Important to knitting and other needlework of days gone past was this sort of bowl to keep the yarn from rolling all over the place. This beautiful one is exquisitely turned  More »

Important to knitting and other needlework of days gone past was this sort of bowl to keep the yarn from rolling all over the place. This beautiful one is exquisitely turned of coromandel wood or calamander ebony. There a few minor chips around the rim, but overall it is in very fine condition. British, probably early to middle Nineteenth Century. Approximately two inches high and 3-1/4 inches in diameter.   « Less

This urn-shaped coquilla nut pounce pot combines fine turning with delicate designs formed by small machine-turned repetitions of varying sorts to produce rosettes,  More »

This urn-shaped coquilla nut pounce pot combines fine turning with delicate designs formed by small machine-turned repetitions of varying sorts to produce rosettes, festoons, etc. with a dramatic effect. Possibly English or Continental, maybe scrimshaw of Napoleonic prison-of-war art, it is hard to pinpoint exactly where it was made, but wherever, it was certainly well thought out. Early Nineteenth Century. Mint condition. Approximately 2-5/8 inches high and 1-3/4 inches in diameter.   « Less

This finely crafted Indonesian betel nut box is the finest I have ever come across. The strapwork decorated body is in clearest white paktong, an alloy of copper, nickel and  More »

This finely crafted Indonesian betel nut box is the finest I have ever come across. The strapwork decorated body is in clearest white paktong, an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc much favored as a tarnish-free silver substitute by British silversmiths in the Eighteenth Century. There are three compartments inside for the betelnuts and the lime and betel leaves necessary for chewing them. Indonesian, Nineteenth Century. Approximately 7-3/4 inches long by four inches wide by 2-3/4 inches high. Superb condition.   « Less

Here is an excellent example of Georgian handicraft: a penwork stationery box of simple black and gilt borders surrounding transfer scenes of a stately building, a fantasy  More »

Here is an excellent example of Georgian handicraft: a penwork stationery box of simple black and gilt borders surrounding transfer scenes of a stately building, a fantasy London, a village and a holiday market square. In very fine, aged condition, it retains its original gilt fittings, its well-preserved wallpaper lining, even its original key. It is only a shame that the billets doux it no doubt harbored are no longer contained within. English, circa 1810. Approximately 6-1/4 inches by 10 inches by 3-1/2 inches.   « Less

This exceptional pair of figures depicts the Buddhist lions (shishi or foo dogs) that represent the male and female principle of balance. In exceptionally hard black granite  More »

This exceptional pair of figures depicts the Buddhist lions (shishi or foo dogs) that represent the male and female principle of balance. In exceptionally hard black granite they are carved in fine detail, he with the brocade ball beneath his front paw, she with a puppy beneath hers. Similar pieces from the treasure junk Tek Sing are being auctioned right now. Chinese, late Eighteenth to early Nineteenth Centuries. Approximately 5-1/4 inches tall by 4-1/2 inches long by 3 inches broad.   « Less

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  More »

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. Circa 1740 to 1800.   « Less

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  More »

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.   « Less

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  More »

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. Approximately 8-1/2 inches high by six inches wide by 3-1/2 inches deep.   « Less

An unusual example of of Persian metalwork -- possibly crafted in China for the Persian market -- in a graceful form. The widely flared top portion is deeply fluted and  More »

An unusual example of of Persian metalwork -- possibly crafted in China for the Persian market -- in a graceful form. The widely flared top portion is deeply fluted and bears finely detailed engraving of flowers along its lobated edges. The uneven number of sections indicates that the piece was hand wrought, not cast. The bulbous body, also delicately engraved with floral motifs, has a plain collar above and an ogeed base below. Of thick gauge, the vase is formed of paktong (or tutenag, an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc), which was introduced in the Eighteenth Century to British silversmiths, such as Matthew Boulton, who used it in fashioning candlesticks, wine labels, etc., as a replacement for highly taxed sterling. Persian or Chinese, late Sixteenth Century. Mint condition. Approximately 5-1/2 inches high and six inches in diameter at the top.   « Less

A delightful Louis XVI tortoiseshell etui with pique-d'argent inlays in the form of classical festoons and stars. On either side is an oval lozenge , one of which bears  More »

A delightful Louis XVI tortoiseshell etui with pique-d'argent inlays in the form of classical festoons and stars. On either side is an oval lozenge , one of which bears the initials "LAW." Originally, it would have held a pair of dainty scissors of some other personal conceit, but now could serve as a pillbox or matchbox. The condition is superb, with only a minute separation on one side where the tortoiseshell meets. Tapering form, approximately 2-3/8 inches by 1-5/8 inches at the top by 1/2 inch thick.   « Less