Elegantly graceful and in beautiful condition, this rare pair of classical sterling silver cups bear hallmarks that indicate that they were created by a Lisbon silversmith at the end of the Eighteenth Century. In crisp condition, the bright-cut engravings depict floral festoons encircling a frontal oval blank (never engraved!) topped by a basket of flowers. Approximately 3-1/4 inches at the widest point and 2-5/8 inches high, they weigh a bit over six ounces Troy.

Based on famous Eighteenth Century paintings, these country lovers, a smitten swain and the bashful object of his affection, were created by the famous Paris porcelain factory of Jacob Petit in the rue de Belleville around 1830 and probably were modeled by the sculptor Revenand. Their resplendent costumes, lavishly woven and embroidered, belie the couple’s humble origins: these are no field hand and barefoot housemaid, but a pair of courtiers playing peasants...

This fine pair of Eighteenth Century vases is thickly glazed in rich cobalt blue on the outside, and with turquoise glazing on the interiors of the tops and on the bottoms. Probably intended for adorning an altar, each vase has a cylindrical central interior with reticulated outer walls lending a graceful octagonal baluster form to the vases...

In sixty years of collecting and dealing in antique coquille carvings, this is the most elaborate piece I have seen, a whistle in celebration of the newly established liberal laws of King Louis-Philippe, who described himself as “King of the French,” rather than “King of France.” A plaque inscribed “Loi de 1831” is guarded over by a seated lion, symbolizing royal authority...

In excellent condition, with original mirror intact, this fine American looking-glass features a delicate verre eglomise entablature with a central design of the symbols of passionate love: flaming heart, torch and a quiver of arrows. The painting and silvering and gilding are in extraordinary condition. American, circa 1810, approximately 25 inches by 15 inches.

Monumental treatise by Bizot, Amsterdam, 1689, on the large output of medallions struck in Renaissance Holland, with engravings of hundreds of examples, in three volumes, including the large supplement of 1690, with an addendum describing and illustrating the tomb of William of Orange in Delft. The books are in healthy condition, retaining most of their original, gold-tooled leather binding.

Deceptively heavy at 23 Troy ounces, this superb object is finely designed and detailed. Manufactured by Towle Silversmiths around 1910, and marketed by Theodore Starr of New York City, it is approximately 9-1/4 inches in diameter and 6-1/2 inches tall to the top of its handsome swing handle. Excellent condition, with no damage or repairs. Please see related grape shears 809350.

Undoubtedly the most popular disciple of Buddha for artistic portrayal was the Japanese monk Daruma, most likely because his extreme devotion lent itself easily to ludicrous interpretation. Here, however, is a more eerie aspect of the legend: the reappearance of the aesthete some years after his death when he was seen in the western mountains of China, to whom he had introduced Zen Buddhism, traveling towards India, barefoot with one sandal in his right hand...

An unusual example of of Persian metalwork -- possibly crafted in China for the Persian market -- in a graceful form. The widely flared top portion is deeply fluted and bears finely detailed engraving of flowers along its lobated edges. The uneven number of sections indicates that the piece was hand wrought, not cast. The bulbous body, also delicately engraved with floral motifs, has a plain collar above and an ogeed base below...

I have seen only one related cup like this, similar in size with two legs and described as a mortar, which they might well be, for there is some wear to the bottoms of the bowls, but they would require light handling of the pestle. I term mine a chalice, for the worn carved motif at the top of each leg could be interpreted as a Dove of Peace, but somehow I do not think so. Approximately seven inches tall and 4-1/2 to 4-3/4 inches in diameter. New England, Seventeenth to Eighteenth Centuries.

An exceptionally fine piece of Dutch East Indian metalwork is this large, handsomely shaped and engraved punch bowl made for the European market. The outer surfaces have a fine, polished golden color, while the interior and bottom have the patina of old bronze. Over much of the outside are designs of trails of foliage, diaper patterns and stylized leaves on a punched ground. It is in very fine condition, and measures approximately 8-1/2 inches in diameter and 3-1/2 inches high...

Rather like something out of "The Last Days of Pompeii" is this wonderful sterling silver tripod tazza, with its Neo-Classical and Psuedo-Renaissance elements combined in great style. Attached chains and pinecones hang between a collar below and a pierced one above with ginko leaves. There is an exquisite monogram very much in the style of the tazza. Gorham Manufacturing Company, date mark for 1870. Superb condition. Approximately 5-1/4 inches high by 6-1/2 inches in diameter.