Antique Treen Carpet Bowling Ball

Antiques: Decorative Art: Organics: Wood Pre 1900: item #19065
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Elegant in its simplicity is this Scottish carpet bowling ball of lustrous lignum vitae. Originally made of stone, the bowls were replaced in the Seventeenth Century by ones in pottery or, much more rarely, in this tropical wood. This example is Nineteenth Century, manufactured in Glasgow by R. G. Lawrie and approved by the Scottish Carpet Bowling Association. It is approximately 3-3/4 inches in diameter and is decorated with six inlaid plugs of ivory.

English Regency Penwork Box

Antiques: Decorative Art: Organics: Wood Pre 1837 VR: item #18271
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Here is an excellent example of Georgian handicraft: a penwork stationery box of simple black and gilt borders surrounding transfer scenes of a stately building, a fantasy London, a village and a holiday market square. In very fine, aged condition, it retains its original gilt fittings, its well-preserved wallpaper lining, even its original key. It is only a shame that the billets doux it no doubt harbored are no longer contained within. English, circa 1810. Approximately 6-1/4 inches by 10 ... Click for details

Antique Scrimshaw "Tool Kit"

Antiques: Decorative Art: Organics Pre 1900: item #13647
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Made more for whimsy than for actual use, this folding set of bone implements must have given some sailor hours of creative amusement. The tapered body, decorated on both sides with color-filled bull'-eyes, encloses a fingernail scraper, an awl and a pretty deadly ear cleaner. The bottom has a rounded notch and the business end is crudely shaped to resemble a whale or walrus. American, circa 1800 to 1825. Cf.: McManus "A Treasury of American Scrimshaw" (Penguin Studio), p. 140. Excellent co... Click for details

18th Century Tortoise Shell Etui

Antiques: Decorative Art: Organics Pre 1800: item #13642
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A delightful Louis XVI tortoiseshell etui with pique-d'argent inlays in the form of classical festoons and stars. On either side is an oval lozenge , one of which bears the initials "LAW." Originally, it would have held a pair of dainty scissors of some other personal conceit, but now could serve as a pillbox or matchbox. The condition is superb, with only a minute separation on one side where the tortoiseshell meets. Tapering form, approximately 2-3/8 inches by 1-5/8 inches at the top by 1/... Click for details

Lacquered Papier-mache Wine Bottle Coasters

Antiques: Decorative Art: Organics: Lacquer Pre 1837 VR: item #13021

An extremely rare pair of English lacquered papier-mache wine bottle coasters. The ogee shaped sides are handpainted with gilt floral decoration. 1st half of the 19th century. Origin: England. Size: 5-3/4" diameter; 2" tall. Condition: Decoration is excellent; interior surfaces show some wear (no doubt due to damp bottles); both coasters have 3-4" long losses to the upper rims (reparable); bottom felt is old and may be original.

Japanese Ivory Okimono Kaigyokusai Masatsugu

Antiques: Decorative Art: Organics: Ivory Pre 1900: item #767111

Presenting an exquisitely carved Japanese Ivory Okimono-showing the mortal Buddha Hotai with four acolytes or children in attendance.In Japan the Hotai or "Cloth Sack" Buddha carries a bag filled with gifts and blessings for those who've earned enough merit to receive them.As such his image is similar to that of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus in the West. The cursive Kanji mark of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1813-1892) on the base is probaly of the famed artist's productive late Edo through mid-Meji per... Click for details

Outstanding Medieval Carved Bone Crowned Queen Pin

Antiques: Decorative Art: Organics Pre 1492: item #410522

Retaining an amazing amount of detail after many hundreds of years, this long (4 1/4 inch) hair or dress pin from England probably belonged to a member of early Anglo-Saxon nobility. It was likely a gift created or commissioned by someone of lesser standing, or it would have been made of something more precious. No doubt the lady had flashier pins of bronze, silver and gold, so this one wasn't used much - which is our good fortune. The wonderfully carved head of the pin measures 1 5/8 inches ... Click for details