Ife, the capital and religious center of southwest Nigeria, was one of the first Sub-Saharan cities to emerge at the end of the first millennium A.D. A substantial number of  More »

Ife, the capital and religious center of southwest Nigeria, was one of the first Sub-Saharan cities to emerge at the end of the first millennium A.D. A substantial number of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic sculptures, made most frequently in terracotta although brass was also employed, were produced in the region between the 11th and the 15th centuries. This distinctive style is broadly referred to as “Ife,” even though some examples may come from other cities such as Owo. The brass objects especially are strikingly realistic, despite the fact they are almost certainly idealized portraits of dead kings, called Oni. The terracotta heads are more numerous and varied, no doubt a result of the comparative abundance and ease of working the material. Some of the faces, whether made of brass or terracotta, carry vertical parallel incisions, possibly representing scarification or body paint.This bronze sculpture, truncated at the figure’s waist, is a fine example of the Ife style. The overall molding of the figure and forms is remarkably naturalistic considering the general level of abstraction present in most styles of African art. The figure wears a tight fitting conical cap with a large projecting central crest with a star-shaped emblem. Such caps and ornaments occur frequently in Ife portraiture. This crown probably symbolizes the figure’s royal status, as does the series of intricately sculpted necklaces and pendants that weigh down his shoulders. Such necklaces and bracelets were, and still are, a sign of wealth and rank in African society. The figure also bears the pattern of vertical parallel incisions that is the hallmark of the Ife style across his torso and face. This magnificent sculpture reveals all the tremendous luxury and wealth that is Ife, home to one of the greatest artistic flourishings that Africa, and the world, have known. - (PF.6038)   « Less

Ife, the capital and religious center of southwest Nigeria, was one of the first Sub-Saharan cities to emerge at the end of the first millennium A.D. A substantial number of  More »

Ife, the capital and religious center of southwest Nigeria, was one of the first Sub-Saharan cities to emerge at the end of the first millennium A.D. A substantial number of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic sculptures, made most frequently in terracotta although brass was also employed, were produced in the region between the 11th and the 15th centuries. This distinctive style is broadly referred to as “Ife,” even though some examples may come from other cities such as Owo. The brass objects especially are strikingly realistic, despite the fact they are almost certainly idealized portraits of dead kings, called Oni. The terracotta heads are more numerous and varied, no doubt a result of the comparative abundance and ease of working the material. Some of the faces, whether made of brass or terracotta, carry vertical parallel incisions, possibly representing scarification or body paint.This bronze sculpture, truncated at the figure’s waist, is a fine example of the Ife style. The overall molding of the figure and forms is remarkably naturalistic considering the general level of abstraction present in most styles of African art. The figure wears a tight fitting conical cap with a large projecting central crest with a star-shaped emblem. Such caps and ornaments occur frequently in Ife portraiture. This crown probably symbolizes the figure’s royal status, as does the series of intricately sculpted necklaces and pendants that weigh down his shoulders. Such necklaces and bracelets were, and still are, a sign of wealth and rank in African society. The figure also bears the pattern of vertical parallel incisions that is the hallmark of the Ife style across his torso and face. This magnificent sculpture reveals all the tremendous luxury and wealth that is Ife, home to one of the greatest artistic flourishings that Africa, and the world, have known. - (PF.6039)   « Less

The original seated figure of Tada is among the supreme masterpieces of African art. A product of Ife craftsmen, it was originally located on the ancient northern frontier of  More »

The original seated figure of Tada is among the supreme masterpieces of African art. A product of Ife craftsmen, it was originally located on the ancient northern frontier of the Ife Kingdom in the modern Nupe town of Tada. Although it is unclear why this stunning sculpture was found so far north, it is believed that the work served as a marker indicating that one was entering the realm of Ife. This remarkable figure is famed for its realistic details and mastery of technique. This miniature bronze sculpture is a charming replica of the famed original. The sculptor has even recreated the fragmented arms and truncated leg. The attention to detail captures the essence of the masterpiece including the swelling belly and the wrapper that is overlain with a net of coral beads. The meaning of this replica is as mysterious as that of the Seated Figure of Tada. Is this charming sculpture a souvenir that would accompany a visitor home to impress others with the beauty of Ife craftsmen. Perhaps it was a miniature idol meant to be worshipped in private much like its larger counterpart is honored in public to ensure the fertility of the fields and the tribe. In either case, this work pays homage to one of the pinnacle works of African art. Much like a miniature Eiffle Tower or Statue of Liberty, this replica conjures the grandeur of the masterpiece it honors. - (PF.6044) Bronze Replica of the Ife Seated Figure of Tada -PF.6044Origin: Nigeria Circa: 20 th Century ADDimensions: 9.25" (23.5cm) high Collection: African Style: Ife Style Medium: Bronz   « Less

The art of Benin is the product of an urban royal court, and is meant to symbolize and to extol the power, mystique, grandeur, continuity, and endurance of the ruling  More »

The art of Benin is the product of an urban royal court, and is meant to symbolize and to extol the power, mystique, grandeur, continuity, and endurance of the ruling dynasty. Benin was controlled by the Oba, a divine ruler at the head of the political system. As the office of the Oba became increasingly ceremonial, the art produced evolved into an instrument of the state. Perhaps this politicized phenomenon of the arts is no better embodied than in the bronze plaques that once decorated the Oba’s palace. These plaques depicted scenes of court life as well as other ceremonial and symbolic events. However, much more than mere decoration, these sculpted tiles recorded the history and traditions of the Benin kingdom where the lack of a written language could not. Only a select number of plaques were displayed at any one time; the rest were stored in a special chamber of the palace presided over by an appointed expert who was in charge of interpreting and arranging the plaques. When disputes broke out at the court, they were often settled by consulting the plaques, for no one could argue with the will of the ancestors as represented by these bronze works. When the city of Benin was ransacked by the British punitive expedition in 1897, the soldiers brought the majority of the plaques back to London as booty. There, the Western world discovered the amazing artistry and technical sophistication of these relief sculptures. Today, these works are appreciated the world over and have became the most sought after works of African art. While authentic pieces rarely come up on the market (and normally fetch six figures when they do), this bronze plaque depicting an Oba riding a donkey flanked by two soldiers is a charming replica that offers all the beauty and majesty of the originals, if not the history. - (PF.6255)   « Less

Victorian cast iron umbrella cane stand c 1885. Measures 10 inches in diam. and 24.5 inches high. Excellent original condition.

Victorian cast iron umbrella cane stand c 1885. Measures 10 inches in diam. and 24.5 inches high. Excellent original condition.   « Less

Early 20th century carved wood Tibetan figure of Garuda c1920. Excellent carving detail, original finish.Measures 13 and one half inches tall. Old age crack to base.This  More »

Early 20th century carved wood Tibetan figure of Garuda c1920. Excellent carving detail, original finish.Measures 13 and one half inches tall. Old age crack to base.This piece is on display in our gallery at Clock TowerAntiques Center and can be seen in-person by visiting 824 E Main Street Branford,CT06405. For hours of operation visit: http://www.ClockTowerAntiquesCenter.com   « Less

A Continental 19th C. repousse brass panelled mirror with later antiqued rectangular glass & side panels; an overall foliate design in the classic Arabesque manner with  More »

A Continental 19th C. repousse brass panelled mirror with later antiqued rectangular glass & side panels; an overall foliate design in the classic Arabesque manner with detachable crest, displaying a flower & urn motif. Probably German. C. 1880 56" H X 34 1/2" W, overall   « Less

19thc silver plated continental dresser mirror with crown crest. This dresser mirror is in original condition with a silver over copper finish. Measures 15 inches wide by  More »

19thc silver plated continental dresser mirror with crown crest. This dresser mirror is in original condition with a silver over copper finish. Measures 15 inches wide by 18.25 inches high.   « Less

Pair iron lyre form hand wrought andirons. They each measure 14 inches high by 11.5 inches wide and 21 inches deep.

Pair iron lyre form hand wrought andirons. They each measure 14 inches high by 11.5 inches wide and 21 inches deep.   « Less

Trumeau gray-painted mirror. Very simple and understated flat panels and columns with softly muted original surface. Would work well with Swedish white painted antiques.  More »

Trumeau gray-painted mirror. Very simple and understated flat panels and columns with softly muted original surface. Would work well with Swedish white painted antiques. Measures 56 and one half inches wide by 50 and one half inches high.   « Less