This chair was found in an old house in Lancaster, MA. There was a Shaker colony directly to the east of Lancaster in Harvard, MA, and another directly to the north of  More »

This chair was found in an old house in Lancaster, MA. There was a Shaker colony directly to the east of Lancaster in Harvard, MA, and another directly to the north of Lancaster in Shirley, MA. We cannot say that this is definitely a Shaker chair, but it does have a certain characteristics of the Shaker style, with its fairly plain stiles and stretchers. It is most certainly made by hand. There is a certain uneven quality to its construction; the left hand facing rear stile is 45” in height while the right hand facing rear stile is 44 ½” in height; however, the vasiform turnings at the base of the legs are of uniform height. There are hand-made square nails used in its construction. This is a four (4) slat ladder back arm chair which retains an old stained surface. It has four back slats which are curved on top and flat on the bottom, indicating a New England origin. The slats are made of oak; the rest of the chair is most probably ash or maple. The rush seat is in useable condition; there are several small areas of broken rush but the seat is still sturdy. It has shaped arms terminating in round pad hand rests which show plenty of wear. The stiles are topped with acorn and nipple finials which also display a great deal of wear. The plain turned double front stretchers also display wear. The legs terminate in vasiform turnings below the lower stretchers. The front stiles display the same vasiform turnings above the seat rail and below the hand rests. • Rear stile height is 45”/44 ½ ” from floor. • Seat height is 16 ½”. • Seat width at front is 17”. • Seat width at rear is 15 ½”. • Seat depth is 14”. • Width at top of stiles is 15 ½”. • There are 7 stretchers; 2 on each side, two in the front and one at the rear. • Weight is 13 lbs. This chair is solid and sturdy; the joints are tight and the rush is serviceable, although broken in several small places. The old stained surface is worn, especially on the arms, the front stretchers and the backs of the slats. There are nicks and scratches on the legs, stiles and slats, expected in a chair approaching 220 years of age. This chair may be picked up in Boylston, MA. We can arrange for delivery within 100 miles. Please e-mail for a delivery estimate with your location and particulars. If shipping is needed, please email for a quote to your destination. All items are sold "as is". This is an antique piece of furniture; small nicks and scratches are part of the beauty of an antique and are not described unless significant. Please ask any questions prior to offering to purchase.   « Less

Khmer Ekamukhalinga, 8th/9th Century Size: 11.75 inches high, 5 inches wide, 28 pounds SOLD: A linga, male phallus, symbolizes Shiva and his role in creation, and is  More »

Khmer Ekamukhalinga, 8th/9th Century Size: 11.75 inches high, 5 inches wide, 28 pounds SOLD: A linga, male phallus, symbolizes Shiva and his role in creation, and is called a Ekamukhalinga when it has a face depicted on its surface. They usually have three parts: the cubic base represents Brahma, an octagonal middle represents Vishnu and a cylindrical section with a rounded top represents Shiva. Shivaism was the main religion of Cambodia and Shiva was generally represented by his symbol, the linga. This was particularly true of the pre-Angkor period. While the linga in the form of a realistic phallus belonged, for the most part, to the pre-Angkor period, linga with faces (mukhalinga) is an iconographic characteristic that is exclusively pre-Angkorian. Like anthropomorphic statues, each linga seemingly has its own identity. A king who wanted to become associated with a divinity or reside in that god’s realm after his death erected a linga during his lifetime and gave it a name linking him to Shiva. The extreme popularity of the cult of the linga in Cambodia reflects the continuation of the animistic worship of rocks and other nature spirits that existed before contact with Indic religions occurred in mainland Southeast Asia. Thus an earlier Cambodian phallic fertility symbol that could inseminate the earth and make it fruitful was blended with Shivaism, resulting in a uniquely Khmer version of the Shiva linga cult.   « Less

Pair of Khmer Caparisoned Lions, 10th Century Lion #1: height 62.2 cm, Lion #2: height 62.5 cm Condition: Very good, a few minor losses and some deposits from  More »

Pair of Khmer Caparisoned Lions, 10th Century Lion #1: height 62.2 cm, Lion #2: height 62.5 cm Condition: Very good, a few minor losses and some deposits from burial These sandstone sculptures are an impressive and commanding pair of lions (Sanskrit: simhas), carved in the round, their robust modeling and vigorous proportions adding to their expressive presence. The menacing faces are characterized by grimacing mouths exposing strong teeth, a wide snout and bulging eyes framed by incised lotus leaf motifs. Outfitted with elaborate trappings, an emblem of sovereignty, they are bedecked with multi-sectioned anklets, a rosette collar, raised rosette and lotus pendants These lions, also referred to as yakshas (Sanskrit for “guardian” or “protector”), sit resolutely on their pedestals, with firmly planted paws, which arise from tense and formidable claws that continue into stout legs. The rear is emphasized by the flicked up tail that runs up the spine, culminating with the tufted tip, which lies upon the thick mane. Lions, just like Buddhism, made their way to ancient Cambodia by way of India, where they are considered secular and religious symbols of the throne. As king of all beasts, the lion is the symbol of Buddha Shakyamuni, who is also known as the “Lion of the Shakya clan”. Iconographically, their primary role is serving as the vehicle or throne for enlightened beings. In the Hindu religion and Khmer culture, the lion is an avatar of Vishnu called Narshima. In this form he killed Hiranyakashipu, a demon that posed as a god and prohibited the veneration of Vishnu. He tears the stomach open of the demon with incredible claws restoring the right of worship to the Hindi people. A semi-mythological creature to the ancient Khmers, the lion holds an esteemed place in their religions and artistry. Lions act as guardians and protectors of the temples by dressing the entrances, lining the balustrades and flanking the altars of the venerated. Originally purchased in New York in 1970.   « Less

Khmer Stele Frieze depicting Standing Dvarapala, 10th Century SOLD Dimensions: height 92.2 cm, width 45.7 cm, depth 13.5 cm An impressive large sandstone frieze in  More »

Khmer Stele Frieze depicting Standing Dvarapala, 10th Century SOLD Dimensions: height 92.2 cm, width 45.7 cm, depth 13.5 cm An impressive large sandstone frieze in very high relief depicting a Dvarapala guardian standing elevated on a small leaf-decorated plinth within a highly ornamented arched architectural frame. The Dvarapala is seen frontally, while his right hand is held up balancing a lance that is standing on the ground and facing up, and his lowered left hand holds a large lotus bud of a blue lotus. The Dvarapala’s face is that of a young male, with a benign expression. The beard lines were carefully incised, as well as the outlines of his eyes. The elongated earlobes and the three incised rings around his neck reveal the Dvarapala’s divinity. His neatly plaited tresses, represented by carefully incised striations, are swept up and the strands have been arranged into a chignon. The fingernails, toenails, chest and navel are delicately defined with incisions. The elaborate sampot flows in sinuous folds and is secured around the waist with a wide belt. Just above the head hangs an umbrella, suspended from the lower scalloped edge of the arch under which the Dvarapala stands. The arch is ornamented with intricate vine and foliage scrolls. The arch rests upon two square pillars that have capitals and bases decorated with two bands of overlapping palm leaf motif. Both the pillars and the wide ledge on the bottom upon which the pillars and the plinth rest are adorned with an incised flower pattern. Dvarapala guardians are protectors of the Hindu god Shiva and both the lance and the blue lotus are attributes of Shiva. They are somewhat rare in Khmer art, as Apsaras appear more often as temple guardians or exterior figures. Originally purchased in New York in 1970.   « Less

Antique English small mahogany desk or sofa table, imported from England and dating back to the late Victorian era, C.1880. There are 2 large drawers over 2 small drawers to  More »

Antique English small mahogany desk or sofa table, imported from England and dating back to the late Victorian era, C.1880. There are 2 large drawers over 2 small drawers to the front, creating a small knee hole. Each drawer has what looks to be the original wooden knobs and the wood grain on the front has developed a wonderful patina. It stands on 4 beautifully turned legs terminating in white porcelain casters. There is some minor wear throughout and some splitting on the sides due to climate change causing movement in the wood. I have tried to show as much as possible in the pictures and as you can see it is still a beautiful piece of old English furniture. Over all this piece is in solid, sturdy condition with minor age appropriate flaws. Dimensions: width 47 1/2", depth 19 1/2", desk top height 27 1/4", total height 29 3/4". Shipping quote available upon request, just send me your zip code.   « Less

Large antique English oak leather top knee hole desk, imported from England and dating back to C.1880. Make a statement with this fantastic desk. Not only does it look  More »

Large antique English oak leather top knee hole desk, imported from England and dating back to C.1880. Make a statement with this fantastic desk. Not only does it look impressive, it is functional also and ready for every day use. There are 2 drawer columns, one on each side, with 3 graduating drawers. The desk top sits snugly on top and has 3 drawers running across the front. All of the drawers have the original wooden knob handles and locks but no key. The writing top features the original green leather with gold tooled edge. There is some minor wear to the leather but I would consider it to be in very good condition for its age. It is finished on all sides so it could be free standing and not have to be up against a wall. As you can see in the pictures, this desk has developed a wonderful golden oak patina along with many character forming, age appropriate flaws. There is some splitting due to climate change causing movement in the wood. There is also an old repair to the center front of the right bottom drawer. There is some minor veneer loss, mainly to the base, along with general rustic wear throughout. Over all this beautiful piece of old English furniture is in solid, sturdy condition. Dimensions: width 54", depth 29 1/4", height 29 1/4", knee hole width 23", knee hole height 22 3/4". Shipping quote available upon request, just send me your zip code.   « Less

A remarkable antique Art Deco aluminum light fixture from the 1930’s. Found in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this light fixture features a streamlined two-tier design,  More »

A remarkable antique Art Deco aluminum light fixture from the 1930’s. Found in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this light fixture features a streamlined two-tier design, with a sleek canopy that mirrors the shape of the chandelier body. This light fixture is in excellent condition; it has been professionally rewired and comes with all the necessary attachments for modern installation. The chandelier body measures 15” wide and approx. 15” tall, and the fixture is approx. 36” long overall. NC1265-RW   « Less

An uncommon pair of antique Art Deco theater sconces, dating from the 1930’s. These cast aluminum sconces feature a bold, eye-catching design with streamlining at the  More »

An uncommon pair of antique Art Deco theater sconces, dating from the 1930’s. These cast aluminum sconces feature a bold, eye-catching design with streamlining at the top and middle, with stylized leaves at the bottom. These wall lamps are in excellent condition; they have been professionally rewired and come with all the necessary attachments for modern installation. The sconces are 12-3/4” tall, 10-3/8” wide, and project 10-1/2” from the wall. NSP712-RW   « Less

SOLD Khmer Pre-Angkor Stone Ganesha Height: 33.7 cm Ganesha was an important god in Southeast Asia; he is the Hindu elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. As a  More »

SOLD Khmer Pre-Angkor Stone Ganesha Height: 33.7 cm Ganesha was an important god in Southeast Asia; he is the Hindu elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. As a deity who removes obstacles, Ganesha is a god of success; in this sense, he is a deity that has great importance in terms of everyday existence. He was venerated before turning to other gods, thus removing potential obstacles between the worshipper and the divine. In Southeast Asia, Ganesha had a more independent status than in India; his images were often housed in separate temples as primary icons of worship. The vehicle of this enormous creature is the rat, implying the fusion of the great and small, a duality of macro- and microcosm that is also inherent in the combination of the elephant’s great strength with the intelligence of man. The absence of a headdress and any arm or belt ornamentation indicates a pre-Angkor period. The well-proportioned head is beautifully modeled and details are still clearly visible. In his left hand he holds a bowl of sweets that he enjoys, his trunk dipping into the treat, and in his right hand he holds the broken-off tusk. Ganesha’s remaining tusk is intact but the natural fracture of the stone can be seen and follows a similar natural fracture in the trunk. The sculpture is in excellent condition and has had no repair.   « Less

Ancient Egyptian faience tube beads with fine small faience beads from the 26th Dynasty, 664-535 BC. Put together in the mid century. A lovely rare find.

Ancient Egyptian faience tube beads with fine small faience beads from the 26th Dynasty, 664-535 BC. Put together in the mid century. A lovely rare find.   « Less