European Decorative Objects

The value of change in a simple act. Karen Chekerdjian’s new creation puts design front and centre: from one foundation, multiple possibilities. Whether empty or filled with flowers,...

Sculpture Elliot Polished Bronze all in solid bronze in polished finish. Also available in green bronze finish, price 5250,00€.

A rare and large art glass sculpture by Maestro Loredano Rosin ( Italian 1936-1991) in amber Murano glass with an etch signature " L Rosin 76...

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....

Hand blown crystal vase/latern in light blue glass with lily of the valley decor all around. The blooms and leaves are hand-engraved by glass artists in Bavaria/Germany. The glass co...

A classical form inspired by faraway places, magically projected in the contemporary world by the new colours. It draws inspiration from faraway places, halfway between fantasy an...

Art Deco sculpture of two deer. Measures: Width 75 cm. height 38 cm. Weight 17 kg.

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

Hands-free painted porcelain vase with a hunting design with deers and trees all around. Lined with a green line and rimmed with a 24 carat gold line. Completely hand painted in Bava...

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

A unique bedroom armachair - elegant, comfortable and functional at the same time. Ancella is suitable for the bedroom and dressing-room. Beechwood frame. Shape-retaining polyuretha...

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

Humour is an italian large black marble photo frame. It is a sculpture of design and may carry 4 photos , 2 on the front, and 2 on the back, phot...

Completely handmade porcelain dish is hands-free painted in a traditional Chinese decor in green. Comes also in grey and in orange. Rimmed with a fine platinum line. Handmade in Bava...

Tea pot n°1– Diameter 16 x height 18cm Tea cup n°2– Diameter 10.5 x height 13.8 cm Coffee cup n°3– Diameter 10.5 x height 13.4 cm Milk jug n°4– Diameter 6.7 x height 8.6cm Sugar ...

Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....

Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...

Sculpture Gorilla Kong all in solid bronze. Limited edition of 8 pieces, numerated 8/8. By Richard Orlinski. Exceptional piece.

This stylish Leopard sculpture dates to the late 1950s-1960s and was Fabricated in Italy Signed. Ronzan numbered 1211/3 This porcelain sculpture of a Leopard is made by the Italian a...

With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. PIGMENT is proposed in a rich colour palette and is created in two sizes. Additional Information: Material: Glass Color: Opaline amber...

The designer of these amazing vintage French lucite modernist chess players from the 1970s are by Renee Dumas who is related to the Hermes family. They a...

Sculpture Danish dog In hand painted ceramic.

Model XXXL N. 002/2004 vase by Gaetano Pesce for Corsi Design Factory, 2004 Limited edition of 3 pieces. This vase is one of the three Gaetano Pesce has made to introduce his personal exhibition 'Il Rumore del Tempo' held at the Triennale in Milan (22 January-18 April...

Model XXXL N. 003/2004 vase made by Gaetano Pesce for Corsi Design Factory, 2004 Limited edition of 3 pieces. This vase is one of the three Gaetano Pesce has made to introduce his personal exhibition 'Il Rumore del Tempo' held at the Triennale in Milan (22 January - 18 April...

Rare pair of Swedish Mid-Century Modern handmade and hand decorated ceramic vases with semi-crackle glaze. By acclaimed Estonian-Swedish designer Mari Simmulson (1911-2000) who desig...

Bronze group of a Whippet and Pekingese dogs, inscribed P.J. Mene.

Maria Westra, sculpture, wood, perspex, The Netherlands, 1985. This breathtaking cubistic abstract sculpture is derived from Westra's interest in mo...

Important sculptural vase carved by hand from a solid block of Statuary marble. The precious white Statuary marble has always been the one preferred by sculptors and artists for thei...

This stunning and gorgeous Italian vintage hinged silver plate buckle box has a burgundy crocodile leather buckle part. It was professionally polished and the bottom of the box had t...

Graceful swirls of copper- and white-hued enamel encase this Art Deco-period vase by the Limoges-based Camille Fauré. It was crafted using Fauré's signature ra...

A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark.

An exceptional crystal vase cut into a relief of well-arranged diamond shapes and accented with silver and gold colored details. This piece, like many of Cristal Benito's extraordina...

Rustic one-of-a-kind, hand thrown stoneware pottery centerpiece bowl vase with lovely etched design. For Gustavsberg. Signed, with studio...

The time-honored decorative techniques of pietre dure and micromosaic are combined in this rare and exceptionally-crafted Grand Tour casket. Serving as a m...

Pair of French opaline bases, Baccarat, circa 1835.

Daum Nancy vase, circa 1900.

Smallest model of the famous "Clarté" “Lueur Lumineuse” Original “Max Le Verrier” Art Deco style, France. Table lamp, lighted sculpture made in spelter / white-bonze (french = Régu...

A pair of minimalist bookends from dated to the 1940s/1950s, showcasing exquisite horse heads. In the style reminiscent of Atelier Werkstätte Hagenauer, these bookends are fashioned ...

Signed Rancoulet. The bronze depicts the twelfth labor of Hercules.

A case of exquisite porphyry and doré bronze houses the verge movement of this rare clock by eminent English clock and watch maker John Ellicott. Ellicott's...

An Exceptional Quality Regency Period Rosewood Table Urn, Or Tazza, Having Crisply Carved Decoration To Moulded Edge And Turned Upright Support (This is a great example of the high quality objects which cabinet makers of early 19th century used to produce to compliment the furniture they had already created. This piece in particular clearly hails from a high end workshop evidenced by the exceptionally crisp carved decoration and high grade of rosewood used...

Bronze hound dog sculpture. Beautifully modeled and patinated French hunting hound on red oval marble base; great movement with two raised paws. France, late 19th century. Dimensions...

A fine small mottled glass coupe by the brothers Daum. Made in the 1920ties in Nancy, France in the art deco style. A cute little historic piece from a leading manufacturer of that e...

Planet in White and Apple Green is a unique glass sculptural artwork and centerpiece by the Swedish artist Lena Bergström. This piece is from an ongoing collection of works called th...

Roger Capron's Wall-mounted Sculpture Portrays a Face Inspired by Picasso. A Unique piece created in Vallauris, France. Raku, glazes, engravings, and slips. Signed. R. Capron. Emblem...

A Charming Late 18th Century Satinwood tea caddy, Having Attractive Conch Shell Inlaid Decoration To Front And Domed Top, Enclosing Double Lidded Interior. This attractive satin...

Great pair of carved wooden candleholders with their beautiful silver leaf gilding. Italy, circa 1750-1800. Weathered and small losses and old repairs. More photo's available on requ...

Vintage Murano ashtrays and bowls are the perfect ornament for any space. They are perfect with period appropriate mid century furniture, but a...

- All prices are listed ex works. - 5 year guarantee. - We regularly crate, ship and install PH Pianos worldwide with full insurance. Please contact us for individual shipping quote and for any questions. The PH Grand Piano...

One of Vicke Lindstrand's characterisitically elegant, stylized nude figures for the Orrefors glass company in Sweden at the height of the Art Deco era in 1939, this piece features a...

This is a beautiful antique French Limoges ormolu mounted rectangular bombe' shaped table casket, circa 1870 in date and bearing the Limoges marks on the underside. The Royal Blue c...

Reflection noir is an italian gold silver floral double photo frame with black marble, a jewel photo frame signed Laura G Art with Heart. It is hand...

This magnificent bust of Apollo, the Greek god of art, medicine, and music is directly inspired by the Classic marble statues in the Roman tradit...

A superb example of a German Cow Horn of plenty Cornucopia decorative Vase or Centerpiece, firmly attributed to the World-famous silver manufacturers Württembergische Metallwaren...

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern German vase by Ingrid Glas, circa 1970. This beautiful bright blue and clear vase brings a touch of fun and fantasy to any room with it's whimsical textu...

Double Heart is a unique arge Italian hand crafted wood double photo frame by sculptor Massimo Pasini. Wood is a very warm material and it is very m...