{"title":"11.26 Pieces of History","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"grand-tour-siena-marble-columns","title":"Grand Tour Siena Marble Columns","description":"This elegantly crafted pair of Grand Tour models evoke the lasting grandeur of ancient Rome. Produced in Rome in the second half of the 19th century, the exquisite architectural models were likely a souvenir from the Grand Tour of an affluent tourist. The ruins of the temples of ancient Rome were considered the grandest examples of Roman architecture, and diminutive models such as this one were among the most sought after souvenirs. Crafted of Siena marble, the duo is a lasting relic of the extraordinary grandeur of the ancient world.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1880\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n6” high x 2 1\/2” diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41237956460679,"sku":"30-4257","price":2985.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-4257_1.png?v=1717921298"},{"product_id":"jean-gabriel-domergues-french-academician-sword","title":"Jean-Gabriel Domergue's French Academician Sword","description":"This important and unique sword was presented to the famed French painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue to commemorate the painter's election to the illustrious Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1950. One of the highest honors bestowed on a French artist, the ceremonial induction into the French Academy has been accompanied by the presentation of a sword since the age of Napoléon. Rather than a weapon, the sword became part of the Academician's uniform, and, over time, its design came to represent the interests and aspirations of its recipient. This example was designed entirely by Domergue's wife Odette, a great sculptor in her own right, and thus it represents both a highly personal gift and an important art historical relic. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The design of the sword is simply magnificent. Odette Domergue found her inspiration in antiquity, a theme that is also seen in the neoclassical sculptures that occupy the gardens of the couple's famous home, Villa Fiesole - also known as Villa Domergue - in Cannes. The impressive weapon boasts a solid gold handle that takes the form of a sinuous caryatid, who is nude save for a single swath of drapery. While the female figure recalls the sculpted supports prevalent in ancient Greek architecture, she also calls to mind the subjects for which Domergue was renowned - languorous, slightly risqué women with a seductive air.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Other decorative elements such as fauna, cypresses, and grotesque heads enhance the whimsy and imagination of the incredible neoclassical design. Furthermore, the scabbard that contains the finely etched blade is also an impeccable work of art. Crafted of black Moroccan leather in imitation of snake skin, it displays intricately engraved foliage patterns with a lion's head and Domergue's coat of arms. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Though imagined by his wife, the sword was expertly chiseled by the celebrated goldsmith R. Delsinne and assembled by the atelier of the famed sculptor and medalist Raymond Delamarre. Celebrated for his sculptures in the Art Deco style, Delamarre created ceremonial Academician swords for just eight members of the French Academy - the present piece is among these select few. Executed with exceptional skill, it is a remarkable example of these unique and imaginative weapons, which are still being made today for the new members of France's distinguished academies. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A photograph showing Jean-Gabriel Domergue in his Academician uniform with the sword accompanies the piece, as well as a certificate of authenticity dated April 10, 2017 and signed by Mr. Noé Willer, member of the Alliance Européenne des Experts d'Art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed at the base \"O. DOMERGUE Scr\" and \"R. DELSINNE Cir\"\u003cbr\u003e Blade engraved \"Jean Gabriel Domergue \/ de l'Académie des Beaux-Arts \/ 1950\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 36\" length x 4 1\/4\" wide x 1 7\/8\" high \n","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41347042181255,"sku":"30-7593","price":74500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-7593_1_c5d7d427-85ae-4075-a0fc-35e0254943f2.png?v=1715329783"},{"product_id":"medicine-chest-by-thompson-capper","title":"Medicine Chest by Thompson \u0026 Capper","description":"An invaluable addition to the 19th-century home, this travel medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the household back to health. Made by the firm of Thomas Thompson and S. J. Capper, homeopathic chemists of Liverpool and Birkenhead, this chest would have been the first, and in some instances the only, way to immediately administer medical care to the sick or injured. The case would have been crafted by a skilled cabinetmaker, with this elegant specimen, in particular, being enveloped in handsome burl walnut with flush brass hardware. Thompson \u0026amp; Capper would have purchased the chest and fitted it out fully to a specific customer's specifications, which is why the interiors of these fascinating medical antiques are rarely ever identical. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The interior contains a multitude of medications, glass bottles with original contents, jars and various instruments used to administer medicines and give first aid treatment. Medications include various antiseptics, mastic (used for cuts, stomach problems, and oral care), quinine (for the treatment of malaria), bismuth and calcined magnesia (both for digestive disorders), aspirin and hydrogen peroxide, or \u003cem\u003eeau oxygénée.\u003c\/em\u003e An array of instruments, including a nasal pipe, dropper tube, vial, tongue depressor and even a bandage with illustrations on proper usage are held within this remarkable medical compendium.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Though the need to keep medical supplies at the ready dates to ancient Egypt, the first medicine chests did not appear until the late 1700s, with their popularity and level of sophistication reaching a zenith in the mid-1800s. To find a chest in this exquisite, original condition by a respected maker is quite extraordinary. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Interior lid marked \"THOMPSON \u0026amp; CAPPER \/ LIVERPOOL \/ BIRKENHEAD \/ HOMŒOPATHIC CHEMISTS \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1860 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15 3\/4\" wide x 12 1\/4\" deep x 8 1\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44548305191047,"sku":"30-5401","price":18500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-5401_1_795ab98c-525c-46ed-8a20-7f183215574f.png?v=1777552422"},{"product_id":"regiment-des-dromedaires-camel-saddle","title":"Regiment des Dromedaires Camel Saddle","description":"This fascinating piece of military history is a camel saddle created for and used by the Dromedary Regiment (Regiment des Dromedaires) during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaigns between 1798 and 1801. The term “dromedary” refers to the dromedary camel, better known as the Arabian camel, that features a single hump on its back. This saddle is perfectly suited to fit snuggly around the hump and secure two soldiers upon the camel’s back. The wooden saddle bears iron reinforcements and brass mountings with openwork underlain with silver. The dromedary camel proved to be a vital asset for Napoleon’s military campaign, due to the fact the animal is well adapted to life in desert, able to transport a large amounts of cargo and is highly intelligent and easily managed. Specialized equipment such as this saddle was needed to properly outfit the camels for military use. The Regiment des Dromedaires was created upon the onset of Napoleon’s arrival in Egypt in January, 1798. These soldiers were hand-selected infantrymen who actually fought dismounted.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1800\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n51” length","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41347118399623,"sku":"29-4027","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-4027_1.png?v=1715329245"},{"product_id":"pre-columbian-tairona-gold-chest-ornament","title":"Pre-Columbian Tairona Gold Chest Ornament","description":"This highly unique Tairona gold ornament is an extraordinary example of the distinctive gold work of this ancient culture. Crafted of 20.8K gold, the intriguing design would have once been worn at the center of one's chest as a symbol of status and power. Renowned for both its masterful casting and its exquisite detail, Tairona goldwork is among the finest and most sought after of all pre-Columbian artifacts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Tairona civilization of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region in northern Colombia is renowned for producing some of the grandest and most complex gold objects ever made. Examples of goldwork from this region include pendants, nose ornaments, lip plugs, necklaces, and earrings. Gold and stone pieces such as this served as important symbols of rank and power in Tairona culture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 800-1500 AD \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 4 1\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239100457095,"sku":"29-9936","price":24000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-9936_1_44c877ec-d0a1-4349-b267-f70bfa4884a3.png?v=1712738345"},{"product_id":"pre-columbian-sinu-gold-and-bead-necklace","title":"Pre-Columbian Sinu Gold and Bead Necklace","description":"This striking and rare Pre-Columbian gold necklace was crafted by the Sinu people of Colombia. The figural beads represent coatimundi, a much adored pet in many Pre-Columbian societies. In much the same way that Eqyptians favored cats or Ancient Indian cultures favored elephants, the Coatimundi was a much adored pet in many Pre-Columbian societies and therefore is represented in important personal items such as jewelry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \nThe Pre-Columbian Sinu lived in the river valleys and along the Caribbean Coast of Colombia from around 200 to 1600 AD. They were most renowned for their elaborate irrigation and waterwork systems, their exquisite gold work, and the political significance of women in their social structure. When discovered by the Spaniards in the 16th century the Sinu had a female as their head chief. 16th century Spaniards came to the area lured by the magnificence of the Sinu's ceremonial burial gold. Much of this gold was cast using the lost wax method but much like this extraordinary necklace gold was also fashioned into elaborate jewelry with refined skill and artistry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\nCirca, 600-1250 AD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\nLength: 24 1\/2\"","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44568995496071,"sku":"29-9940","price":70000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-9940_1_3dbabc71-98e8-4eca-b3a8-c3f99ca80889.png?v=1778116905"},{"product_id":"the-abduction-of-europa-by-hermann-haase-ilsenburg","title":"The Abduction of Europa by Hermann Haase-Ilsenburg","description":"A poignant work of extraordinary artistry, this bronze figure captures the mythical tale of Europa, the beautiful Phoenician princess who was kidnapped by the king of the Olympian gods, Zeus. Among the most well-known stories from mythology and a favorite subject of artists in every medium, the story of Europa is beautifully translated here by sculptor Hermann Haase-Ilsenburg in the early Art Deco style.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDeveloping from the organic, natural forms of the Art Nouveau style that dominated the preceding decades, Haase-Ilsenburg’s work exemplifies the shift towards the symmetry and simplification of the more streamlined Art Deco. The overall graceful, clean lines of the piece mirror the ideals of the emergent style, while its relative simplicity makes it all the more emotionally compelling. The figures are delicately balanced, with Europa’s slumped figure mirroring the heavy, sloping horns of her steed. Haase-Ilsenburg flawlessly infuses a sense of humanity into his classical subject, all while merging the ancient myth with a new iconography.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDrawn from Greek mythology, the story of Europa is among the most enduring stories of Zeus’ numerous amorous pursuits. The daughter of a Phoenician king, Europa was renowned for her beauty, which eventually inspired the love of the Olympian god. Taking the form of a bull, Zeus kidnapped the young princess and carried her to the island of Crete, where she bore him three sons, including Minos, the future King of Crete. Europa eventually gave her name to the continent of Europe, and even today an image of Europa and the bull graces the Euro coin. Widely interpreted by artists for centuries, this myth comes to life in this exquisite bronze.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1910\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSigned “HHaase” (on base)\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n23 1\/2\" high x 17\" wide x 8\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238079438983,"sku":"30-6243","price":18850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-6243_1.png?v=1717921378"},{"product_id":"chilean-huaso-spurs","title":"Chilean Huaso Spurs","description":"This rare and authentic pair of Chilean spurs is stunning to behold. Traditionally worn by \u003cem\u003ehuasos,\u003c\/em\u003e or Chilean cowboys, these silvered steel spurs, or \u003cem\u003eespuelas\u003c\/em\u003e, were given by Chile's ambassador to the French ambassador in the late 19th century. Exhibiting exceptional decoration, these spurs are distinguished by the number of spokes they possess, and by the wonderful “singing” sound they produce when spun. Housed in their original presentation case, these intriguing pieces are extraordinary examples of South American artistry. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Chilean huasos hold a reverenced position in the rich history of the country. Their endurance and expert horsemanship, marked by the signature sideways gallop, has earned the huaso the great respect of his countrymen for years. In fact, huaso dress, which includes a straw hat, or chupalla, a brightly-colored poncho called a chamanto, a short jacket, loose fitting pants, high boots, and for special events, elaborate stirrups and spurs and a red sash worn around the waist, has come represent Chilean culture in many respects. The spurs have especially come to represent Chilean folkloric traditions.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1890 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 5” diameter x 9” length","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43316952105095,"sku":"30-1825","price":12500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-1825_1.png?v=1762000769"},{"product_id":"oriented-nose-cone-chondrite-meteorite","title":"Oriented Nose Cone Chondrite Meteorite","description":"This oriented Chondrite meteorite, found in the Sahara Desert in North West Africa, is a stony (non-metallic) meteorite. This extraterrestrial wonder is known as a nose cone meteorite, which means that it oriented itself in a perfectly balanced trajectory as it fell through earth's atmosphere and developed a smooth surface resembling a nose. As a result, this specimen also exhibits “creeping,” or molten material streaming away from the cone. As phenomenal in composition as it is in appearance, this meteorite is comprised of the dust and grains of primitive asteroids found all over the solar system, including crystals of olivine, nickel, and feldspar. These particles are accreted, or pulled to the meteor's growing mass by gravitation. They frequently include rounded mineral particles known as chondrules, which can be seen in cross-sections of these amazing otherworldly treasures. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n5 18\" wide x 5 1\/4\" deep x 5\" high\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e It is estimated that between 85.7% and 86.2% of all meteorites discovered on earth have been chondrites, and many are discovered in the Sahara Desert as the desert's elevated temperatures perfectly preserve these specimens. Though plentiful on the planet, they are extremely important to the study of the origins and age of the Solar System, and indeed, the origins of life.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239112220807,"sku":"30-1863","price":24850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-1863_1_3b6f5955-8522-4060-832e-e6205555cc2c.png?v=1712737918"},{"product_id":"elizabeth-ii-commemorative-coronation-and-accession-goblet","title":"Elizabeth II Commemorative Coronation and Accession Goblet","description":"This impressive engraved goblet was created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne of England and coronation. Crafted by Thomas Goode \u0026amp; Co. around the coronation on June 2nd 1953, this vessel would have been a treasured souvenir of the joyous occasions. The historic events are marked by an engraving around the rim of the glass, which reads: \"The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Accession February 8th 1952\". The form is further adorned by the monarch's crowned initials, a Tudor rose and the motto \"Honi soit qui mal y pense\" (Evil to him who evil thinks), which symbolizes the Order of the Garter, an ancient order of knighthood of which the Queen is Sovereign. The goblet is completed by a commemorative silver coin contained within the stem of the glass. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Numbered 1 and signed \"T. Goode \u0026amp; Co. Ltd. London\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 5 1\/4\" diameter x 8 1\/2\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238762389639,"sku":"31-2734","price":9850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2734_1_7225ff9e-fb4d-4f1a-8d44-1ce4e3c64bf6.png?v=1717923485"},{"product_id":"agate-grand-tour-obelisks","title":"Agate Grand Tour Obelisks","description":"These impressive Egyptian Revival obelisks are crafted of dynamically patterned agate. The rare 19th-century models were almost certainly made in Italy during the height of the Grand Tour when the fervor for all things ancient pervaded the decorative arts. Rich in neoclassical elegance yet possessing an exotic worldliness, pieces such as these were extremely popular as Grand Tour souvenirs among members of the British aristocracy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Models influenced by the ancient world pervaded interior design and the decorative arts of the 19th century. Interest in Egyptian art was already high after Napoléon's 1798 campaign in Egypt, which led to an influx of Egyptian art and design into European culture. Adding to this momentum was Jean-François Champollion’s deciphering of hieroglyphs in 1822, as well as the installation of an obelisk in Paris in 1836. The excitement for Egyptian-style art and architecture continued to grow over the coming decades, and the style remains highly fashionable among both collectors and designers today. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1850 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 3 1\/2\" square x 12 1\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238640558215,"sku":"31-3791","price":12850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3791_1_da7b7bed-c9c3-457d-94b5-32a5eef49597.png?v=1717922916"},{"product_id":"ornamental-turning-lathe-by-holtzapffel-co","title":"Ornamental Turning Lathe by Holtzapffel \u0026 Co.","description":"An essential tool in the creation and finishing of furniture, this 19th-century English ornamental, or Rose engine lathe is an object of beauty in and of itself. The extraordinary machine was made by Holtzapffel \u0026amp; Co., established in London in 1794, whose lathes are considered among the most exquisite ever made. The firm exhibited and won medals for its ornamental lathes at several World’s Fairs, including the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Inventions Exhibition of 1885. The lathe’s mahogany bench is operated by a foot treadle and includes a “Sheperd’s Crook” style overhead spindle and a backboard toolbox containing various small tools.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A remarkable piece of machinery, the lathe is the ultimate carving tool capable of producing highly detailed objects of exquisite artistry. Set in motion by the large foot treadle, a complicated set of gears provides the power behind the machine. As the lathe turns, an artisan can use a variety of tools, such as gouges and chisels to shape both hardwoods and metals. The original, ingeniously designed slide rest allows one to move tools laterally along the lathe, while multiple brass gears in various sizes can change the rate of rotation. A machine such as this would have been a craftsman’s prized possession. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional lathe is accompanied by an extensive collection of wood-cutting tools, including bits, cutters, gears, chunks and chisels, that allow for an endless array of decorative effects. The tools are contained within a matching 10-drawer triptych Victorian cabinet. Also included within the cabinet is a collection of Society of Ornamental Turners Bulletins. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Lathes have been used since ancient Egypt when artisans first developed a two-person lathe around 1300 BCE. A skilled artisan could create everything from pedestals and legs for the finest furniture to simple household items like candlesticks on a well-designed lathe. Pedal-operated models like this were first introduced in the Middle Ages, replacing the hand-cranked model and freeing a craftsman’s hands to hold wood-turning tools. With the advent of the Industrial Age, lathes were motorized, which cut down on working time and cleared the way for assembly-line production. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Late 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Lathe: 42 1\/8\" wide x 27 1\/2\" deep x 89\" high\u003cbr\u003e Cabinet: 47 7\/8\" wide x 25 5\/8\" deep x 44\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41347056173191,"sku":"31-1333","price":188500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-1333_1_6866ae8c-a7a0-4df3-8086-e0a6033323ae.png?v=1715329760"},{"product_id":"ancient-roman-carved-emerald-brooch","title":"Ancient Roman Carved Emerald Brooch","description":"An ancient Roman emerald carved with the features of a man's face is the center stone of this 19th-century brooch. The art of gem carving takes years to learn and master, and emeralds are notoriously difficult to carve. They polish well, but the artist must be extremely careful not to break the stone or carve away too much of the gem during the process. To find a carved emerald dating to antiquity, when gem carving was in its infancy, is an exceptional rarity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The museum-quality, Roman-period stone is displayed in an impeccably crafted Victorian-era silver and silver gilt setting. Emeralds, diamonds and rubies complement the carved emerald, while a single Baroque pearl dangles from the center. Even the reverse features carvings that mimic the motif of the front, including the details of a man's face at the center. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 2 1\/2\" wide x 3 1\/2\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874118664327,"sku":"31-5581","price":58500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-5581_1_3eb4b35b-7802-41f7-b546-9cb6e8a7aa6f.png?v=1792173487"},{"product_id":"ancient-roman-medusa-intaglio-earrings","title":"Ancient Roman Medusa Intaglio Earrings","description":"Displaying two carved Medusa gemstones over 1800 years old, these dangle earrings are exceptional examples of the ancient Roman intaglio technique. Paired with a 19th-century gold setting and accented by two additional Victorian cameos, these one-of-a-kind, museum-quality intaglio earrings remain a prized discovery, as coveted today as it would have been at their creation. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The art of intaglio, also known as gem carving, dates to as early as the 14th century B.C.E. and was practiced by ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Assyria, Phoenicia, and later in Greece and Rome. In fact, the gemstone intaglio was one of the most popular jewelry designs in ancient Rome, as Roman men of social standing commonly wore intaglio rings in order to mark wax seals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Set in 22K gold \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 2“ length","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44568994152583,"sku":"31-6616","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6616_1.png?v=1778116888"},{"product_id":"ancient-greek-dionysus-cameo-ring","title":"Ancient Greek Dionysus Cameo Ring","description":"This exceptionally rare and large ancient Greek sardonyx cameo dates to the late Hellenistic period, and features a carving of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivities. According to mythology, Dionysus is the son of Zeus and Semele. Associated with fertility, ecstasy, art and literature, the Dionysian festivals of ancient Greece included performances of tragedy and comedy. Though in early Greek art he was frequently depicted as a bearded man, his likeness on this ring is more consistent with later interpretations of the god, where he is youthful, virile and effeminate. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1st century BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Set in 14K yellow gold","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44568995397767,"sku":"31-7016","price":44500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7016_1_88391b84-b6d5-4c43-8679-e3b6766f7132.png?v=1778116897"},{"product_id":"tang-dynasty-striding-horse","title":"Tang Dynasty Striding Horse","description":"Hailing from the illustrious Tang Dynasty of China, this rare large earthenware sculpture depicts a striding horse. The powerful Tang dynasty reigned for nearly 300 years between the 7th and 10th centuries CE and oversaw a cultural and artistic “golden age” in Chinese civilization. Warm terracotta hues color the horse’s flanks and legs, indicating the sculpture was once beautifully pigmented, and the whinnying equine bears a saddle on his back. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Horses held a special significance in Tang China, in part due to a particular affection of the second Tang ruler, Emperor Taizong. He was deeply devoted to his beloved horse “Autumn Dew,” who he credited with saving his life during a pivotal battle to unify China under the emperor’s reign. Horses’ continued importance in Tang expansion and military might made the animal a strong symbol of imperial power and wealth.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A sign of prestige and wealth, the horse is a form of funerary sculpture known as \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e.Tang Dynasty \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e reflect a harmonious blend of Han Chinese traditions and external cultural influences arriving to China through the Silk Road. More than a facilitator of global commercial transactions, the Silk Road served as a network for cultural exchange between East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Along its routes, travelers and merchants from disparate cultures encountered one another, fostering the exchange of ideas, philosophies, art forms and scientific knowledge. \u003cem\u003eMingqi\u003c\/em\u003e sculptures such as these were intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife, and frequently depict guardian figures and the pack animals that facilitated travel and trade in the ever-expanding world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 7th-10th century CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 30 3\/8\" high x 28 1\/2\" wide x 10\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239032692871,"sku":"31-7237","price":64500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7237_1_87052066-8959-4d71-8083-bbfa40a8005a.png?v=1712739915"},{"product_id":"pair-of-tang-dynasty-camels-standing-and-sitting","title":"Pair of Tang Dynasty Camels Standing and Sitting","description":"Formed of earthenware pottery with traces of warm pigments, this whimsical pair of camels hails from the illustrious Tang Dynasty of China. Reigning for nearly 300 years between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, the powerful Tang rulers oversaw a cultural and artistic “golden age” in Chinese civilization. These camels, one resting and one standing, are a form of funerary sculpture known as \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e, and likely accompanied a wealthy merchant’s burial. Already bearing saddles for the deceased owner in the afterlife, the camels are ready for an otherworldly journey. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tang Dynasty \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e reflect a harmonious blend of Han Chinese traditions and external cultural influences arriving to China through the Silk Road. More than a facilitator of global commercial transactions, the Silk Road served as a network for cultural exchange between East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Along its routes, travelers and merchants from disparate cultures encountered one another, fostering the exchange of ideas, philosophies, art forms and scientific knowledge. \u003cem\u003eMingqi\u003c\/em\u003e sculptures such as these, which highlight the very animal that facilitated this extensive travel and trade, were intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife. They frequently depict guardian figures and the pack animals that were essential in the ever-expanding world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 7th-10th century CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Standing camel: 19 3\/4“ high x 15 3\/4” wide x 8 5\/8“ deep\u003cbr\u003e Resting camel: 7 3\/4“ high x 6 1\/4” wide x 12 7\/8“ deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239029776519,"sku":"31-7234","price":44500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7234_1.png?v=1712740445"},{"product_id":"tang-dynasty-ox-and-cart","title":"Tang Dynasty Ox and Cart","description":"Over 1100 years in age, this Tang Dynasty ox and cart earthenware sculpture served as funerary sculpture, also known as \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e. Reigning for nearly 300 years between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, the powerful Tang rulers oversaw a cultural and artistic “golden age” in Chinese civilization. A marker of wealth and likely created for the tomb of a merchant, the ox and cart would have offered ample support to the deceased in the afterlife.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tang Dynasty \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e reflect a harmonious blend of Han Chinese traditions and external cultural influences arriving in China through the Silk Road. More than a facilitator of global commercial transactions, the Silk Road served as a network for cultural exchange between East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Along its routes, travelers and merchants from disparate cultures encountered one another, fostering the exchange of ideas, philosophies, art forms and scientific knowledge. \u003cem\u003eMingqi\u003c\/em\u003e sculptures such as this, which highlight the very tools that facilitated travel and trade, were intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife. They frequently depict guardian figures and the pack animals that were essential in the ever-expanding world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 7th-10th century CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 11 3\/8“ high x 9 1\/2” wide x 15 7\/8“ deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239031873671,"sku":"31-7235","price":26850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7235_1.png?v=1712740374"},{"product_id":"tang-dynasty-pair-of-striding-camels","title":"Tang Dynasty Pair of Striding Camels","description":"Highly rare and beautifully stylized, this pair of Tang dynasty camels is crafted from warmly pigmented earthenware. A form of funerary sculpture known as \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e, earthenware sculptures such as these camels were produced during the Tang dynasty's cultural and artistic \"golden age.\" The powerful Tang dynasty reigned for nearly 300 years between the 7th and 10th centuries CE. Elegantly rendered, the camels' striding forms illustrate the advancing aesthetics of Chinese art during the Tang dynasty. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tang Dynasty \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e reflects a harmonious blend of Han Chinese traditions and external cultural influences arriving to China through the Silk Road. More than a facilitator of global commercial transactions, the Silk Road served as a network for cultural exchange between East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Along its routes, travelers and merchants from disparate cultures encountered one another, fostering the exchange of ideas, philosophies, art forms and scientific knowledge. \u003cem\u003eMingqi\u003c\/em\u003e sculptures such as these, which highlight the very animal that facilitated this extensive travel and trade, were intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife. They frequently depict guardian figures and the pack animals that were essential in the ever-expanding world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 7th-10th century CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 26\" high by 21\" wide by 9\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43484061696135,"sku":"31-7233","price":64500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7233_1.png?v=1764593477"},{"product_id":"ancient-roman-stele-relief-fragment","title":"Ancient Roman Stele Relief Fragment","description":"Ancient Roman Stele Relief Fragment\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1st Century BCE–1st Century CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare marble stele relief fragment is a remarkable artifact of ancient history. Dating to the 1st century BCE–1st century CE, it offers a direct connection to the grandeur of ancient Rome. Carved in fine white marble, possibly of Greek origin, this fragment exemplifies the Roman refinement of Classical Greek ideals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A stele is a carved stone slab used in antiquity, typically as a commemorative monument, often decorated with relief figures or inscriptions. The quality and refined execution of this example suggest that it once belonged to an individual of considerable social standing. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The female figure is shown mid-motion, with her right hand gracefully crossing the body to her left shoulder, suggestive of adjusting or clasping a himation cloak. Her left arm extends downward, grasping the drapery in a composed gesture. The stele fragment retains the full expressive power of Roman classicism seen in the fluid contrapposto stance and elegant drapery lines that emphasize movement and femininity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A statue in a similar pose, \u003cem\u003eThe Small Herculaneum Woman\u003c\/em\u003e, housed in the Skulpturensammlung of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen in Dresden, Germany, dates to the 1st century BCE. Unearthed in 1711 at the ancient city of Herculaneum, it represents one of the earliest significant discoveries at the site. Similar stylistic choices can also be found in a pentelic marble stele from the Archaeological Museum in Elefsina. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On stand: 37 1\/2 high x 23 1\/2\" wide x 12\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New York\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43894037905543,"sku":"32-1243","price":74500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1243_1_fcc311aa-64e9-4243-8548-5c354730cc8d.png?v=1785328384"},{"product_id":"tang-dynasty-terracotta-camel","title":"Tang Dynasty Terracotta Camel","description":"Tang Dynasty Terracotta Camel\u003cbr\u003e Circa 618–907 CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exceptionally rare, this Tang dynasty camel is sculpted in richly pigmented terracotta and has a commanding presence. Created as \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e—funerary objects intended to accompany the deceased—such works flourished during the Tang dynasty’s cultural zenith between the seventh and tenth centuries CE. The camel’s powerful stance and simplified form reflect the period’s renowned artistic language. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tang dynasty \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e represent China’s central role along the Silk Road, a network that facilitated cultural exchange across East and Central Asia and the Middle East. Camels, essential to long-distance travel and trade, appear frequently in funerary sculpture as symbols of mobility, protection and prosperity, underscoring their importance in both life and the afterlife. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 16 1\/4\" high by 12 1\/4\" wide by 5\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Florida\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43793901813895,"sku":"32-2178","price":29850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2178_1.png?v=1793920875"},{"product_id":"tang-dynasty-earthenware-horse","title":"Tang Dynasty Earthenware Horse","description":"Tang Dynasty Earthenware Horse\u003cbr\u003e Circa 618–907 CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This Tang dynasty earthenware horse retains traces of its original white pigment, a feature rarely preserved on sculptures of this period. The figure is expertly modeled, with careful attention to proportion and stance, reflecting the Tang dynasty’s increasing interest in representing naturalistic form. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Horses were central to Tang society, valued for their roles in warfare, transportation and ceremonial life. Horses, much like camels, were absolutely integral to life on the Silk Road, a network that facilitated cultural exchange across East and Central Asia and the Middle East. Created as \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e, funerary objects placed in tombs, such sculptures were intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15 5\/8” high x 13 1\/2” wide x 5” deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Florida\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44548579950727,"sku":"32-2159","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2159_1_91f8758b-6386-4068-b00a-b83c00dbcd99.png?v=1777555592"},{"product_id":"tang-dynasty-terracotta-horse-with-rider","title":"Tang Dynasty Terracotta Horse with Rider","description":"Tang Dynasty Terracotta Horse with Rider\u003cbr\u003e Circa 618–907 CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This Tang dynasty terracotta horse with rider is sculpted with a calm authority and balanced proportions characteristic of the period’s finest funerary figures. The horse stands firmly on all four legs, its head gently lowered, while the rider sits upright, conveying quiet composure. Traces of original pigment remain across the surface, which is highly rare. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e During the Tang dynasty, horses were symbols of status, military strength and imperial power, reflecting China’s expanded reach and cultural confidence. Equestrian figures such as this were created as \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e—funerary objects placed in tombs to serve and protect the deceased in the afterlife. The mounted rider underscores the importance of cavalry and horsemanship in Tang society, particularly within elite and courtly contexts shaped by Silk Road exchange and cosmopolitan influence. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15” high x 14 1\/2” wide x 4 1\/4” deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Florida\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \n","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43924797849735,"sku":"32-2177","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2177_1.png?v=1772369307"},{"product_id":"tyrian-half-shekel-coin-pendant","title":"Tyrian Half Shekel Coin Pendant","description":"A tangible connection to the ancient world, this rare Tyrian half shekel coin is transformed into a striking pendant, set within its 18K yellow gold bezel. Struck in antiquity, the coin bears the laureate bust of the god Melqart on the obverse and an eagle perched upon a rudder on the reverse, symbols deeply tied to the identity and maritime strength of ancient Tyre. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The city of Tyre was among the most influential Phoenician centers of the ancient Mediterranean, renowned for its trade, resilience and cultural legacy. Its coinage, particularly the silver shekels and half shekels, remained in circulation for centuries and is historically associated with major events of the ancient world, including the Roman and early imperial periods. Revered for its artistic continuity and symbolic imagery, the Tyrian minting tradition reflects both Greek and Near Eastern influences at a pivotal crossroads of civilization. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 126 BCE–56 CE","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44528248881287,"sku":"32-2463","price":9850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2463_1_f5935eca-bedb-4169-b16b-e7991b4cb38a.png?v=1793087781"},{"product_id":"jesus-christ-follis-coin-pendant","title":"Jesus Christ Follis Coin Pendant","description":"Dating back over 1,000 years, this rare Byzantine coin is set into an 18K yellow gold bezel to become an elegant pendant. The obverse of the coin bears a portrait of Jesus Christ holding a Book of the Gospels with a nimbus cross halo. The reverse features four lines of Greek inscription that read “Jesus Christ, King of Kings.” Both sides feature decorative adornments or borders, enhancing the coin’s ancient beauty. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This coin is part of a grouping called “Anonymous Folles,” a type of coin so named for their lack of specific ruler markings. The Anonymous Folles were struck between the beginning of John I Tzimiskes’s reign in 969 and the monetary reform of Alexios I Komnenos in 1092. Before this period, portraits of Christ were typically reserved for gold coins rather than copper. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 976-1025 CE","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44528249438343,"sku":"32-2464","price":6850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2464_1_28b0d675-63a7-4b98-978e-cb3b2a68acf4.png?v=1793087793"},{"product_id":"louis-comfort-tiffany-scarab-ring","title":"Louis Comfort Tiffany Scarab Ring","description":"This ring, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany for Tiffany \u0026amp; Co., exemplifies the Egyptian Revival aesthetic. At its center is a finely carved scarab beetle set within an ornate yellow gold mount. The scarab is ingeniously designed to rotate within its setting, revealing additional carved detail on the underside and sides, adding an unexpected layer of refinement and complexity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Louis Comfort Tiffany became art director of Tiffany \u0026amp; Co. following his father’s death in 1902, where he established the Artistic Jewelry department and introduced a distinctly American design vision to the firm. His jewelry was prominently exhibited at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, reflecting a creative language rooted in natural forms, enriched by his background as a painter and his mastery of enameling developed through his celebrated stained glass work. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tiffany’s innovative combination of semi-precious stones, enamel and meticulous handcraftsmanship elevated his designs beyond ornament, positioning them as true works of art. This ring reflects the breadth of his vision, uniting archaeological inspiration, refined craftsmanship, and the organic elegance that defines his Art Nouveau oeuvre. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1910","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44712716501127,"sku":"32-2682","price":38500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2682_1.png?v=1793088572"},{"product_id":"roman-cosmatesque-hardstone-table","title":"Roman Cosmatesque Hardstone Table","description":"Roman Cosmatesque Hardstone and Marble Table\u003cbr\u003e 12th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A breathtaking relic of the High Middle Ages, this extraordinary Cosmatesque hardstone and marble table represents a rare fusion of ancient Roman grandeur and medieval Italian artistry, surviving intact for nearly 900 years. Almost certainly created for a church, palace or noble residence during the 12th century, the tabletop is composed of precious ancient Roman hardstones arranged in an intricate geometric mosaic. Monumental Cosmatesque works rarely leave their original architectural settings, making this table an exceptionally rare example of one of the Middle Ages’ most celebrated decorative arts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brilliantly colored porphyry, serpentine and other prized Roman hardstones form the dazzling \u003cem\u003eopus sectile\u003c\/em\u003e mosaic. Each fragment carries the legacy of antiquity, salvaged by medieval craftsmen from the ruins of ancient Rome and originally quarried across the vast Roman Empire. By the High Middle Ages, many of these quarries had been exhausted or lost, making the stones precious remnants of the ancient world. The richly patterned design exemplifies the coveted Cosmatesque style, named for the celebrated Cosmati family of Roman craftsmen, whose work adorned the churches and palaces of popes, kings and noble patrons. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Cosmati workshops transformed fragments of ancient monuments into some of Europe’s most magnificent pavements, altars and furnishings. Their distinctive geometric compositions became synonymous with the finest ecclesiastical commissions of medieval Italy. Perhaps the most famous surviving example is the Cosmatesque pavement of Westminster Abbey, installed in 1268 beneath the Coronation Chair and used in royal coronations for more than seven centuries. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The tabletop is now set upon a handsome marble base, dating to the 17th or 18th century. The survival of such an important composition in table form is exceptionally rare, offering collectors a museum-worthy work that bridges classical antiquity and medieval Europe. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 31 1\/4\" high x 46\" wide x 47 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45390941880455,"sku":"32-2128","price":188500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2128_1.png?v=1786728108"},{"product_id":"ancient-egyptian-blue-painted-vase","title":"Ancient Egyptian Blue-Painted Vase","description":"Ancient Egyptian Blue-Painted Vase\u003cbr\u003e Amarna Period, circa 1348-1320 BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Egyptian pottery seldom survives at this scale with its painted decoration intact. This monumental vessel dates to circa 1348-1320 BCE, placing it within the Amarna Period, the brief and fascinating chapter of the New Kingdom presided over by the pharaoh Akhenaten. It belongs to the tradition known as blue-painted ware, the most prestigious ceramic production of the era, prized for its vivid pigments and its lively naturalism. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The pigment concentrates on the neck and shoulder, leaving the swelling body of the jar in the warm buff of the fired clay. A band of stylized persea leaves in blue and red encircles the neck, framed above and below by horizontal registers and a row of fine dark triangles. On the shoulder, an \u003cem\u003eankh\u003c\/em\u003e in blue occupies the center, flanked by \u003cem\u003euas\u003c\/em\u003e sceptres bound with lotus blossoms and papyrus umbels, their forms drawn with the fluid, curving line that distinguishes Amarna draftsmanship from the rigid conventions that preceded it. Together these motifs signify life, dominion and regeneration. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Beyond its beauty, the history of this vase is equally compelling. Akhenaten redirected Egyptian worship toward the sun-disc of the Aten and moved his court to a purpose-built capital at Akhetaten, present-day Amarna. The artistic revolution that accompanied this shift favored naturalism and movement over the static formality of earlier dynasties. Within a generation of his death, the capital stood empty, the cult of the Aten was suppressed, and much of its art was dismantled or effaced, which accounts for the scarcity of surviving works. A closely related jar resides in the Brooklyn Museum, though this vessel measures approximately 43 percent larger, and a considerably smaller comparable example is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On stand: 22 3\/4\" high x 15 1\/2\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, London\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45400585339015,"sku":"32-2916","price":74500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2916_1.png?v=1793733569"},{"product_id":"ancient-egyptian-alabaster-vase-1","title":"Ancient Egyptian Alabaster Vase","description":"Ancient Egyptian Bullet-Form Alabaster Vase\u003cbr\u003e Third Intermediate Period, circa 945–715 BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental Egyptian alabaster vase is among the largest known examples of its type. It is a rare vessel perfected by Egyptian craftsmen during the Third Intermediate Period, circa 945–715 BCE and among the most coveted objects of the ancient world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The vase's elongated, bullet-shaped form rises with commanding proportion, its surface luminous and translucent, swirling with warm honey and cream tones veined with white mineral striations. The narrow mouth and tapering body exemplify the refined control of Egyptian craftsmen, who favored alabaster above other materials for its translucency and prestige—a clear signal that this vessel was created for someone, or a ceremony, of exceptional standing. Its near-perfect condition, after nearly 3,000 years, is nothing short of extraordinary. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e According to Professor Olivier Perdu at the Collège de France, a leading specialist in Egypt's Third Intermediate Period, vessels of this type held wine for ceremonies appeasing the Eye of Re, the fearsome Egyptian solar god. Beyond Egypt's borders, they were coveted across the ancient world—Phoenician elites used them as funerary urns, Assyrian kings repurposed them for precious oil and Roman aristocrats incorporated them into burial rites. Even Publius Claudius Pulcher, born into one of Rome's most prominent republican families, was interred with one, though his example measured only 26 inches. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Standing over 27\" high, it surpasses every recorded parallel, including the vase of Osorkon I from the royal necropolis at Tanis (23 1\/2\" high) and a celebrated example in the Louvre (6 1\/2\" high). The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds only a fragment. Intact examples of this scale are extraordinarily rare outside museum collections. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Without base: 25\" high x 15\" diameter\u003cbr\u003e With base: 27 1\/2\" high x 15\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, UK, acquired 1950s\u003cbr\u003e Private collection\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Paris\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45454550270087,"sku":"32-2946","price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2946_1_d057b22c-dbb2-4864-b9ad-6899f35d940d.png?v=1786735258"},{"product_id":"theodore-roosevelt-typed-letter-signed","title":"Theodore Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed","description":"Theodore Roosevelt\u003cbr\u003e 1858–1919 | American\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed Letter Naming His Personal Heroes\u003cbr\u003e Written on \u003cem\u003eThe Outlook\u003c\/em\u003e letterhead \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Written during Theodore Roosevelt’s historic 1912 campaign to return to the White House, this important letter identifies the four leaders he regarded as his personal heroes: the ancient Greek statesman Timoleon, English parliamentarian John Hampden and American presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Roosevelt, one of the most consequential figures in modern American political history, describes himself with striking humility as a “very humble follower” of these men. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roosevelt addressed the letter to Helen Marian Clark Wallace, who had sent him a coin as a token of good fortune. He responds warmly, promising to carry it as a “luck piece,” before redirecting the exchange toward the historical figures who shaped his conception of leadership. The coin held added significance for Roosevelt, who had taken an unusually close interest in the artistic quality of American currency while president. Inspired by ancient Greek coinage, he enlisted sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign the nation’s gold coins, a collaboration that produced the famed Saint-Gaudens double eagle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The letter is written on the stationery of \u003cem\u003eThe Outlook\u003c\/em\u003e, the influential New York weekly journal Roosevelt joined as a contributing editor shortly after leaving the presidency in 1909. The position gave the former president a national platform from which to address political reform, conservation, foreign affairs and civic responsibility. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The letter's date, June 4, 1912, falls at a decisive point in Roosevelt's third and unlikely presidential campaign. Roosevelt was then challenging incumbent President William Howard Taft for the Republican nomination, only weeks before the Republican National Convention opened in Chicago. After Taft secured the nomination, Roosevelt and his supporters formed the Progressive Party, widely known as the Bull Moose Party. Roosevelt ultimately received 27.4 percent of the popular vote and 88 electoral votes, finishing ahead of Taft in both measures, although the divided electorate helped Democrat Woodrow Wilson win the presidency. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roosevelt’s chosen heroes clarify the principles he associated with his own public service. Timoleon liberated several Sicilian cities from tyrannical rule during the fourth century B.C., while Hampden became a symbol of parliamentary resistance to the arbitrary authority of Charles I. Washington represented republican self-command and national founding; Lincoln embodied the preservation of the Union and the destruction of slavery. By placing himself within their tradition, Roosevelt connected his political ambitions to a history of resistance to tyranny, civic duty and principled national leadership. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The letter reads:\u003cbr\u003e “I appreciate the coin, and shall carry it as a luck piece. But, my dear Mrs. Wallace, I want to say that the men whom I regard as my heroes are those like Timoleon and John Hampden, and of course in our country Washington and Lincoln. I am a very humble follower of these men!” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated June 4, 1912 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 22 1\/2\" high x 23 3\/4\" wide x 2 1\/2\" deep (57.2 x 60.3 x 6.4 cm)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45832784969863,"sku":"32-2969","price":22500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2969_1.png?v=1793089762"},{"product_id":"ancient-roman-glass-jug","title":"Ancient Roman Glass Jug","description":"Roman Iridescent Glass Jug\u003cbr\u003e Circa 100–300 CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Surviving intact for nearly two millennia, this large Roman glass jug is a remarkable testament to one of antiquity’s great technical achievements. Glassblowing transformed the ancient world, allowing artisans to shape molten glass into vessels of extraordinary variety and refinement. Crafted using this revolutionary technique, this example preserves both its elegant form and the brilliant rainbow iridescence developed over centuries. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Its broad globular body rises to a tall waisted neck and collared mouth, with a single strap handle joining the rim to the shoulder. To find such a substantial vessel in fragile glass still intact after so many centuries is exceptional. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The jug’s exceptional iridescence is the product of centuries spent buried in the earth. Moisture in the soil slowly changed the surface of the green glass, forming thin layers that reflect light in shimmering shades of blue, violet and gold. Time itself created this remarkable rainbow effect. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A smaller jug with a globular body, collared rim and strap handle is preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cesnola Collection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 10 1\/2\" high x 8 1\/4\" wide x 7 3\/4\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, Oxford\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46081218347143,"sku":"32-2917","price":22850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2917_1.png?v=1791465554"},{"product_id":"simon-bolivar-s-silver-spur","title":"Simón Bolívar’s Silver Spur","description":"Simón Bolívar’s Silver Spur\u003cbr\u003e Early 19th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Worn by Simón Bolívar, this silver spur offers a direct connection to the military leader whose campaigns helped secure independence from Spanish rule across six present-day Latin American nations. Known as “The Liberator,” Bolívar gave the spur to José Antonio Páez, one of his foremost cavalry commanders and a future president of Venezuela. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The spur’s subsequent history is recorded in an engraving commissioned by Páez circa 1870. While living in New York near the end of his life, Páez presented it to Royal Phelps, an American businessman with deep ties to Venezuela. The inscription commemorates this gift and preserves the spur’s association with both Bolívar and Páez. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Born in Caracas in 1783, Bolívar became a central political and military force in the liberation of present-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Panama. His leadership helped transform the political map of the Americas, and his name survives in both Bolivia and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On base: 8 1\/2\" high x 8 1\/2\" wide x 5 3\/8\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Simón Bolívar\u003cbr\u003e José Antonio Páez, gift from the above\u003cbr\u003e Royal Phelps, gift from the above\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, France\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, France\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46210940141703,"sku":"32-3041","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-3041_1.png?v=1794244783"},{"product_id":"ancient-egyptian-limestone-head-of-a-ptolemaic-king","title":"Ancient Egyptian Limestone Head of a Ptolemaic King","description":"Egyptian Limestone Head of a King Ptolemaic Period, 332–30 BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Carved more than two thousand years ago, this limestone head presents an Egyptian king wearing the traditional \u003cem\u003enemes\u003c\/em\u003e headdress, an enduring emblem of pharaonic power. Formerly in the Christian Levett Collection, the sculpture was displayed at the Mougins Museum of Classical Art in France for over a decade and later featured in the exhibition \u003cem\u003eCaesar \u0026amp; Cleopatra\u003c\/em\u003e at the Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer, Germany. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The broad headdress frames the king’s face while leaving his ears exposed. Full cheeks, softly modeled lips and a slight smile lend the portrait a serene, idealized expression, recalling representations of Ptolemy II and suggesting a possible identification. Above the forehead, the headdress once bore a \u003cem\u003euraeus\u003c\/em\u003e, a rearing cobra associated with divine protection and royal authority, likely fashioned from metal. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Egypt’s Ptolemaic rulers descended from the Macedonian Greek general Ptolemy I, a successor to Alexander the Great. Although Greek in origin, they embraced the imagery of the ancient pharaohs to affirm their legitimacy as sovereigns of Egypt. Royal portraits such as this head expressed that continuity, preserving the visual language of Egyptian kingship during the dynasty that culminated in the reign of Cleopatra VII. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On base: 14\" high x 11 1\/2\" wide x 12\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited: Mougins Museum of Classical Art, Mougins, France, June 2011–August 2023, inv. no. MMoCA196\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eCaesar \u0026amp; Cleopatra\u003c\/em\u003e, Historical Museum of the Palatinate, Speyer, Germany, April 13–October 26, 2025 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature: P. Clayton, “Ancient Egypt,” in Mark Merrony, ed., \u003cem\u003eMougins Museum of Classical Art\u003c\/em\u003e, 2011, p. 54, no. 44 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in London in the late 1960s\u003cbr\u003e Christian Levett Collection, Mougins Museum of Classical Art, acquired in 2008\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46244106567815,"sku":"32-2705","price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2705_1.png?v=1793105849"},{"product_id":"ancient-egyptian-alabaster-vase-2","title":"Ancient Egyptian Alabaster Vase","description":"Ancient Egyptian Alabaster Vase\u003cbr\u003e Third Intermediate Period, 945–715 BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Carved nearly three thousand years ago, this Egyptian alabaster vase unites the natural beauty of banded stone with the sculptural elegance of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. Cream and honey-colored bands ripple across its elongated body, which tapers from rounded shoulders to a flared foot. A broad, flat rim crowns the short neck, balancing the vessel’s graceful proportions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Highly prized in ancient Egypt, Egyptian alabaster is a form of banded calcite, distinct from the softer gypsum alabaster commonly used in later European decorative arts. Its warm coloring, translucency and richly varied mineral patterns made it especially desirable for fine vessels. Ancient craftsmen carved, drilled and polished the stone into containers for practical and ceremonial use, revealing its striking natural decoration. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e According to Egyptologist Olivier Perdu of the Collège de France, vessels of this type held wine for ceremonies intended to appease the Eye of Re, the powerful feminine manifestation of the sun god. Egyptian alabaster vessels also traveled far beyond Egypt, becoming prestigious possessions throughout the ancient Mediterranean. Some were subsequently reused by Phoenician elites as funerary urns, reflecting the enduring value placed on these finely worked objects. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15 1\/2\" high x 5\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46244107878535,"sku":"32-3205","price":58500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-3205_1.png?v=1793105822"},{"product_id":"napoleon-bronze-bust-after-antoine-denis-chaudet","title":"Napoleon Bronze Bust After Antoine-Denis Chaudet","description":"Bust of Emperor Napoleon\u003cbr\u003e After Antoine-Denis Chaudet (1763–1810)\u003cbr\u003e French, 19th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Napoleon’s imperial authority finds powerful expression in this bronze bust, following the celebrated portrait model by Antoine-Denis Chaudet. Adopted as Napoleon’s official sculptural likeness when he became emperor in 1804, Chaudet’s design became one of the defining images of his reign. Its idealized features and classical restraint present the French ruler as an heir to the emperors of ancient Rome. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Finely articulated locks frame Napoleon’s stern, contemplative face, while his bare chest and squared shoulders create the architectural silhouette known as a herm bust. The bronze’s dark patina emphasizes the sculptural definition of his features. Beneath the portrait, a stepped pedestal bears a gold-colored “N” within a laurel wreath, reinforcing the composition’s imperial symbolism. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Chaudet’s portrait united individual likeness with the timeless authority of classical sculpture. Distributed widely in marble, bronze, plaster and Sèvres biscuit porcelain, the model helped establish Napoleon’s image throughout his empire. Related versions are preserved in the Louvre, the Fitzwilliam Museum and Sir John Soane’s Museum, reflecting the enduring significance of this celebrated imperial portrait. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inscribed “NAPOLÉON” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On base: 26 1\/2\" high x 11 1\/2\" wide x 10\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46284375326855,"sku":"32-3040","price":39850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-3040_1_57c838b0-7f39-4431-a7ac-4533b8b149b2.png?v=1793104613"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/11-26-pieces-of-history.oembed?page=2","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}