18th Century Louis XV faience pitcher, France. A rare offering of a barbotine (raised figural details) large milk pitcher. The pouring spout is the head of a rooster, or  More »

18th Century Louis XV faience pitcher, France. A rare offering of a barbotine (raised figural details) large milk pitcher. The pouring spout is the head of a rooster, or cockerel; the head and trim details in dark sage green pigment. The figural details are leaves,fruit and classical embelishments Pitcher is most likely Strasborg in origin. Large service pieces are extremely scarce from the 18th century...Milk pitchers were knocked over by children, and of course France was ravaged by many wars. Green was a color seldom used alone. Dimensions: 8.5 Inches (22cms) Height x 9 Inches (23cms) Width Condition: Excellent for period. Minor rubs, small scratches. The interior was painted overglaze with milk paint, flaking,underglaze showing in spots.   « Less

KAMAKURA BORI covered bowl and plate with Cranes in a covered three piece set. Crane motif has great color and form. Notched detail on lid for tight fiting. Dimensions:  More »

KAMAKURA BORI covered bowl and plate with Cranes in a covered three piece set. Crane motif has great color and form. Notched detail on lid for tight fiting. Dimensions: Plate 9 1/4" Lid 6 1/4" Bowl 7" Condition: Very good, some wear appropriate for 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

ITALIAN MAJOLICA plates, "Four Seasons" in high relief BARBOTINE. The plates are signed DELLA CAVA, and are a magnificent statement for the collector of fine majolica and  More »

ITALIAN MAJOLICA plates, "Four Seasons" in high relief BARBOTINE. The plates are signed DELLA CAVA, and are a magnificent statement for the collector of fine majolica and barbotines. These hand thrown one of a kind sculptural display plates will enhance your country kitchen, or rustic dining room with unparalleled style and flair. PROVENANCE: Plates were on display for many years in a fine Italian restaurant in Huntington Beach, California. Dimensions: 15" Condition: Excellent   « Less

SEVRES ART NOUVEAU PORCELAIN COVERED vase.. This hand painted portrait Art Nouveau masterpiece has unparalleled elegance. Fine bronze ormolu mounts and rings. Signed by  More »

SEVRES ART NOUVEAU PORCELAIN COVERED vase.. This hand painted portrait Art Nouveau masterpiece has unparalleled elegance. Fine bronze ormolu mounts and rings. Signed by artist on front Lix. Truly exceptional Sevres quality. Dimensions: 15 inches, height 4 inches, width Condition Excellent   « Less

This is a magnificent enamel tray or plaque of a pair of flying Japanese white cranes on a golden and bronze background done in Shippo Yaki, or Japanese Wireless  More »

This is a magnificent enamel tray or plaque of a pair of flying Japanese white cranes on a golden and bronze background done in Shippo Yaki, or Japanese Wireless enamel. This is wireless enamel at its best. The plaque is signed on the reverse and comes in the original wooden box. Dimensions: 9 1/2"(24cm) Length 7"(17.50cm) Height Condition: Excellent, no damage Condition: Excellent, no damage   « Less

Here is a fine quality, underglaze blue and white "Sometsuke" Arita plate. Heavy porcelain, nice clean transferware, golden brown piecrust rim. Displays beautifully, circa  More »

Here is a fine quality, underglaze blue and white "Sometsuke" Arita plate. Heavy porcelain, nice clean transferware, golden brown piecrust rim. Displays beautifully, circa 1890-1920.   « 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

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