A rare example of Bristol glass of a fine, lustrous opaline color with a classic baluster urn shape and fine overall designs in gilt of cornucopiae, festoons,etc. Excellent condition, with only minimal wear to the gilding at the top of the finial. England, circa 1775. Approximately 11-3/4 inches tall by five inches in diameter at the largest part.

This oil on artist's board, by noted American Impressionist Adolf Berson, portrays a winter day in Montmartre, with two figures walking down the hill between low buildings and fences, the famous windmill of la Galette rising in the background. Signed in lower right corner "Berson." It is inscribed on the back, "Moulin de la Gallette (sic), Paris Snow, 1926." It is in excellent original condition...

A rare example of High Renaissance metal craft is this small oval platter, hand repousséd brass with a heavy coating of silver which was then carefully polished to simulate the real thing, all this in a time when labor was cheap and silver the main expression of status. The central scene is chinoiserie, an oriental court tableau of a potentate and his consort being serenaded by a standing figure playing an enormous trumpet...

Here is a magnificent charger which balances bold authority with delicate detail. Around a central medallion of the Three Friends -- pine, prunus and bamboo -- in gilt-highlighted underglaze blue with red-touched border are panels of deep blue and lustrous gilding alternating with lively scenes of flowers and rocks visited by butterflies and phoenixes, symbolizing good fortune. The back is decorated with underglaze blue Buddhist horns and cloud-surrounded red and gilt cartouches...

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...

One of two versions of the this bust of William Shakespeare that we possess (see Trocadero Item #14819) by Enoch Wood (1759 to 1840). In this one he is a brunet with a tan and gray cloak, a rather florid complexion and a gilt locket at his throat. Molded into his back is "Shakespere," I guess so we shouldn't mistake him for Vincent Price. Superb condition with some crackling to the skin tones. English, circa 1800. Approximately 8-1/2 inches high by six inches wide by 3-1/2 inches deep.

This is one of two versions of this Enoch Wood (English, 1759 to 1840) bust of the Immortal Bard that we have on hand. (See Trocadero Item #14831) It is amazing what a difference the enameling can make! This model is cloaked in bright leafy green that contrasts nicely with his rather more matte yellow shirt and marbleized plinth. His hair and beard are red and he has eyebrows that would make Joan Crawford sick with envy. English, circa 1800. Mint condition...

This stately pair of steeds of an unusually large size until recently graced the tomb of a Chinese dignitary of the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. to 220 A.D.) Despite their great age they are in wonderful original condition, their slip-painted details mostly intact...

This a beautifully designed bowl that features a central roundel of a ladies tending to the cocoons of silkworms after they have been treated for unwinding. Behind the scene are arranged two overlapping squares rather like piece of silk, one gold with cranes flying over the sea, the other a diaper pattern of deep green and red emamel, both bordered with enamel black. Peaceful hills with trees and buildings surround with enamels of green, pale aubergine and soft yellow...

This snowy bowl always remind me of Christmas: the deer on the hill beneath the pine boughs seem to looking skyward for a star. The blue underglaze designs are intricate, but very soft and only confined to a central trellis-like medallion and a border on the bottom; it is relieved by bold red enamel rectangles and turquoise-surrounded roundels of phoenixes. The gilding is lavish yet restrained. Japan, circa 1860. Excellent condition...

Excavated near Filadelfia, Costa Rico, this impressive vase is in the striking Nicoya Polychrome style. Applied to one side of the bulbous tripod body is the head of an animal, probably a jaguar or coatimundi, resting on its forearms. A band of hieroglyphs encircles the vase's collar and other designs run around the legs and in a ribbon down the back. Excellent unbroken condition, with some wear to the buff paint of the body, but with all motifs intact...

An intricate fabric printing block from northern India handcarved from rosewood in a design of repeated stylized flowers and borders. A very similar piece is illustrated in Edward Pinto's "Treen and Other Wooden Bygones" as being from Macclesfield, where Indian designs were incorporated onto printed silks. Eighteenth Century or early Nineteenth Century. Excellent condition, with an interesting copper repair to the very end of the interlock design.