CHOPPING BOARD

Massive and fatty wooden chopping board once used at an ordinary household in Korea, mid-late 20th century, 40 x 20 x H 8.8 cm (15.74 x 7.87 x 3.46in). Aesthetically appliable to a display stand for the tea utensils or flower arrangement as well...

A stunning sterling and jelly opals necklace by San Miguel de Allende, Mexico artist Carmen Beckmann who was active from c.1955. This magnificent piece features 27 colorful,vibrant jelly opals placed intricately between silver balls all framed in graduated sized silver rectangular links. The stone backs are open so the light can reflect the gorgeous colors of the opals. Measuring 16 1/2" long, it is 1/2" wide at the center rectangle...

Margot de Taxco vintage Mexican silver bracelet, this is the widest version of the Hibiscus design and its matching necklace is also available in my store – you can see the demi together in the next to last photo. One of the maestra’s romantic creations this is nevertheless not your fragile, wimpy bracelet – generous links, excellent detail and meticulous finishing make for a piece that will never go unnoticed...

It is not often that one stumbles upon a massive Graziella Laffi bracelet and I am thrilled to be able to offer this spectacular, museum quality piece bearing the signature of Peru's foremost designer. Born in Florence, Italy Graziella Laffi is referred to as "the Spratling of Peru". She lived and worked in that country and drew inspiration from ancient Inca goldwork to create masterpieces in silver...

Large sculptural sterling silver belt buckle designed and signed circa 1960 by Taxco, Mexico silver Maestro designer Antonio Pineda. This 2 piece buckle measures 5 1/2" across X 2 1/2". The detailed design depicts a hunting scene with applied raised hunter and an animal figures. 145 grams, 5.01 oz. Beautiful vintage condition with no dents, dings or repairs. The two pieces will accommadate a 1 1/2" strap. Fully hallmarked for Antonio on the reverse.

Circa mid-century, offered here is a gorgeous set of necklace and earrings produced by Antonio Pineda. The necklace is a book-piece design shown on p. 135 of "Silver Seduction: The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda."

This set is collector quality. Necklace measures 15 1/2" closed, wearable length. It lays perfectly on the neck and has a very luxurious feel. Earrings are 1" tall and have clips...

An iconic design for Salvador Teran - and possibly one of my absolute favorite designs in Mexican silver ever - this is a pair of "Dancers" earrings. Teran's signature abstraction is clearly evident here as is the innovative way he used the "shadowbox" technique. Measuring 1 1/16" by 7/8" the earrings weigh 14.8 grams and are in excellent vintage condition with fantastic patina and their oxidation in very good shape...

Iittala "i-glass" or "bird beak" decanter in blue designed by Timo Sarpaneva. Engraved on the base "T. Sarpaneva 2500". The decanter measures 7 3/4 inches (19.7 cm) tall and has a diameter of 3 1/2 inches (9 cm). Condition is very good, with very minor light surface scuffs; no chips, cracks or repairs. Circa 1960

A vintage 18” long amethyst bead necklace consists of 38, 10 millimeter natural amethyst beads. The clasp is a 14Kt yellow gold 7 millimeter spring ring with a jump ring. This necklace is an amethyst lover’s dream. It is perfect for every wardrobe.

Based on pre-Colombian motifs, a pair of Hector Aguilar Taller Borda dangle earrings wrought in the maestro's favorite .940 alloy and simply gorgeous. The set has already been converted to posts by a previous owner so it's easy to wear yet has all its patina and its hallmarks intact. Each earring is 1 1/2" long by 7/8" wide and the set's weight registers at 15.7 grams...

Margot de Taxco sterling silver necklace comprised of “hibiscus” links, this is the wider, more impressive version of the specific design. Beautifully worked repousse underscored with hand-chasing and beading combine here with warm patina in a wonderful example of Margot’s “naturalistic” creations. The matching bracelet is also available and the two pieces look stunning together as you can see in one of the photos...

An elegant and impeccably hand crafted sterling and Mediterranean coral bracelet by Santo Domingo Pueblo silversmith Julian Lovato. He began working in 1938 and was a silversmith in the Frank Patania Sr. Thunderbird Shop. His creations have won many awards. This cuff measures 5 1/4" around in the inside plus a 1" opening. It is 7/8" wide at the center and tapers to 1/4" at the terminals. The coral stone is 5/8" across and 1/4" down...

Beautiful and rare demi parure consisting of a fringed bib necklace and matching clipback earrings, in carved translucent Bakelite simulating amber or jade, and goldtone metal. Circa 1960. Marked GM in a circle, and also with the original paper hang tag, which is marked IMITATION JEWELLERY, MADE IN (I)TALY (the I is missing). The Bakelite tests positive using Simichrome. With slide clasp. The Bakelite is glowingly translucent and has excellent marbling...

The second Margot de Taxco zodiac piece currently in my inventory, this Libra pendant has all the qualities of her astrological series; visual interest, sculpturality and a design so successful that it immediately relates to the sign it represents...

Salvador Teran earrings design # 121 is 1.25in. across in an arc shape. The stones sparkle and the earrings are without damage. There is a natural patina that is untouched and left for the buyers desire. Very well hallmarked and in your hands you will feel the quality of the thick silver. A treasure for collectors and especially for couture clothing or just jeans.

Monumental 9 strand sterling bracelet by Navajo silversmith George Kee during his time at the White Hogan Shop in Scottsdale, Az. It measures 5 3/4" around in the inside plus a 1 1/8 "opening. It is 2 3/4" wide in the front and tapers to 1" at the terminals. Fine original condition. Weighs 89 grams and is signed as shown. Make a statement with this bold and beautiful piece.

This versatile necklace designed & signed c. 1960's by San Miquel de Allende, Mexico artist Carmen Beckmann measures 25" long & weighs 63 grams. Comprised of polished turquoise & amethyst stones & interspersed with pearls the design is finished with a gem quality amethyst set into a beautiful & intricate 14K gold clasp with safety. It's been professionally restrung on silk cord. MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill includes Beckmann in a chapter on distinguished Women Designers of Mexico.

Beautifully rendered emulations of Margot de Taxco's koi fish earrings, this pair is signed by a maker who is known among collectors of vintage Mexican jewelry for his prowess in the art of repoussage and the high quality of his work. I think the point I am trying to make is amply illustrated by the bold repousse, the dark oxidation in the recesses of the design and the care that went into the finishing touches. As products of a minimally mechanized, hand-based process, the earrings differ sligh...

Sublime is not an exaggerated description for the Antonio Pineda crescents and shells necklace presented here. This is the second necklace of this design I have been lucky to come upon this year and I am sure it will not stay with me too long either. Antonio's design flexibility, his ability to create magnificent jewelry in more than one styles is phenomenal and even though he is primarily known as a modernist, in our case he imaginatively navigates the waters of a more classic index. Perfect cr...

Fabulous design! Mid-century sterling and green onyx necklace by Antonio Pineda. A stand out in every way, this necklace measures 15" (curved so hard to be exact) and is 1 1/8" wide. Very solid, weighing 106 grams. Fine original condition. Signed as shown. Gorgeous on!

A rarely seen vintage Antonio Pineda bracelet with trapezoid shaped 970 links each having a round amethyst ball. It measures 7" end to end and is 1" wide. Weighing 116 grams, it is in fine original condition with no chips or cracks to the amethysts and an intact safety chain. Signed as shown. A must have bracelet for the Antonio collector.

This is a superb sterling and Lone Mountain turquoise ring by Santo Domingo Pueblo artist Julian Lovato. He began working in 1938 and was a silversmith for Frank Patania Sr.in the Thunderbird Shop. He has won several awards for his outstanding creations. This ring is a size 13 ,weighs 28 grams and is in fine original condition. The magnificent stone alone measures 7/8" long and 5/8" wide. Signed as shown. This is a museum quality piece.

Today I am offering this signed Antonio Pineda archer cuff being 2.5in. tall and weighing 125 grams heavy. The cuff is most certainly a statement piece and certain to be gazed upon. The hunting scene is Lascaux inspired. The archers are cut out of the top layer of silver with niello being on the underneath layer of silver giving a shadow box effect. I am also listing the matching necklace to this bracelet. Please look at all the pictures as it is shown with the cuff.

It's almost the middle of August but this vintage Antonio Pineda brooch makes me think of leaves twirling in the wind filling the world with the fiery golds and reds of Fall. It is characteristic of the design genius inherent in some maestros that they can take a simple, familiar form and put such a twist to it (in our case literally), the form turns into a little work of art. This is a very sculptural brooch, the sense of motion it holds within it strong, its patina to die for. Real beauty does...

A gorgeous repousse clamper bracelet by Gerardo Lopez wrought in sterling silver, this is a perfect match for the necklace by the same artist available in my inventory - you can see the two pieces together in the next to last photo. Exceptionally well made, its quality reflects Lopez's mastery of repoussage and his design acumen. Fully signed with the maestro's signature as well as "980 HECHO EN MEXICO" and Eagle 25 assay mark and in excellent vintage condition with great patina and a tight hing...

Gorgeous set of Margot de Taxco dangle earrings, I believe this design is rather difficult to find in this form and I am thrilled to present it here. Ovals, curves, spheres and domes all combine to create a delightful pair of teardrop treasures that measure 1 7/8" long by 3/4" wide. The earrings weigh 14.6 grams (for the set) and are fully and appropriately marked with Margot's signature, Eagle 16 assay mark and des. no 5740 (I believe; it's double stamped and difficult to read). Dating in the ...

Slick, minimalist and yet so eye-catching, a pair of Margot de Taxco silver and enamel earrings with distinctive trapezoidal dangles. Just note the way the silver polka dots jump out of the white enamel background! The earrings measure 1 3/8" long by just over 1" wide (at their widest) and weigh 18.4 grams (for the set). Fully hallmarked as shown with Margot's name as well as Eagle 16 and des. no 5586 and in excellent vintage condition.

A very interesting yet no less monumental bracelet by Enrique Ledesma in which the maestro combines modernist silver work with curved stone tubes left unpolished- a rather unusual choice for him. I am intrigued by the combination and think that the stones are actually malachite with veins of pyrite in them. Vividly colored, the bracelet has a stunning presence because of its magnificently architectural links and it feels divinely around the wrist. It has an inner circumference of 6 1/2" (claspe...

A favorite designer of mine, Carmen Beckmann is one of the few female contributors to Mexico’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance that we know of. Mostly modernist, her work is known for its massive, at times, proportions (especially with her hinged bracelets) and her masterful use of semi-precious stones and gems. The star-form ring at hand is centered by a big, faceted color-change sapphire, that varies between amethyst and steely purple as the light changes. The star is raised above the similarly s...

A signature design for Margot de Taxco, the koi silver and amethyst clamper bracelet is a must-have for the dedicated collector and the lover of things beautiful alike. Executed in dramatic repoussage that looks more like sculpting because of its depth and the thick silver sheet used to craft it, Margot's original is far above and beyond all contemporary emulations be they signed by a known maker or anonymous. I leave the rest to the descriptive power of photography. The clamper has a 6 1/4" in...

Beautiful, elegant sterling silver necklace by Jens Tage Hansen, a Modernist silversmith working in Copenhagen 1954 - 1964. It measures 15" end to end and is 1" wide. Weighing 66grams, it is in fine original condition and signed as shown. A very striking piece on the neck.

This handmade pair of Tibetan boots was typically used by the Tibetan Minority groups for centuries. Each regional Tibetan group used its own distinct colored thread design pattern. Monks and officials also could be recognized by the thread design of their boots. These were a "commoners" boot and judging by their size, they were used by a young teenager. I suspect that they were only worn once or twice and they are in wonderful condition. Heel to toe they measure 9" and stand 12" high.

Rare Chambri / Aibom LARGE Pottery Cooking Pot - Papua New Guinea (Ex. 1970's Collection)

This large pottery bowl, or cooking pot, was part of a large collection of artifacts collected from the region of the Sepik River, Papau New Guinea in the 1970's. Most of the collection comprised wooden artifacts, but there were also some much rarer pottery items that we were able to acquire. It is from the village of Aibom which is the only village in this region to have clay suitable for this type of ...

Egg shaped vase with a black-red patina. Signed on the bottom. H. 18 cm. Showa period (1926-1989). Good condition, original tomobako. Master casting artist Kazan Yokokura continued to enter contests, mainly centered on Nitten Exhibition. 1915 Born in Yamagata Prefecture, northern Japan 1951 Won for the first time a prize at the Nitten Exhibition (and won many prizes at later exhibitions). 1959 Won special commendation "Hokuto Prize" at the Nitten Exhibition. 1966 Joined the jury of th...

Description:

A charming pebble jade carving of a tiger, cat or Huan was masterly done.
Crouching with her head resting on her front paws, she raised her left leg tickling the cheek when the long tail curling tightly to the side.
The fluent lineation work and excellent carving skill depicted the cat in a vivid way.
By the warm brownish patina due to the pebble’s natural encrustation and the intriguingly dying work, the jade piece expressed itself with attractive atmosphe...

Among Gerardo Lopez's most collected clamper designs, I love to refer to this specific creation as his "flames" bracelet because of the way the repousse rises in vivacious twists and twirls. This is indeed an impressive piece - like most of Lopez's clampers are - but not overwhelmingly involved and a sheer pleasure to wear. Its patina is warm and its hinge is tight as if it has been treated very gently throughout its long life. The clamper has an inner circumference of 6 7/8" and its width var...