Rare Pair of Nymphenburg Bustelli Chine de Blanc Chinoiserie Figurines The Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory (in German: Porzellanmanufaktur Nymphenburg), manufacturer  More »

Rare Pair of Nymphenburg Bustelli Chine de Blanc Chinoiserie Figurines The Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory (in German: Porzellanmanufaktur Nymphenburg), manufacturer of Nymphenburg porcelain, is situated in the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, capital of Bavaria, and since the mid-eighteenth century has been manufacturing porcelain of high artistic value. After his accession in 1745 Maximilian III Joseph, Prince-Elector of Bavaria, commanded the establishment of manufacturing companies in order to bail out the state finances. From 1747 attempts were made to manufacture porcelain and at the end of that year the former Neudeck Castle in the area now the Munich suburb of Au-Haidhausen was made available for that purpose. Up to 1754 the experiments were a miserable failure and lost considerable amounts of money, but in that year the efforts to manufacture porcelain finally began to succeed. In 1755 the factory received its first commission from the Bavarian court and in 1756 came the first success in painting the porcelain in color. The management of the jurist and entrepreneur Count Sigmund von Haimhausen from 1758 ensured that the factory was placed on a sound commercial footing. By 1761 it had moved to the Nymphenburg Palace, where it still is today. Among the great artists who followed Bustelli were Dominikus Auliczek the elder (1734—1804) and Johann Peter Melchior. A great promoter of the works was Ludwig I who gave them many commissions. Particular favorites were dinner services with copies of famous paintings or with Bavarian landscapes in an antique style. In 1822 Friedrich von Garner, the fashionable architect, was appointed artistic director of the factory. In the middle of the 19th century its financial position deteriorated to the extent that in 1856 all artistic production was halted and it was decide to privatize the factory. It was leased out for the first time in 1862 and its focus shifted to the production of technical, medical and sanitary porcelain goods. In 1887 Albert Bäuml (1855—1929) took a lease of the factory. His aim was to regain the previous high artistic level of the factory’s products: it was Bäuml, for example, who “rediscovered” Bustelli. This aim was realized at around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and besides historical copies, elegant Jugendstil ceramics were developed. Here is an impressive Rare Pair “Nymphenburg Bustelli Chinoiserie Figurines”, each signed as featured with the Crest and the factory mark. Quite a rare find in excellent condition. This is a great Museum Quality Work by this Studio. This will give a collector of fine art many years of enjoyment and a great investment in a fine 19—20 porcelain art. This Lovely pair is 6 inches tall and 3 inches diameter at the base. Take the time to look at the outstanding detail of both works. Take note: These are very rare and not often found on the market and when they are, usually priced at $5,000.00 for the pair.   « Less

The Capo De Monte logo Crown and Neapolitan N was originally painted or impressed on porcelain and ceramics produced at the Royal Factory in Naples from 1759 to 1780 and was  More »

The Capo De Monte logo Crown and Neapolitan N was originally painted or impressed on porcelain and ceramics produced at the Royal Factory in Naples from 1759 to 1780 and was synonymous with the finest quality Neapolitan porcelain and ceramics from that period onwards. However, the Capo Di Monte logo, in the present day is not necessarily a guarantee ceramic quality. Neither is it a guarantee that the product is in fact porcelain or ceramic. The Royal Factory in Naples in the eighteenth century, and which today no longer exists. Capo di Monte multicolored late 19 Century Beggar with Rosary figurine signed with the blue Crown as shown(see pix)stands at 6.25 inches tall on a square base of 2.75 inches and in good condition free of any visible damage or repairs.   « Less

Here we have a rare, rare Matching Ludwigsburg “Pair of A Boy and A Girl”, marked with the enclosed mark The mark appears in the Book of Porcelain  More »

Here we have a rare, rare Matching Ludwigsburg “Pair of A Boy and A Girl”, marked with the enclosed mark The mark appears in the Book of Porcelain Marks by Kovel stating "Ludwigsburg Germany hard paste, mark painted in blue under glaze, period of Duke Carl Eugen 1744 to 1793. This mark was used between 1758 and 1793. See photos of mark. Each work is 4.75 inches tall, 2.25 inches wide and 1.75 inches deep approximate. Small flee-bites in the floras and in good condition CONSIDERING THE AGE (see Photos).   « Less

Sitzendorf Porcelain The history of the town and people of Sitzendorf Germany goes back a long way and the history of Sitzendorf porcelain is just as long. A theology student  More »

Sitzendorf Porcelain The history of the town and people of Sitzendorf Germany goes back a long way and the history of Sitzendorf porcelain is just as long. A theology student called Georg Heinrich Macheleidt received permission from the regional prince in Germany to set up a porcelain manufacturing company in the small town of Sitzendorf. In 1760, the first porcelain factory was established. It was moved to Volkstedt in 1762. The actual manufacturer of figurines began in the town of Sitzendorf in 1884 though the factory began working with porcelain in 1850. By 1809, the company had a second factory and had introduced steam power that helped them employ a total of 300 employees in two factories in a town with a population of 700. The factory remains in operation into the present day. Sitzendorf porcelain is identified and valued by its year of manufacture. The year and the stamping on the porcelain indicate under which of the owner managers the piece was produced. Everything from the Macheleidt period would obviously be the most valuable (determined of course by condition). There are several distinct periods in the management history of the factory. The porcelain manufacture was reestablished in Sitzendorf in 1850 by Wilhelm Liebmann who held control over the establishment until a fire in 1858 gutted the factory building and led him to retire. The factory was rebuilt and reopened under the Voigt brothers management. Alfred and Carl ran things until 1896 when Albert Schonau ran the company as a public corporation with stock valued at a million German marks. This lasted until 1932 when the factory nearly collapsed under the weight of socioeconomic depression. Porcelain bearing indications of manufacture before 1932 are most prized by collectors. Post 1932 until the early 1970s marks another period which provides the market for the more recent and thus more accessible (and thus less valuable) porcelain pieces. There are two leading indicator marks on genuine Sitzendorf porcelain. The blue crown over the letter S with a double cross slash mark is one and the double cross slash alone is the other. Both are in a deep blue and appear on all items from the Sitzendorf factory. There may be accompanying marks such as: “GERMANY” stamp on the bottom or a production number or code. The marks represent three distinct stages in the life history of the Sitzendorf factory. The oldest mark includes the Germany stamp and dates from 1884 to 1896. The blue mark with the crown dates from 1902 to 1972 and the other blue mark dates from 1954 to the present day. The double slash mark alone is one of the earliest marks dating back to when the Voigts were in charge of production. Sitzendorf porcelain includes not only figurines but vases, lamps, dolls, bowls, mantle mounts, wall brackets, compotes and urns (to name a few). All are well colored, highly ornate and more collector items than practical products. They are representative of the Dresden style of porcelain. Dresden style porcelain is distinguished by the use of flowers, shells, fruits, leaves and scroll work. The actual porcelain is so white it is almost translucent and often includes a gold edging. Sitzendorf is just one of the German porcelain makers referred to as Dresden. Most collectible among the Sitzendorf range of porcelain are the lace figurines first produced under the Voight owners beginning in the mid 1880s. The lace look was accomplished by dipping real fabric lace into porcelain and firing the result. Here we have a lovely Sitzendorf “Cherub or Angel with a Book” faintly signed with the ”S” and “Germany” in blue on the base. This Charming figurine stands 5.50 inches tall on a 3 by 3 inch base. This and the second one are both in mint condition in mint condition.   « Less

Tyche (Tiche) Porcellane D’arte Established by Cav. Franco Perego in 1962, Tyche Porcellane d’arte has long been one of the most renowned art manufacturers in  More »

Tyche (Tiche) Porcellane D’arte Established by Cav. Franco Perego in 1962, Tyche Porcellane d’arte has long been one of the most renowned art manufacturers in Italy, well recognised and appreciated for its top quality creations, whose manufacturing philosophy still requires products completely handcrafted by skilful artisans, model makers and decorators. In this scenario, where technology is restricted to modern kilns, you can be fascinated by a manufacturing process that turns a very fine white powder made of kaolin, felspar and white quarz into a beautiful art object, as by magic. A daily miracle stems from a clay model created by talented sculptors (Tyche roster of collaborators includes the like of Alessandro Maggioni and Giorgio Galletti) – a mixture that is then worked skilfully, shaped, fired in a kiln and decorated to become a wonderful work of art. The amazing thing is that in an economic context where manufacturing is more and more automated and the virtual is becoming the actual, here in Tyche you can still see simple but expert hands move quickly and precisely to create precious objects — little masterpieces conveying harmony and beauty, perfectly following in the wake of the best Italian handicraft. A faithful guardian of ancient artistic traditions for over 40 years, Tyche is now one of the very few art manufacturers that uses the secrets and knowledge passed on from one generation to the next over centuries to fire porcelain in kilns at a temperature of up to 1,400°C. This porcelain is so hard that can be used to manufacture unique white objects whose exceptional thinness and translucency can create fascinating see-through effects. The founder’s daughter and sons – Cristiana, Luca and Lamberto – are committed to continuing the philosophy of care and love for the work of their father’s times, manufacturing fine objects for real experts, sometimes magnificently embellished with art bronzes designed by FBAI. Tyche Porcellane “Tambour 1808” Figurine Here we have one of several from a Naples, Florida estate. TYCHE PORCELLANE D’ARTE Figurine, signed as shown, stands at 11 inches high, in good condition and with no visible damage, repairs or other defects.   « Less

The Derby Porcelain Company is a porcelain manufacturer, based in Derby, England. The company, particularly known for its high-quality bone china, has produced tableware and  More »

The Derby Porcelain Company is a porcelain manufacturer, based in Derby, England. The company, particularly known for its high-quality bone china, has produced tableware and ornamental items since approximately 1750. In 1745 André Planché, a Huguenot immigrant from Saxony, settled in Derby, where between 1747 and 1755 he made soft-paste porcelain vases and figurines. At the beginning of 1756 he formed a business partnership with William Duesbury (1725 — 1786), a porcelain painter formerly at Chelsea porcelain factory and Longton Hall, and the banker John Heath. This was the foundation of the Derby company, although production at the works at Cockpit Hill, just outside the town, had begun before then, as evidenced by a creamware jug dated 1750, also in the possession of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Planché disappeared from the scene almost at once, and the business was developed by Duesbury and Heath, and later Duesbury alone. A talented entrepreneur, Duesbury developed a new paste which contained glass frit, soaprock and calcined bone. This enabled the factory to begin producing high-quality tableware. He quickly established Derby as a leading manufacturer of dinner services and figurines by employing the best talents available for modelling and painting. Figure painting was done by Richard Askew, particularly skilled at painting cupids, and James Banford. Zachariah Boreman and John Brewer painted landscapes, still-lifes, and pastorals. Intricate floral patterns were designed and painted by William Billingsley. In 1770, Duesbury further increased the already high reputation of Derby by his acquisition of the famous Chelsea porcelain factory in London. He operated it on its original site until 1784 (the products of this period are known as “Chelsea-Derby”), when he demolished the buildings and transferred the assets, including the stock, patterns and moulds, and many of the workmen, to Derby. Again, in 1776, he acquired the remainder of the formerly prestigious Bow porcelain factory, of which he also transferred the portable elements to Derby. In 1773, Duesbury’s hard work was rewarded by King George III, who after visiting the Derby works granted him permission to incorporate the royal crown into the Derby backstamp, after which the company was known as Crown Derby. In 1786, William Duesbury died, leaving the company to his son, William Duesbury II, also a talented director, who besides keeping the reputation of the company at its height developed a number of new glazes and body types. What an impressive Rare & Early 18th Century Derby “Pair of Imari Snuff Bottles.” These bottles are 3.50 inches tall and 3 inches in diameter and is in good condition with the exception of one spot ( look at the images ) and with normal sign of use and little discoloration that can be bleached out.   « Less

In the late eighteenth century New Hall made ceramic history as the first pottery in Stafford shire to manufacture porcelain successfully. A previous attempt at Longton Hall  More »

In the late eighteenth century New Hall made ceramic history as the first pottery in Stafford shire to manufacture porcelain successfully. A previous attempt at Longton Hall had ended in failure in 1760. Around 1780 A syndicate of Stafford shire's potters purchased Cook worthy's patent from Richard Champion, and under the latter's guidance settled at New Hall to make porcelain. John Turner, famous in the annals of pottery, Potter to the Prince of Wales, was a founder member of the company by whom Shelton Hall (New Hall) was acquired. This company was Hollins, Warburton and Co and it was they who acquired Champion's patent and began to make porcelain. This, the second effort to establish the manufacture of porcelain in Stafford shire was successful, and marked the beginning of the Stafford shire porcelain industry In the late eighteenth century New Hall made ceramic history as the first pottery in Staffordshire to manufacture porcelain successfully. A previous attempt at Longton Hall had ended in failure in 1760. About 1780 a syndicate of Staffordshire’s potters purchased Cookworthy’s patent from Richard Champion, and under the latter’s guidance settled at New Hall to make porcelain. John Turner, famous in the annals of pottery, Potter to the Prince of Wales, was a founder member of the company by whom Shelton Hall (New Hall) was acquired. This company was Hollins, Warburton and Co. and it was they who acquired Champion’s patent and began to make porcelain. This, the second effort to establish the manufacture of porcelain in Staffordshire was successful, and marked the beginning of the Stafford shire porcelain industry. Early New Hall Bowl Unusual floral pattern. This one is circa 1790 8” diameter x 1¾” deep and in good condition, free of any damage or repairs!   « Less

Baccarat Crystal is a manufacturer of fine crystal glassware located in Baccarat, France. The company owns two museums: the Musée Baccarat in Baccarat,  More »

Baccarat Crystal is a manufacturer of fine crystal glassware located in Baccarat, France. The company owns two museums: the Musée Baccarat in Baccarat, Meurthe-et-Moselle and the Galerie-Musée Baccarat, on the Place des États-Unis in Paris. Groupe du Louvre is the majority shareholder of the company. In 1764 King Louis XV of France gave permission to found a glassworks in the town of Baccarat in the Lorraine region in eastern France to Prince Bishop Cardinal Louis-Joseph de Laval-Montmorency (1761—1802). Production consisted of window panes, mirrors and stemware until 1816 when the first crystal oven went into operation. By that time over 3000 workers were employed at the site. Baccarat received its first royal commission in 1823. This began a lengthy line of commissions for royalty and heads of state throughout the world. Here we have the Baccarat Crystal Tiger, signed in the base with the white stamp. This is 5.50 inches long and 2.25 inches tall in mint condition and with NO box.   « Less

The beginnings of glass making in Ireland are lost in the mists of time but there is sufficient archaeological evidence to show that, from the early Iron Age, glass was  More »

The beginnings of glass making in Ireland are lost in the mists of time but there is sufficient archaeological evidence to show that, from the early Iron Age, glass was regarded with respect. Indeed, medieval documents can prove glass making existed in Ireland back in the middle 13th century However, the Waterford Crystal story started to blossom in 1783 when two brothers, George and William Penrose, founded their crystal manufacturing business in the busy port of Waterford. They were important developers and the city’s principal exporters. The development, they told the Irish Parliament, cost £10,000 — a great deal of money in the 18th century. They employed 50 to 70 people, led by a fellow Quaker, John Hill, from Stourbridge in England, and succeeded in producing crystal with a purity of color unmatched in Ireland or England. Merchant ships sailed regularly from the port of Waterford with cargoes of crystal bound for Spain, the West Indies, New York, New England and Newfoundland. But less than 100 years later the initial company failed due to lack of capital and excessive taxation. In what seems a remarkably short time, Waterford Crystal acquired an unequaled reputation that has transcended the intervening centuries. Another century passed before the enterprise was revived. In 1947, while Europe was still in ruins after the Second World War, a small glass factory was set up in Waterford just 1½ miles from the site of the original glass factory. Waterford Crystal today has very strong links with its illustrious predecessor. There is today the same dedication to the purity of color, to the same design inspiration and to the same pursuit of highest quality levels possible. The traditional cutting patterns made famous by the artisans of Waterford became the design basis for the growing product range of the new company. Waterford Crystal, today, is the leading brand of premium crystal. Its products — superb handcrafted crystal stemware, giftware and lighting ware — are designed and manufactured to the highest standards. Here we are honored to offer Vintage Waterford Crystal Limited Edition World Glode, closed Edition, made in IRELAND of a closed and retired edition of only 200, 12" tall and 22" in diameter and in great condition. Signed with WATERFORD WITH THE SEAHORSE ONLY. No COA. There are NO visible damages or repairs, without the original box. This is no longer produced in Ireland OR anywhere else. These from the Master Cutters Works, are becoming very rare on the open market.   « Less

Belleek Pottery Ltd is a porcelain company that began trading in August 1884 as the Belleek Pottery Works Company Ltd in Belleek, County Fermanagh, in what was to become  More »

Belleek Pottery Ltd is a porcelain company that began trading in August 1884 as the Belleek Pottery Works Company Ltd in Belleek, County Fermanagh, in what was to become Northern Ireland. Pottery in the region began around 1849, after John Caldwell Bloomfield inherited his father’s estate. Seeking to provide employment for his tenants, who had been affected by the Irish potato famine and, being an amateur minerologist, he ordered a geological survey of his land. On finding that the area was rich in minerals, Bloomfield went into partnership with London architect Robert Williams Armstrong and Dublin merchant David McBirney. In setting up a pottery business, Bloomfield managed to get a railway line built to Belleek so that coal could be delivered with which to fire kilns. Building started on the pottery in 1858. Initially starting with domestic products, it wasn’t until 1863 that small amounts of the Parian porcelain for which Belleek is famous for to this day, was successfully produced. By 1865, the prestige of the company had increased enough that its market included Ireland, England, the United States, Canada and Australia, and clients included the Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria and the nobility. The original owners had all died by 1884, and a local group of investors acquired the concern and named it Belleek Pottery Works Company Ltd. Master craftsmen Frederick Slater moved from England to Belleek in 1893 and by 1920 high quality porcelain was becoming the mainstay of the business. The company struggled throughout the First and Second World Wars, and the company concentrated on producing earthenware during these periods. After the Second World War, Belleek Pottery stopped production of earthenware entirely. The Pottery began the change from coal fired kilns to electric powered kilns from 1952. In 1983 the Industrial Development Board gave financial assistance to the company and installed Roger Troughton as the Managing Director. The following year Troughton made a successful bid for the sale of the company. In 1988, Dungannon-based Powerscreen International bought the company and opened a Visitor Centre the following year. 1990 saw the enterprise changing hands again. Dundalk-born US-based Dr. George G. Moore remains the owner to this day, though the company is run locally by four Directors. Since then Belleek Pottery has expanded its size in terms of factory space, acquisitions of other companies, staff and turnover. Subsidiary companies now include Galway Crystal, Aynsley China and Donegal Parian China. It employs more than six hundred people and enjoys an annual turnover of around £30 million. Earlier Belleek “Aberdeen Vase-Pitcher” Brown Mark Here we have a lovely Earlier Belleek “Aberdeen Vase-Pitcher” Brown Mark, impressed into the base of the work BELLEEK in retrospect, Belleek stamp in BROWN, standing at 9 inches tall, 6 inches wide at the base and in good condition. No visible signs of any damage, repairs or breaks. Hand applied flowers with great details and would make a great addition to any collection!   « Less