Vintage Pair of Brass Eagle Bookends or Doorstops

A superbly decorative six-panel lacquered 'Coromandel' screen, exquisitely carved and hand-painted with oriental figures, flowers and exotic beasts on a dark brown background, in the traditional 17th century manner.  China, Canton, Qing dynasty, late 19th – early 20th century. Why we like it We like its impressive proportions which make it perfect for a feature wall, and the exquisite quality of decoration. The subtlety of colours lends a 'soft' look to the piece. The central motif depicts a scene set in the gardens of a Han dynasty palace, while the outer borders are decorated with the “one hundred antiques” motif interspersed with floral arrangements. In this regard, the present screen not only conveys auspicious meanings but also demonstrate the owner’s fine scholarly taste. History The term 'Coromandel', which is used to describe this particular type of lacquer technique (kuancai), is rather misleading. In the 18th century it was used commercially to indicate the place from which these objects were shipped to England through the East India Companies, and had no reference to China, the place of their origin. Similarly, Chinese painted wallpaper was often called 'India paper' in historic documants. The kuancai lacquer technique, literally meaning “cut out colour” and found almost exclusively on screens, emerged in the 16th century to serve the domestic market. The iconographic elements were carved through the built-up coats of dark lacquer and filled with pigments and gold. Seventeenth century examples usually consisted of twelve panels, and were often employed in entrance halls or as room dividers or windscreens for gardens and terraces. They were often commissioned as gifts and depicted court scenes, episodes from the world of the immortals, panoramic or landscape views and auspicious symbols. This type of lacquerware was flourishing during the reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722) and saw a revival in the 19th century. Stylistically the present screen may be compared with the twelve-panel lacquer screen from the Kangxi period in the Victoria and Albert Museum illustrated by W. De Kesel and G. Dhont in Coromandel Lacquer Screens, ill. 23, pps 36-37. Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. In the 20th century, Coromandel screens still remained a staple in the European interior design. Coco Chanel had a collection of 32 rare Coromandel screens, which she proudly displayed in her home at 31 Rue Cambom, Paris. She one...

A decorative pair of loose pillows or cushions, made of antique hand made needlework tapestry of floral design, with modern cotton backing and ruby / cream fringe edging. English, l...

A decorative pair of late Georgian hand-blown Bristol blue glass rinsers. England, circa 1820. Why we like them The deep cobalt is most desirable and contributes a dash of colour and sophisticated style. Rinsers were used to rest the small wine glasses...

A wonderfully decorative pair of porcelain foo dogs, or guardian lions, beautifully glazed with purple and blue streaks China, 20th century ...

A pair of decorative loose cushions made of antique handwoven tapestry of floral design, with modern linen backing and tassel fringe edging. French, late 19th – early 20th century. ...

A pair of Regency style 'Klismos' stools or benches, upholstered in John Boyd Textiles horsehair fabric. Why we like them These super smart Klismos stools are inspired by ancient Gr...

Nice set of heavy brass Eagle bookends. Has thin felt on bottom of each to prevent scratching furniture. Great on a book shelf or desk. Nice condi...

Nice set of heavy regal brass Eagle bookends. Has thin felt on bottom of each to prevent scratching furniture. Great on a book shelf or desk. Nice condition, hand polished, ready to ...

A superb pair of 19th century English antique brass doorstops, cast as hunting dogs or hounds and set upon iron plinth bases, circa 1870s. These...

A nice pair of brass American eagle "1776" bookends by Philadelpha Manufacturing Co., circa 1970s. The eagles are in very good vintage condition and measure 5.5"W x 6"D x 6.75"H. Th...

Beautiful pair of brass spread-wing eagle bookends by Virginia Metalcrafters, stamped 1952. The eagle is shown with its wings fully spread and a laurel branch and bundle of arrows clutched in its left talon. The eagle clutches a Union shield across its breast. The Union shield has a chief with three stars and six stripes completing the design. The eagle motif in décor and Folk Art has been widely used throughout our nation's history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States depicting a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows and an olive branch with its talons. When Charles Thomson put together the final design for the Great Seal, he placed a bundle of arrows in the eagle's left (sinister) talon. The official description specifies the bald eagle holding "in his sinister a bundle of thirteen arrows." The thirteen arrows are tightly aligned – a symbol of "strength in unity" that's found in the traditional cultures everywhere, from the Romans to the Iroquois— in this case a nod to the unity of the original 13 colonies. William J. Loth founded Virginia Metalcrafters in 1890, under the name Waynesboro Stove Company. The company, which made ornately cast Cook...

Pair of American brass dog doorstops / bookends sitting on squared decorative plinths. Late 19th Century