with tiny stitching within a gold rococo border, the sides and base decorated in the same style. The top and snap clasp are in gilt metal and suspended from a gilt metal chain. The inside is finished in cream coloured silk with two green stitching bordered pockets and a label which reads ‘MADE IN AUSTRIA’. The maker is anonymous but their work rivals that of the well known firm ‘Jolles Original’, founded in Vienna in 1923, whose creations won a Grand Prix award in the 1958 World Exhibition held in Belgium and were sold by premier American Department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue making this bag a desirable addition to a collection of embroidered bags or vintage bags in general.
Vintage Moroccan statement brooch
Price: £20
This is a very striking brooch in a Moroccan design set with glass stones
Tall Murano style bottle vase, second half C20th
Price: £150
This is an exceptionally tall art glass bottle vase, the pear shape body rising to a tall, slender neck very slightly tapering inwards and then flaring gently outwards to the uneven profile top rim, the base flat and the decoration with trails of gently spiralling mottled and feathered orange glass on a black ground heightened with gilt speckle. The techniques used here have all the hallmarks of the Murano glassworks and the form, while unusual, is not inconsistent with the work produced there but, while these vases are often described as ‘Murano’ there is no proof of this and ‘Murano style’ is perhaps a safer description. But this does not detract from the grand magnificence of this piece, which would have been a striking decorative accessory when it was made, probably in the 1960s or 1970s, and remains so today.
Egyptian Revival statement necklace c1920
Price: £85
This is quite an early example of Egyptian Revival pieces made available for the general public. It is a short necklace in a breast plate design with two hanging pendants with many of the standard Egyptian symbols and icons cast in brass and decorated with enamel painting. This would have been quite a modest item in its time, created for those who wanted a taste of the glamour of the Egyptian era.
Two mounted Wedgwood blue jasperware Cameo Brooches, C19th, C20th
Price: £10
Two mounted Wedgwood blue jasperware Cameo Brooches with neo classical style figures, each of circular form typically decorated with a figure in raised white relief on a light blue ground, the first with a cherub and marked 'Wedgwood Made In England' to the reverse with the pattern number '65' and the second with a standing figure holding a club and possibly intended to depict Heracles and marked 'Wedgwood' to the reverse with a small cross. The mounting of the first is marked silver but the second is unmarked and may perhaps be white metal. The format of the mark on the 'cherub' brooch indicates a C20th dating probably in the first half, whereas the mark on the 'Heracles' brooch suggests a C19th dating which may explain the slight discolouration to the figure. The differing style of the mounts (milled edge/rope twist) may perhaps conform with this.
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Tigers Eye long necklace 1970s
Price: £25
This is a necklace comprising large round and octahedron shaped beads, with matching clasp
A very finely carved white pendent on traditional silk cord, Modern
Price: £25
This is a lovely piece of white jade that has been carved with a typical dragon motif and Chinese characters. It is strung onto a very well designed silk cord. This is quite a modest item and it is almost surely treated in some way.
Three Indian Brass hanging plates, Thanjavur, C20th
Price: £55
Three circular brass wall plates, similarly decorated, with central designs of deities surrounded by panels of birds and scrolling foliage, all worked in high relief, the backs with rings for hanging and one with an engraved mark ‘INDIA’.
The style of decoration here is typical of the art brass hanging plaques produced by the metalworkers of Thanjavur, formerly known as Tanjore, from the late eighteenth century onwards. A Tanjore Art Plate consists of three components: the base plate (brass), a circular central relief panel of a deity worked in silver surrounded by relief panels in copper and silver often depicting flowers. Various deities are depicted here including the well known many armed Shiva. All the reliefs have milled borders but the wells are finished differently, some with engraved designs and one with circular bosses. Dating is probably to the mid C20th but the style of these pieces was continuous and relatively unchanging so an earlier period of manufacture is quite possible.
NB Stands for display purposes only and not included
Two Chinese folding Fan Leaves with landscape scenes, now mounted, C20th
Price: £25
As quite often, these two paintings were created for use as folding fans but then mounted on board for display. Each has a landscape scene in tones of grey and blue inks painted on mustard coloured fabric. The designs include the typical elements of Chinese landscape painting : rocky outcrops with trees and lakeside scenes. In one can be seen a seated figure, in the other a man in a boat. Both have a calligraphy inscription and a red artist’s seal. The fairly sketchy brushwork suggests a mid C20th dating for which there are many parallels. Both are mounted on paper with an identical pattern of diaper work and roundels with phoenix and dragons implying that this was done at the same time. While the mounts are foxed, the paintings remain clear and if reframed would provide attractive examples of the genre.
DeNicola brooch and earrings 1950s
Price: £15
This is a striking set of brooch with matching earrings by DeNicola the New York jewellery designer that was well known in the 1950s and it quite collectible today. Gunmetal colour set with paste stones and faux onyx central stones. Earrings have strong clips and are easy to wear.
Silver hummingbird brooch with marcasite stones c1950
Price: £35
This is a lovely small brooch in a stylised hummingbird design. It is set with marcasites with a ruby eye. It is marked 925 so is most likely continental.
Round pendant set with turquoise, Mexico, c1970, the chain later.
Price: £65
This is a large round pendant converted from a brooch depicting a figure on a burro on a background of turquoise pieces. Marked' Heche en Mexico', '925' it is attached to a later chain.
Indian tribal necklace, 19th century
Price: £175
This is a very unusual and rare tribal necklace that is from India, most likely from the Rajasthan region. It features a large silver disc with a free form design, This is strung with a necklace that has thousands of garnet beads. The pendant is marked 925 which indicates that it was exported to the west.
Pair of Ceramic Wall Hanging Plaques, Butterflies, probably continental 1960s
Price: £45
A pair of ceramic wall hanging plaques modelled in the form of butterflies with outspread wings, brightly decorated in green, red, orange and black enamels with beaded detail, the reverses plain and with a central cavity, pierced at the top for the wire wall hanger which also forms the proboscis. The fairly coarse paste of the foot rim at the back and general style of decoration suggests continental work, most likely Portugal or Spain and these pieces have a mid century look to them suggesting a a dating in the 1960s when brightly coloured ornaments (and carpets!) enjoyed something of a vogue. Highly decorative then, this pair of lepidoptera would certainly enliven a contemporary interior.
Triple strand of amber Bakelite beads, British 1930s
Price: £750
This is an imposing three strand necklace comprised of assembled graduated marble effect butterscotch amber beads joined at the head with a silver clasp. The beads have recently been restrung with wire to make the whole more robust and safer to wear. The three strands interlock perfectly and the selection of beads has been carefully chosen in respect of colouring and size to produce a striking ensemble which is bound to impress.
Set of Three Celluloid Figures of Monks, Japanese, first half C20th
Price: £45
This is an amusing group of three Japanese celluloid figures representing young boys dressed as monks. Each wears a patterned coat with complementary trousers and boots, the coloured details carefully picked out. Their poses resemble those of the celebrated three wise monkeys ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ which is a humorous combination with their apparently spiritual role. Celluloid, often known as the first plastic, was used for the manufacture of accessories and collectibles from the late nineteenth century to the 1940s and can be regarded as a cheaper alternative to bone or ivory. The Japanese produced many pieces in the material, other examples of which can be seen elsewhere on this site, but this small group, probably dating to the 1930s, is a particularly charming example.
Pair of bisque relief plaques by artist Bertel Thorvaldsen. Royal Copenhagen 1969 - 74
Price: £40
This is a stunning pair of bisque porcelain plaques depicting two well known images of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Four Seasons series. Here are Autumn and Winter. This series was produced by Royal Copenhagen Porcelain between 1969 - 74. They are drilled for hanging.
Bertel Thorvaldsen (born Nov. 19, 1770, or Nov. 13, 1768, Copenhagen, Den.—died March 24, 1844, Copenhagen), sculptor, prominent in the Neoclassical period, who was the first internationally acclaimed Danish artist. Prominent in Roman intellectual and artistic circles, he influenced many emerging artists from Europe and the United States. Most of Thorvaldsen’s most characteristic sculptures are reinterpretations of the figures or themes of classical antiquity. The Alexander frieze of 1812 in the Palazzo del Quirinale, Rome, modeled in only three months in anticipation of a visit by Napoleon, is an example of the feverish energy with which he could at times work. Religious sculptures include the colossal series of statues of Christ and the Twelve Apostles (1821–27) in the Vor Frue Kirke in Copenhagen. He also made numerous portrait busts of distinguished contemporaries.
Striking Art Deco brooch
Price: £25
This is a very vivid brooch in a Regency design, featuring a faux onyx stone and faux pearl drops
Oil painting, birds on branches, signed, C20th
Price: £45
An attractive oil painting of two birds sitting on branches against a textured turquoise background. The one on the upper left, with its yellow chest, seems to be a Yellowhammer and its companion below, with its red markings on the head, a Redpoll. The artist’s signature appears towards the bottom but is hard to make out (‘J.Brayet’??) and little more can be said about this picture other than that it is an appealing composition with a deft use of colour and that, with its complementary wood frame, it could be suited to almost any contemporary interior setting.
Chinoiserie necklace with peking glass plaques c1960
Price: £45
This a lovely necklace by an American company called "Exquisite". It has faux jade or Peking glass plaques and oriental motif gold tone stations. It is signed or marked Exquisite.
Charming pair of silver piglet earrings
Price: £25
This is a quite detailed pair of earrings in the form of small piglets - or they could be full grown pigs if you know about livestock!. They are quite small with very detailed smiling faces and are marked 925
A Brannam Bowl, Barum ware, Terracotta and Glaze, marked C.H.Brannam, circa 1900
Price: £75
A rustic bowl with a wavy edge rim and moulded shells to the sides, terracotta with green and black 'tea dust' glazes, the foot coardely modelled and with stamped marks 'Made in England'
'C.H.Brannam' 'Barum' 'N.Devon'. Brannam Pottery was a British pottery started by Thomas Backway Brannam in Barnstaple, Devon, England, in 1848. Ownership passed through the family, Thomas' son Charles Hubert joining the firm aged 12 in 1867 and passing on direction of the business himself to his sons in 1913. It later became part of the "rustic" wing of the art pottery movement, mainly owing to efforts of Charles Hubert who began producing his own distinctive wares in 1879 and registering the name 'Royal Barum Ware' in 1886 after receiving an order from Queen Victoria in 1885. The pieces were widely sold including at Liberty in London. Many pieces were produced in terracotta, sometimes with additional glaze effects but the form
and decoration of this bowl is unusual combining the marine motifs with interesting glaze effects offset by the terracotta base. Perhaps it is not too fanciful to see the work of Charles Hubert himself here. Certainly, great care was taken with the production of this piece and the style and mark suggest a dating to around 1900.
Victorian marquetry miniature table top games table
Price: £75
This is a very unusual miniature table top games table comprising a beautiful marquetry design ready for chess or any game. It is an octagon shape with eight legs. Could be a cabinet maker's example of a large table.
Art Deco mother of pearl card case
Price: £50
This is a beautiful card case comprising mother of pearl in a diamond pattern. With wood lining
Terracotta Glazed Bottle Vase with floral enamel decoration, Watcombe Pottery, circa 1900
Price: £45
A terracotta earthenware vase of bottle form with a bulbous compressed hemispherical body rising to a tall slender neck above a flaring spreading base, recessed to the interior and glazed with the foot rim unglazed revealing the fine terracotta clay, the body decorated in thick ‘famille rose’ enamels in the Chinese style depicting flowering peony.
Pieces combining glazed terracotta with polychrome enameling were one of the designs produced by the well known Watcombe pottery based in Devon. Production commenced in the mid 1860s when a fine red Devon clay was discovered in the grounds of Watcombe House near Torquay, prompting its then owner G. P. Allen to establish the Watcombe Terracotta Clay Company off Teignmouth Road, St. Marychurch in 1869. Classical styles of the period like terracotta busts, figures, urns and jugs were produced first, followed by terracotta glazed pieces some in the style of the famous designer Christopher Dresser. Not all of the pieces were marked and the appearance of ‘Watcombe Porcelain’ on some of their wares seems to post date the first years of production. Various mergers followed and the range of designs developed, adapting to changing tastes, but finally the business was forced to close its doors in 1962.
While the decoration is typical of Watcombe, the shape is typical of Dresser and also loosely follows a Chinese shape as did so many of his pieces. Allowing for the fact that the Devon potters introduced their own individual ‘twist’, one example of the Dresser prototype for this piece is included in the collection held by the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Watcombe, in common with other potteries at the time, aimed to produce pieces which, while they followed the ‘best’ designs were more accessible to a general audience. This vase is in no way inferior to the ‘real thing’ and maintains a charm of its own.
Art Deco silver travel minaudiere purse with photo portraits 1920s
Price: £125
This is a beautiful small engraved minaudiere purse with portraits and space for makeup etc. The pictures inside give a glimpse into the owners travels as they are of two young women posing on the deck of a ship. The case is very finely engraved silver with scrolls and foliage and there is a monogram of GMC. Marked Sterling which indicates it is most likely American. The button closure on the side is either a cabochon sapphire or a paste facsimile.
Vintage floral decorated Sugar Bowl and Cream Jug, probably Bohemian mid C20th
Price: £25
This is a matching duo from an original tea service comprising a sugar bowl and cover and a cream jug. Both are elaborately formed with fluted bodies and rococo style handles and are decorated with vertical bands with floral blooms on green and yellow grounds. They are clearly continental and the style of decoration suggests porcelain made in Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. These pieces are known for their quality and the use of traditional techniques, often featuring hand-painted decoration, as here. Dating is probably to the 1950s with the intention to recreate and imitate earlier European styles.
Tigers Eye bracelet with a large central carved dragon bead, certificate for 2012
Price: £15
This is a very striking bracelet comprising very high quality tigers eye beads and a carved dragon. It comes with original certificate of authenticity dated 2012 from Thailand.
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Pair of Edwardian Chinese silver brooches, c. 1910
Price: £25
This is a lovely and delicate pair of brooches comprising Chinese filigree work in the form of a fan. The both have a floral motif.
Chinese Cloisonné Square Vase on Stand, C20th
Price: £25
A Chinese cloisonné enamel vase of slender squared baluster form flaring towards the base and with a concave neck, decorated with panels of a lady standing on a veranda reading a scroll and two ladies standing on a bridge over a river, the designs repeated, on a black ground with stylised scrolling foliage in blue, the base with a border of gilt repeating fish scale pattern and the rim with a border of repeating stylised lotus leaves, the interior and base in blue enamel. The vase is fitted with a matching wood stand which is probably contemporary.
The cloisonné technique, in which glass derived enamels were set in wire outlines (the so called ‘cloisons’ from the French word), was developed in China in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and then used throughout, right up until the C20th, indeed pieces are still produced today. The style of enamelling here with fairly bold outlines to the decoration and the use of bright enamel colours suggests a dating here to the mid twentieth century which corresponds to the probable date of the accompanying wood stand. Perhaps intended as a desk ornament or possibly a flower vase, this piece could certainly find a home in a contemporary setting.