Floral symbolism serves as a bridge between the visible and the invisible, offering a glimpse into the socio-cultural underpinnings of the era in which the artwork was created. Each flower, with its unique symbolism, becomes a key unlocking the door to understanding complex cultural narratives and emotional landscapes.
A Carroll-esque Tale of Desires and Antiques
Jean-Henri Riesener, born on July 4, 1734, in Gladbeck, Germany, is celebrated as one of the most renowned ébénistes of the 18th century. His journey from Germany to France marked the beginning of a new era in furniture making that would forever bear his signature. Settling in Paris in the mid-1750s, Riesener’s craftsmanship quickly aligned […]
the Dutch East India Company played a monumental role in shaping the trade and transport of decorative arts in the 19th century. Its influence on European decorative tastes was profound, introducing a variety of exotic styles and materials that were eagerly embraced by the elite.
The Grand Tour of the 18th and 19th centuries, a cultural journey of European aristocrats, significantly shaped the art and antiques market. This essay delves into its impact on the demand for classical antiquities, the rise of Neoclassicism, the formation of private art collections, and the overall development of the European art market.
Mughal Tent Panel In art and design, flowers have always been used to represent a multitude of emotions. Each genus of flower can be indicative of numerous allegorical interpretations. From foliate sculptural decoration, still life paintings, herbal, religious, or mythological subjects, the use of botanical imagery has served as a secret language for centuries. This […]
A recent article in The Telegraph concerning the current market for glassware predicted that we would be seeing a surge in interest in crystal and glassware, in “decidedly contemporary shapes’. Following a period of dust gathering and relative obscurity, Glass appears to be making a comeback. Despite the brittle physicality of this material, its decorative […]
Superb Rare 19th Century French Kingwood, Rosewood & Mother of Pearl Parquetry Ormolu Mounted Boîte à Nécessaire. This truly beautiful piece, veneered throughout with matched chevrons of Kingwood, with its cover & hinged door inlaid with mother of pearl, Rosewood & Kingwood parquetry lattice work, all set within an ormolu beaded mount frame is absolutely […]
Politically the Regency period was one of great unrest. The execution of the French King Louis XVI was the culmination of a number of mini revolutions that finally gained the momentum to topple the French ancien régime. The vacuum left as those in new power fought to gain control of the situation led to years […]
Magnificent 19th Century Blue John & Ashford Black Marble Tripartite TableImportant, Extremely Rare & Magnificent Blue John & Ashford Black Marble Tripartite Table, Circa 1845. The Ashford Marble top is inset with the most fabulous variants & veins of Blue John, the colour & depth are truly outstanding. The attention to detail & artistic design […]
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