A fine and early 19th century Lacquer on wood bowl. This is indeed a rare find,a treasure for the most discerning collector of fine Japanese Lacquer. The bowl is thin wood,  More »

A fine and early 19th century Lacquer on wood bowl. This is indeed a rare find,a treasure for the most discerning collector of fine Japanese Lacquer. The bowl is thin wood, with very fine lacquer and beautifully detailed paintings of Morning Glories and Birds. This lovely bowl dates to the mid 1800's, possibly earlier and is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 9"(22.50cm) Condition: Dry, as found, no damages, normal wear for the period.   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.802Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.1 " (5.3cm) high x 6.5 " (16.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern Medium: Terracotta   « Less

Here is a rare and finely crafted porcelain CHINESE PUG DOG figurine, with strong style and great charm. The figurine, is mid 19th century continental, probably German by  More »

Here is a rare and finely crafted porcelain CHINESE PUG DOG figurine, with strong style and great charm. The figurine, is mid 19th century continental, probably German by Kandler. The details and mellow colors are rich and the style of the dog is adorable, complete with a collar of bells on this Smug Pug. Super investment quality. Condition: Excellent. Fine patinated color, no chips, frits or hairlines. Dimensions: Length 6"(15.25cm),br> Height 3 1/4"(8cm)   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.800Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.1 " (5.3cm) high x 6.5 " (16.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern Medium: Terracotta   « Less

Here is a delightful rare and nostalgic find. This is an early twisted wire and screen covered ENGLISH VICTORIAN container in original chocolate brown paint. This covered  More »

Here is a delightful rare and nostalgic find. This is an early twisted wire and screen covered ENGLISH VICTORIAN container in original chocolate brown paint. This covered basket was used to protect cakes and pastries on the Victorian Tea table. The ornately twisted wire and screen panels are set into a wooden frame and fits snuggly on lower wooden case. Dimensions: 10"(25.50cm) Height to finial from base 10"(25,50cm) Width Condition: Very good for period. One twisted wire is missing from the top. Screen is all intact, some separation along one edge. All original.   « Less

Royal Crown Derby porcelain creamer, with floral sprays. Exquisite delicate hand painted details with gilt accents. Note spray in interior. This creamer will stand alone, or  More »

Royal Crown Derby porcelain creamer, with floral sprays. Exquisite delicate hand painted details with gilt accents. Note spray in interior. This creamer will stand alone, or blrnd with so many China table settings. Dimensions: 4 1/2"(11.5cm) height 7"(117.5cm)width Condition: excellent, signed reverse, England   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.802Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.1 " (5.3cm) high x 6.5 " (16.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern Medium: Terracotta   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.802Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.1 " (5.3cm) high x 6.5 " (16.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern Medium: Terracotta   « Less

French Faience 18th century Charger Plate with hard to find relief embossed (barbotine) floral motif and border. The bold server is thickly potted with fine hand done detail.  More »

French Faience 18th century Charger Plate with hard to find relief embossed (barbotine) floral motif and border. The bold server is thickly potted with fine hand done detail. An elegant and rare find from the mid to late 18th century,from Burgundy region, possibly Nevers. Magnificent accent with bold color and flair, an advanced collectors treasure, in exceptional condition Unsigned Dimensions: 14.5 Inches Length 11.75Inches Width Condition: Very fine for age. A somewhat grayish worn spot from centuries useage on front, no repairs or chips. Exceptionally well potted. No signatures or makers marks.   « Less

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were  More »

Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.The incantations were written in a variety of Aramaic dialects including Jewish Aramaic, Mandaic and Syriac. There are also examples written in Pseudo-script, presumably by less literate scribes. Although the texts are not dated they are generally assigned to the late Sassanian/ early Islamic period (6th-8th century A.D.). Their main function was to trap evil spirits and they were often placed upside down at the corners of rooms, or built into foundations or cemeteries. The texts sometimes instruct them to be placed ‘at the four corners (of the room)’ for extra protection. The names of the clients for whom the bowls were made can be divided into two main categories- Semitic and Persian. However this is not always a reliable guide to their ethnicity. Jewish influence on the Mandaic inscriptions was minimal but is pronounced in the Aramaic incantations. Many of the scribes may have been Jewish or trained by Jews, and the Hebrew Bible is frequently quoted. Inscribed with magic texts, these bowls were used to ward off evil spirits and protect family and property. Unearthed at relatively high levels of excavation, they were neglected by the nineteenth century pioneers of Mesopotamian archaeology who were more interested in discovering palace foundations and large-scale sculpture. In more recent years however their importance has been recognised and they have been studied in-depth.Terracotta Incantation Bowl - LO.802Origin: Mesopotamia Circa: 500 AD to 800 ADDimensions: 2.1 " (5.3cm) high x 6.5 " (16.5cm) wide Collection: Near Eastern Medium: Terracotta   « Less