1. A fine Antique Russian ikat jacket in natural silk, geometric motif with beaded trim. Silk and cotton lining, Uzbekistan, Russia, 1890. [Alexander’s Antiques: Gallery 43/212.935.9386] It’s Textile Tuesday in the online art world. We’re celebrating with 10 exemplary antique textiles and tapestries recently added to our website. Textiles, which are defined as “yarns woven […]
Oh, to be in love, and with yourself, no less. This exquisite 18th century porcelain figurine by the preeminent Meissen porcelain modelleur, Johann Joachim Kändler (1707-1775) depicts a member of a commedia dell’arte comedy troupe in the guise of an innamorata, a character in love with another character, as well as himself. Begun in 16th […]
Every time you come across a sublime 19th century animal sculpture, you’re looking at a work that owes a debt to French sculptor Pierre Jules Mène (1810-1879). Considered the “pioneer of animal sculpture” in his time, Mène belonged to the elite school of French animalières that included Pierre Louis Rouillard, Antoine-Louis Barye, and his son-in-law […]
As it’s the haunting season, in this week’s NEW Vintage & Antique Finds, we feature a beautifully sinister hawk okimono that could give Edgar Allan Poe’s macabre raven a run for its money. This richly sculptured Meiji period okimono (which translates to “objet d’art”) features a predatory hawk chiseled in a naturalistic style with its […]
The third son of French sculptor, Jean Baptiste Moreau, Auguste Moreau (1834-1917) was proof that talent does indeed run in families. Along with his brother, acclaimed sculptor Mathurin, Auguste Moreau initiated himself into sculpture at a young age, and likely studied at one of the acclaimed art schools in Paris, such as “École des Beaux-Arts.” […]
The Novels of Jane Austen, 12 volumes exquisitely bound set of Jane Austen’s collected works. Bound in contemporary three quarter calf over marbled boards, gilt decorated spines with leather labels, top edges gilt. American, 1899. Approx. 7″ tall. Manhattan Rare Books, Gallery #90/212.326.8907 It has been a busy year for Janeites. As New York Times […]
This week’s featured NEW Vintage & Antique Find is this wonderfully dynamic bronze “okimono” (the Japanese term for objet d’art) from the artistically prolific Meiji period (1868-1912). The sculpture depicts two macaques performing the maxim embodied by sanbiki no saru (three monkeys): see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil. This playful realization has […]
“Nimba is the joy of living” for the Baga peoples of Guinea, Africa. The most vital of the Baga arts, the headdress known as Nimba or D’mba represents the “universal mother” in Baga society; a figure of fertility and protection who presides over important events like agricultural ceremonies, weddings, and funerals. According to the Metropolitan […]
Magnificent Sterling Silver Centerpiece by Buccellati, Sterling silver, Milan, Italy, 20th century. Gallery #65: Estate Silver/212.758.4858 Today in our NEW Vintage & Antique Finds series, we present a nautical fever dream from the incomparable high-end designer Buccellati. Easily Italy’s most renowned luxury jewelry brand, Buccellati brings an equally impressive stamp of “timeless eccentricity” to their […]
Judith Leiber Magenta and Gold Leather Handbag with Cord Strap, USA, 1980″s. 7″ x 5-1/2″. Gallery #35: Treasures & Pleasures/212.750.1929 Originating as a Twitter trend, Fashion Friday (or really, #FashionFriday) has spilled out across the blogosphere, making Friday not just the day to celebrate the start of the weekend (#TGIF) but the day to recognize […]