{"title":"9.26 Historic Splendor","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"rococo-silver-candlesticks-by-alexander-johnston","title":"Rococo Silver Candlesticks by Alexander Johnston","description":"An outstanding pair of sterling silver candlesticks by English silversmith Alexander Johnston. Reflecting the mid-18th century Georgian taste for the Rococo style, these candlesticks feature deeply chased decoration, from shells and palms to acanthus and rosettes, as well as an engraved armorial on each pedestal. Their exuberant yet balanced design is characteristic of the sophisticated style brought to England by French Huguenot silversmiths in the 1700s. Alexander Johnston first entered his mark in 1747, and work such as his, as well as that of artists like the celebrated Paul de Lamerie, indicated the adoption of French forms in all of the decorative arts, from furniture to textiles, hailing the dramatic shift from the more restrained Classical manner. Excellent condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1751 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 4\" diameter x 10 3\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874608480391,"sku":"29-2695","price":34000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-2695_1_e6460d94-1618-4e4c-97f7-e84ff9408bbb.png?v=1772355936"},{"product_id":"georgian-blue-john-and-silver-urn","title":"Georgian Blue John and Silver Urn","description":"This important George III Blue John urn is attributed to famed Swedish architect Sir William Chambers. The solid piece is carved entirely from rare Blue John Derbyshire spar, taken from the now-extinct Blue John Cavern in Derbyshire, England. Set atop its Ashford marble plinth, the form is mounted with elaborate silver ornament, including scrolling foliage and grotesque masks. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Blue John spar is a semi-precious mineral recognized by its beautiful radiating crystalline structure, which was only mined at a site near the village of Castleton in Derbyshire. Celebrated for its unique bands of blues, purples, and violets, Blue John was in great demand during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The colorful and decorative stone was even worked into columns in some of the finest houses in Great Britain, most notably Chatsworth, home of the Duchess of Devonshire. Due to its popularity, the largest veins of Blue John had disappeared by the early 19th century, and only a small amount of the stone remains. This rare Blue John urn, therefore, represents some of the last ornamental wares created of such grand size and proportion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The architect and designer Sir William Chambers was born in Sweden and traveled widely throughout his life. Not only did he visit China, but also studied architecture both in Paris and in Italy. Many of his drawings from this period are contained in his important 'Franco-Italian' album, currently held in the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum. Chambers moved to London in 1755 and published his influential \u003cem\u003eTreatise on Civil Architecture\u003c\/em\u003e in 1759. Although a highly trained court architect, Chambers boasted connoisseurship of furniture design including that of silver. Chambers was highly influenced by Continental neoclassicism, and a second visit to Paris in 1774 confirmed the French influence on his own unique blend of Neoclassicism and Palladian conventions. Today, pieces by Chambers are highly sought after and can be found in important collections worldwide, including the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum in London. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1770 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 12 1\/2\" high x 5 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873327317127,"sku":"30-3850","price":98500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-3850_1.png?v=1787253692"},{"product_id":"saint-mary-magdalene-on-alabaster-with-pietre-dure-frame","title":"Saint Mary Magdalene on Alabaster with Pietre Dure Frame","description":"This incredibly rare 17th-century oil on alabaster depicts the Saint Mary Magdalene, rendered after Italian Baroque painter Guido Reni’s masterpiece of the same name. Saint Mary Magdalene gazes upward towards the heavens in a penitent pose, as two putti-like cherubs float above. Depicted with luxurious, long hair draped over her body — symbolizing the saint’s inherent sensuality — her outstretched hand rests on the iconic skull that faithfully accompanies her likeness in religious art. Surrounding this magnificent painting are superb pietre dure hardstone inlays of jasper, agate and lapis lazuli, mingled with Roman silver on an ebonized wood frame. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e One of his most popular subjects in the 1620s and 1630s, Mary Magdalene was something of an iconographic specialty for Reni, who executed various versions to please a public that prized them and continually requested them. Reni’s original 1633 Saint Mary Magdalene canvas on which this oil on alabaster is based was painted for Cardinal Antonio Santacroce and now resides in the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica in Rome. A similar, smaller oil on canvas depicting Mary Magdalene predates this original to 1627 and was formerly housed in the Barberini collection in Rome. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Guido Reni was born in Bologna in 1575 and rose to be the most famous Italian painter of his generation. Though considered a master of the Baroque, Reni’s work showcases a singular classical style that made an indelible mark on the course of art. Active in Rome, Naples and his native Bologna, he became the dominant figure in the Bolognese School that emerged under the influence of early-Baroque master painter and printmaker Carracci. Through his career, Reni collected a robust roster of patrons who were Cardinals and other wealthy clergy of the Vatican papacy. Thus, the Baroque artist is best known for his prolific oeuvre of religious works, though he also had an affinity for mythological and allegorical subjects. His oils and frescoes can be found in the basilicas, churches and palaces of Rome, Naples and Bologna, including the Paoline Chapel of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome as well as the Aldobrandini wings of the Vatican. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Italian, 17th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 13 3\/4” high x 12 3\/4” wide \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e References:\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eGuido Reni: L'Opera Completa\u003c\/em\u003e, Novara 1988, by S. Pepper, pp. 335-36, cat. no. 28 (illustrated) \n","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873689305223,"sku":"31-0484","price":74500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-0484_1.png?v=1770664772"},{"product_id":"expanding-jupe-dining-table-by-johnstone-and-jeanes","title":"Expanding Jupe Dining Table by Johnstone and Jeanes","description":"This exceptionally rare circular expanding dining table was designed by Robert Jupe and crafted by the English cabinetmakers Johnstone \u0026amp; Jeanes, successors to Johnstone, Jupe \u0026amp; Co. One of only a handful known from the firm, this table illustrates the Victorian era's quest to combine technical innovation with superb and beautiful craftsmanship. Complete with its original leaves, the table’s circular top is formed from eight separate segments. When the top is rotated, an ingenious swivel mechanism causes the sections to diverge, allowing a set of small or large leaves to be inserted for an adjustable increase in size. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The design for the table was patented by Robert Jupe in 1835, who had envisioned “an improved expanding table so constructed that the sections composing its surface may be caused to diverge from a common center and that the spaces caused thereby may be filled up by inserting leaves or filling pieces.” The first of these fascinating tables were created between 1835 and 1840 during his partnership with John Johnstone and their firm of Johnstone, Jupe \u0026amp; Co. in London. Jupe left the company in 1840, after which the firm changed its name due to a new partnership and became Johnstone \u0026amp; Jeanes. The firm would eventually achieve international fame for its remarkable designs, exhibiting a \"circular table...made on the expanding principle\" like this one at the Great Exhibition of 1851. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Jupe was not alone in his fascination with combining the technical merits of engineering and mechanics with the more artful pursuit of cabinet making. The first half of the 19th century saw a prolific increase in the popularity of applying new ideas to furniture principles, which allowed furniture to serve many purposes. The resulting “patent” furniture was practical and refined, although none so much as this remarkable and quite stunning table which is equally suited for intimate gatherings or large, formal dinners. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Features brass Johnstone \u0026amp; Jeanes plaque \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1850 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 65\" diameter x 29 3\/4\" high\u003cbr\u003e 93\" diameter when fully expanded \n","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41347063742599,"sku":"31-2887","price":288500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2887_1_6f21811f-e85b-4f39-875d-b9d38de1ffd9.png?v=1780144142"},{"product_id":"george-ii-mahogany-pembroke-table-by-thomas-chippendale","title":"George II Mahogany Pembroke Table by Thomas Chippendale","description":"Pembroke Table\u003cbr\u003e Thomas Chippendale\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1760 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This highly significant Pembroke table is a rare example of Thomas Chippendale's exceptional craftsmanship, showcasing his legacy's unparalleled artistry. Its architectural elegance is evident in the exquisite front drawer and rear panel fluting, details consistent with Chippendale's documented works. The table's legs, adorned with supremely detailed fluting, exemplify Chippendale's mastery of neoclassical design. Gilded brass handles—hallmarks of his creations—add a further touch of opulence. Nearly identical in design and refinement to the renowned Pembroke table at Nostell Priory (1769), this masterpiece stands as one of the most exquisite and architecturally significant examples of Chippendale’s work still in private hands. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The table has elegant proportions and meticulous detailing, from the symmetry of its fluting to the lustrous brass fittings, revealing Chippendale's pursuit of perfection. Thomas Chippendale remains one of the most revered cabinetmakers in history, credited with revolutionizing furniture design in the 18th century. His style was the first in history to bear the name of an individual rather than a reigning monarch. Chippendale's groundbreaking publication, The Gentleman and Cabinetmaker’s Director (1754), solidified his influence, with its 161 plates offering designs ranging from Gothic to Rococo. His clientele spanned royalty and notable figures, with commissions for grand estates such as Nostell Priory, Harewood House and Burton Constable. Despite his immense talent, Chippendale's commitment to perfection often came at a financial cost, resulting in a legacy defined by unparalleled artistry rather than wealth. This Pembroke table embodies the elegance, craftsmanship and historical importance for which the Chippendale name is celebrated. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 28 1\/2“ high x 36 1\/4” wide x 29“ deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42633880174727,"sku":"31-9712","price":88500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9712_1_925b9b0f-07af-4107-b5fb-769777c2805f.png?v=1746746814"},{"product_id":"tiffany-studios-favrile-and-bronze-candlestick","title":"Tiffany Studios Favrile and Bronze Candlestick","description":"Favrile and Bronze Candlestick\u003cbr\u003e Tiffany Studios\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1900 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Uniting golden Favrile glass and elegant bronze work, this exceptional candlestick by Tiffany Studios captures the organic grace that defined the Art Nouveau movement. Its blown glass shade radiates a warm iridescence, transforming light into a living element of design, a hallmark of Tiffany’s unparalleled craftsmanship. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The composition recalls the natural symmetry of a budding flower. A rippled bronze disc forms the base, its swirling surface evoking the movement of water. Rising from it is a slender stem accented by a small, rounded bulb that suggests organic growth. Atop rests the delicate Favrile shade, its narrow neck and flared lip shimmering with Tiffany’s trademark luster. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Founded in New York under the visionary direction of Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany Studios revolutionized the decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century. Tiffany’s innovations in glassmaking, particularly his invention of Favrile glass, set a new standard for artistry and design. Works such as this candlestick epitomize his belief that beauty could be found in nature’s simplest forms, rendered through materials of extraordinary refinement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Base signed \"Tiffany Studios \/ New York \/ 21100\" and stamped with the Tiffany Studios Design \u0026amp; Decorating Co. monogram\u003cbr\u003e Shade numbered \"S2584\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 19\" high x 5 7\/8\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e A similar candlestick is pictured in \u003cem\u003eTiffany Lamps and Metalware: An illustrated reference to over 2000 models\u003c\/em\u003e, by Alastair Duncan, Woodbridge: Suffolk: Antique Collectors’ Club, 1988, p. 387, plate 1579","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43876256514183,"sku":"32-1616","price":12850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1616_1_fd528b58-5e79-4623-aa52-ab385d5c7673.png?v=1772378380"},{"product_id":"blue-circles-stained-glass-window-by-john-la-farge","title":"Blue Circles Stained Glass Window by John La Farge","description":"Blue Circles Stained Glass Window\u003cbr\u003e John La Farge\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1887 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brilliant in both color and conception, this stained glass window exemplifies the ingenuity and artistry of John La Farge, among the most influential figures in late 19th-century American art. Its radiant, jewel-toned palette and precise geometric design reflect La Farge’s pioneering experiments with light and color—innovations that established him as one of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s foremost contemporaries and creative rivals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This window was likely commissioned for St. Paul’s Universalist Church in Chicago, a celebrated site for La Farge’s stained glass before its demolition in 1963. Distinct for its absence of overt religious imagery, the work embodies the humanist ideals central to Unitarian philosophy, inviting viewers to appreciate the expressive, purely visual qualities of glass as an artistic medium. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e La Farge was among the first American artists to elevate stained glass to the realm of fine art. Rejecting the limitations of painted glass, he pioneered and patented techniques using layered opalescent glass to achieve remarkable depth, luminosity and texture. Along with Louis Comfort Tiffany, La Farge was a transformative force in the art of glassmaking and ushered in a distinctly American aesthetic during the Gilded Age. His stained glass masterpieces are held today in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 49\" high x 28 3\/8\" wide x 9 3\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43420698509447,"sku":"32-1274","price":88500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1274_1_43a9862c-0f26-40f8-b8ff-d98b7ecdf47f.png?v=1762001475"},{"product_id":"italian-hobnail-safe","title":"Italian Hobnail Safe","description":"Hobnail Floor Safe\u003cbr\u003e Italian\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1820 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare and monumental Italian safe, circa 1820, is constructed from reinforced wrought iron, rendering it virtually indestructible. Designed to be impenetrable without the proper keys and expertise, it served as a secure repository for safeguarding one’s most valuable possessions. A hallmark of Italian safes of this caliber is their intricate locking mechanisms, and this exceptional example features a masterfully engineered system. To unlock it, one would need not only four distinct iron keys—each corresponding to a concealed keyhole—but also a specialized lock pick. Known as a \"partner safe,\" this design required the cooperation of multiple keyholders, often business partners, to open the safe, providing an extraordinary level of security. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In addition to its measured, architectural form, the safe displays a refined gilt design across the front that underscores its ceremonial character. The interior is equally engaging. Opening the door reveals a locked lower chest that remains entirely original, complemented by a series of upper wooden drawers preserved in remarkable condition. These drawers retain their period inscriptions, which function as practical labels identifying materials related to purchases, documents and goods associated with Biella in northern Italy. Each inscription clarifies the nature of the contents once stored within and reflects the safe’s connection to Biella, a city in the Piedmont region situated at the foothills of the Alps. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Crafted to protect against both theft and fire, safes of this complexity and scale were frequently used by merchants in lieu of banks, making them essential tools for safeguarding wealth during the period. Few hobnail safes of this extraordinary size, craftsmanship, and sophistication have survived to the present day, making this example an exceptionally rare and significant artifact. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 43 3\/8\" high x 30 7\/8\" wide x 17 1\/2\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43541227864199,"sku":"32-1376","price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1376_1_30b6b184-bd09-4a2c-b8ec-7a9735ed592e.png?v=1781212876"},{"product_id":"personal-coffee-pot-of-eugene-de-beauharnais-napoleons-heir","title":"Personal Coffee Pot of Eugène de Beauharnais, Napoleon's Heir","description":"Personal coffee pot of Eugène de Beauharnais\u003cbr\u003e Martin-Guillaume Biennais\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1797–1809 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptionally rare silver coffee pot was made for Eugène de Beauharnais, Napoleon Bonaparte’s adopted son, trusted lieutenant and appointed Viceroy of Italy. Conceived for personal use rather than formal service, égoïste coffee pots were intimate objects reserved for the highest ranks of society. Bearing Eugène’s armorials as Viceroy of Italy, this example stands among the most personal silver objects associated with the Napoleonic court. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Eugène de Beauharnais rose with remarkable speed after his mother, Joséphine, married Napoleon in 1796, becoming one of the Emperor’s closest protégés and participating in the coup d’état of 1799. Appointed a captain at eighteen and later Colonel-General of the Empire, he reached the height of his authority in 1805 when Napoleon named him Viceroy of Italy and formally adopted him following his marriage to Princess Augusta-Amelia of Bavaria. Renowned for composure under pressure and disciplined command, Eugène repeatedly preserved cohesion against superior forces, most notably during the Russian campaigns, where he sustained his command with fewer than 17,000 men. After the Empire’s collapse, he governed his remaining territories with prudence and stability until his premature death at forty-two from a cerebral hemorrhage. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The coffee pot exemplifies the very finest of French Empire silver. Rising on three sphinx paw feet, the vessel is animated by finely cast palmettes, anthemion ornament and a Bacchic frieze of grape-laden festoons—classical motifs evoking beauty and authority. The body is crowned by a domed lid with a finial, while the turned wooden handle provides both visual contrast and functional balance. Every element reflects the disciplined grandeur favored by Napoleon’s inner administration. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The pot was made in Paris by Martin-Guillaume Biennais, Napoleon’s principal goldsmith and silversmith, whose workshop supplied silver for the Emperor, the Imperial household and the highest officers of the regime. Biennais is widely regarded as the defining silversmith of the Empire period, and his works are preserved today in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. Silver objects bearing direct armorial connections to Napoleonic leadership—particularly personal forms such as this—are exceptionally scarce. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 7 1\/4” high x 6” wide x 3 1\/2” deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43874430288007,"sku":"32-2048","price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2048_1.png?v=1772353781"},{"product_id":"brighton-pavilion-skeleton-clock-by-smiths-of-clerkenwell-1","title":"Brighton Pavilion Skeleton Clock by Smiths of Clerkenwell","description":"Brighton Pavilion Skeleton Clock\u003cbr\u003e J. Smith \u0026amp; Sons\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1890 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Taking the form of the decadent Brighton Pavilion, this Victorian brass skeleton clock is a wonderful example of exceptional English clockmaking. Crafted by the famed J. Smith \u0026amp; Sons of Clerkenwell, the timepiece operates thanks to its complex 8-day, two-train fusée movement, which allows it to strike on the hour and half hour. It indicates the time on an elaborately pierced dial with black Roman numerals, while its complicated skeletonized movement can be glimpsed through the rear. The shape itself resembles the dome of the famed Brighton Pavilion, the former royal residence located in Brighton, England. Set upon a red velvet plinth beneath its custom glass dome, this magnificent clock represents the perfect marriage of artistry and horology. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Skeleton clocks are among the rarest timepieces ever made and were designed to display as much of the working mechanism as possible. Many were crafted as exhibition objects to showcase a new escapement, calendar system, power train, gear design or other technological innovation. Often a clockmaker's magnum opus, these clocks were the result of the highest quality workmanship. They became a favorite of the English in the early 19th century, when all the main centers of clock production, including London, Liverpool and Birmingham, began to make the most exceptional examples.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Similar clocks are featured on pages 72-74 of \u003cem\u003eSkeleton Clocks, Britain 1800-1914\u003c\/em\u003e by Derek Roberts.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 23\" high x 15 1\/4\" wide x 9\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44060019130503,"sku":"32-2181","price":38850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2181_1_5ae79026-2f68-48c1-b2a1-a5fb02ca3cdf.png?v=1787851213"},{"product_id":"hematoid-quartz-sphere","title":"Hematoid Quartz Sphere","description":"745 Pound Hematoid Quartz Sphere \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental 24 1\/2 inch hematoid quartz sphere weighs an extraordinary 745 pounds, making it an exceptional museum-caliber specimen of global rarity. The stone is formed of clear rock quartz enriched with hematite inclusions—minute flakes and threads of iron oxide—that produce dramatic patches of golden, reddish-orange and rust-brown coloration. These vivid red and yellow inclusions sparkle like flecks of metal when light strikes the surface, giving the sphere an intense, fiery vitality across its massive form. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Similar hematoid quartz specimens typically range from 2 to 6 inches in diameter, rarely exceeding 10 inches or 50 pounds. A sphere over 2 feet across and weighing 745 pounds stands in a nearly singular tier of size and presence—this masterpiece of nature ranks among the most exceptional quartz spheres known. Specimens of this scale, with balanced, vibrant inclusions formed over millions of years, demand exponentially higher prices per carat due to their extreme scarcity and near-impossibility of being found intact. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hematoid quartz forms where iron-rich hydrothermal fluids circulate through rock fractures, cavities or vugs, depositing hematite and iron oxides inside or along growing quartz crystals. This creates internal red, orange, yellow or brown streaks, phantoms and clouds—vibrant colorations that inspired trade names like “fire quartz” (red) and “golden healer” (yellow-orange). Mined commercially in Brazil since the late 20th century, it also occurs in other countries, including the U.S., Switzerland, Africa and Germany, requiring a rare mix of iron-rich environments and precise geological conditions. Its use likely predates this, as red quartz-like stones with iron oxides circulated in ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern trade, often grouped with carnelian or jasper; by the 1800s, mineralogists had documented quartz with specular hematite inclusions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 24 1\/2\" diameter","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44474866761863,"sku":"32-1757","price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1757_1_1ec380ae-37db-49fe-a81a-dde6edeb770f.png?v=1777555522"},{"product_id":"madonna-and-child-by-henry-moore","title":"Madonna and Child by Henry Moore","description":"Henry Moore\u003cbr\u003e 1898-1986 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eMadonna and Child\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"Moore\" (on reverse)\u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Henry Moore was the preeminent British sculptor of the modern era, whose works blended abstraction, figuration and non-Western influences in a way that revolutionized the medium. One of his most celebrated and enduring motifs was the mother and child, and in 1943, Moore would receive his most significant commission on this subject: the \u003cem\u003eMadonna and Child\u003c\/em\u003e for St. Matthew's Parish Church. This exceptionally rare bronze is tied to that iconic work, a world-famous cornerstone of British sculpture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1943, the Reverend Walter Hussey invited Moore to create a Madonna and Child sculpture for his church, a proposal the artist accepted with hesitation. Moore felt the immense weight of depicting such a religious subject, wondering if he could distinguish the sacred Madonna and Child from his long‑standing mother and child theme. Of the commission, he said: \"This is one of the most difficult and heart-searching sculptures that I ever tried to do.”  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e He began cautiously, completing many drawings and modeling a series of 12 small maquettes in clay. Only then did Moore fully commit to the commission. This bronze was cast from one of these final clay models, which Moore returned to after completing his version in Hornton stone for St. Matthew’s. In our bronze, the statuesque seated Madonna envelops the child tenderly, embodying quiet strength and emotional protection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cast in an edition of 7 with an artist’s proof, this bronze is an extraordinarily rare link to one of Moore’s most pivotal commissions. Other examples of these bronzes reside in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Importantly, this bronze was signed by the artist and is accompanied by a copy of the letter from the Henry Moore Foundation, confirming the work is recorded in their archives as LH223.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Moore was born in Castleford, England in 1898, and after some brief artistic training in his early years, he volunteered for army service in the First World War. After the war, Moore resumed his sculptural practice and gained notoriety as well as prestigious teaching posts at the Royal College and the Chelsea School of Art. At the height of his career, Moore achieved widespread international recognition, with major exhibitions such as his 1946 retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and by winning the International Prize for Sculpture at the 1948 Venice Biennale. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cast circa 1945 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 5 1\/2\" high x 2 1\/4\" wide x 3\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Jeffrey Coria, NYC \u0026amp; FL, acquired in 1968\u003cbr\u003e Gallery Moss, Toronto\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, acquired from the above\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Florida\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e David Sylvester, ed., \u003cem\u003eHenry Moore Complete Sculpture 1921-48\u003c\/em\u003e, vol. 1, London, 1988, no. 223, illustration of the terracotta version p. 138","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44050685952135,"sku":"32-2307","price":188500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2307_1_6a368170-4a49-4302-95c7-4fd3dbbcec1f.png?v=1780145668"},{"product_id":"genius-of-the-arts-mantel-clock-by-james-moore-french","title":"Genius of the Arts Mantel Clock by James Moore French","description":"Genius of the Arts Mantel Clock\u003cbr\u003e James Moore French, Royal Exchange, London\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1815 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This magnificent English Regency mantel clock stands among the most sculpturally ambitious timepieces of the period, bearing the prestigious signature of James Moore French of the Royal Exchange, London—one of the foremost clockmakers of the early 19th century. The clock features a monumental patinated bronze statue of the Genius of Literature, a winged male allegorical figure, who leans with ease against the gilt bronze clock case. Reserved for the finest commissions of the Regency period, objects of this sculptural complexity and horological distinction seldom appear on the market. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The mechanism rests on a Verde Antico marble plinth raised on ormolu bun feet, and the architectural clock case is densely ornamented in high relief with medallion portraits of celebrated classical writers and philosophers, framed by rope moldings, acanthus scrollwork and columns. The white enamel dial, signed French, Royal Exchange, London, features Roman numerals and blued steel hands within a finely engine-turned gilt bezel. Within, the movement is an outstanding eight-day fusee with its original chain, a fully signed backplate and a rare cylindrical pendulum. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e James Moore French operated from the Royal Exchange, London, one of the most prestigious commercial addresses in Regency England, where only clockmakers of the highest reputation could maintain a presence. French was celebrated for the exceptional quality of his movements and for commissioning sculptural cases of great ambition, often uniting the finest English clockmaking with Continental bronze casting traditions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed on dial and backplate: French, Royal Exchange, London \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 20\" high x 13 1\/4\" wide x 7\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44235689296007,"sku":"32-1951","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1951_1.png?v=1786036853"},{"product_id":"italian-carved-alabaster-borghese-vase","title":"Italian Carved Alabaster Borghese Vase","description":"Italian Carved Alabaster Borghese Vase\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1840 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A luminous celebration of classical grandeur, this elegant Italian alabaster vase exemplifies the enduring appeal of classical antiquity. Modeled after the celebrated Borghese Vase, it captures the splendor of one of the most influential sculptural forms of the ancient world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Encircling the vessel is a masterfully carved Dionysian procession, or \u003cem\u003ethiasos\u003c\/em\u003e, with revelers in a continuous frieze. The translucency of the alabaster imbues the scene with a soft radiance, allowing light to penetrate the surface and subtly illuminate the figures. This interplay of light and material creates a dynamic visual effect, enhancing the sculptural richness in a way unattainable in traditional marble. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Borghese Vase, originally carved in Athens during the 1st century BCE for the Roman elite and now housed in the Louvre, became a touchstone of artistic excellence following its rediscovery during the Renaissance and subsequent ownership by the Borghese family. Its influence spread widely across Europe, inspiring generations of artists and designers. By the 19th century, such works were highly sought after by Grand Tour travelers, who prized them as sophisticated emblems of classical taste. Comparable examples reside in major institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 20 3\/4\" high x 15 1\/2\" wide x 14\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44561453482119,"sku":"32-2332","price":26500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2332_1_f1b6086e-7fae-41ea-b267-abfe75d2cb89.png?v=1777908085"},{"product_id":"russian-christ-pantocrator-icon-with-enameled-silver-oklad","title":"Russian Christ Pantocrator Icon with Enameled Silver Oklad","description":"Christ Pantocrator Icon with Enameled Silver Oklad\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1899 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This refined Russian icon of Christ Pantocrator exemplifies the synthesis of devotional imagery and masterful metalwork that defines the finest works of the late Imperial period. The composition unites a rich oil painting with an elaborate gilt and enameled silver oklad, transforming the object into both a sacred image and a work of the jeweler’s art. The Pantocrator—Christ as the omnipotent “Ruler of All”—stands among the most authoritative and enduring iconographic types in Orthodox Christianity, reinforcing the object’s theological and cultural significance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Christ is presented frontally, his solemn gaze engaging the viewer with intensity. His right hand is raised in blessing, while his left supports an open Gospel. The underlying painting bears a Church Slavonic inscription translated as “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12), underscoring Christ’s role as the source of divine illumination. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The oklad overlays the panel with remarkable precision, leaving only the face and hands visible while enveloping the figure in a luminous field of gilded silver. Richly ornamented with engraved foliate motifs, cloisonné enameling and a radiant halo of stylized ornament, the mount protects the composition physically and symbolically. The open book on the oklad presents a second inscription translated as “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34). At the lower edge, the cartouche identifies the figure as “Lord Almighty.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The production of such icons reflects a deeply rooted Russian Orthodox tradition in which precious metal coverings both protected and honored sacred images. By the 19th century, workshops specializing in silver mounts achieved remarkable technical sophistication, integrating enamelwork and repoussé decoration with exacting craftsmanship. The present example bears the kokoshnik mark used from 1899 with a standard of .875 silver. Icons of this caliber were often commissioned for private devotion or as significant gifts, embodying both spiritual and material value within Russian religious culture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bears the maker’s mark “ВШ\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 12 1\/4\" high x 10 1\/2\" wide x 1 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44555648073863,"sku":"32-2525","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2525_1.png?v=1787253675"},{"product_id":"table-lamp-by-edgar-brandt-and-daum-nancy","title":"Table Lamp by Edgar Brandt and Daum Nancy","description":"Wrought Iron and Glass Table Lamp\u003cbr\u003e Edgar Brandt and Daum Nancy\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1925 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A striking collaboration between two masters of French Art Deco, this wrought iron and glass table lamp by Edgar Brandt and Daum Nancy exemplifies the movement’s synthesis of sculptural form and refined craftsmanship. The \"Annam\" model lamp reflects Brandt’s celebrated ability to elevate ironwork into an expressive art form, paired with Daum Nancy’s luminous glassmaking expertise. Together, they achieve a harmonious balance of strength and delicacy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The composition is defined by its organic, vegetal character. The wrought iron shaft rises with rhythmic movement, composed of scrolling forms and stylized foliage that appear to grow naturally from the base. Pierced ovals create an interplay of solid and void that enlivens the structure. Above, the pyramidal orange glass shade by Daum Nancy diffuses light with a soft, atmospheric glow. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A leading figure of the French Art Deco movement, Edgar Brandt gained international acclaim for his innovative metalwork, producing everything from architectural commissions to finely wrought decorative objects. Brandt established the Galeries Edgar Brandt in Paris, later expanding to London and New York, and at the height of his career, oversaw a large atelier producing works for embassies, ocean liners and major architectural commissions. Among his most enduring public works is the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe. His collaborations with leading glassmakers, including Daum Nancy and René Lalique, yielded some of the most sophisticated lighting designs of the period. Honored as a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur and recipient of the Médaille d’Honneur for Applied Art, Brandt is widely regarded as the preeminent Art Deco ironworker of the twentieth century. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Shade signed \"Daum Nancy\"\u003cbr\u003e Base signed \"E. Brandt\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 21 1\/8\" high x 11 5\/8\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Galeries Edgar Brandt catalog, the “Annam” model, circa 1925–27 (base illustrated)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44564942880903,"sku":"32-2090","price":38850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2090_1_4bf9aef2-77e6-4525-8a3b-686cb4fc8a92.png?v=1787685785"},{"product_id":"russian-silver-and-enamel-dessert-service-for-12","title":"Russian Silver and Enamel Dessert Service for 12","description":"Russian Silver and Champlevé Enamel Dessert Service for 12\u003cbr\u003e Assayed Moscow, 1886 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A vision of Imperial refinement, this rare Russian silver and enamel dessert service embodies the grandeur and artistry of late 19th-century Moscow craftsmanship. Comprising 37 pieces, the service includes teaspoons, butter knives, dessert forks and sugar tongs. Each element reflects the elevated craftsmanship and elegance associated with elite Russian silver production of the late 19th century. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The surface of each piece is richly adorned in a traditional Pan-Slavic foliate and scrolling design rendered in vivid champlevé enamel. Shades of deep blue, green and turquoise create a striking contrast against the polished silver ground. The terminals are crowned with a finely detailed coat of arms beneath a princely crown, accompanied by a banner inscribed “Sempre Alta Lafronte,” reinforcing the service’s aristocratic associations. The set is complete with its original presentation case, lined in velvet and silk. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Produced in Moscow circa 1886, this service reflects the height of Russian decorative silverwork during the Imperial period. Marked with the Cyrillic maker’s initials “UG” and the 88 zolotnik standard, it denotes a high-grade silver purity of .9166 fine. The use of champlevé enamel, combined with heraldic decoration, places this service firmly within the tradition of luxurious presentation silver created for noble and aristocratic households. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Maker’s mark “UG” in Cyrillic \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In box: 2 1\/4\" high x 15 1\/4\" wide x 12 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44578425962631,"sku":"32-2526","price":48500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2526_1_caa862d9-9ba6-4bb9-bbda-693d14861629.png?v=1786404054"},{"product_id":"tiffany-studios-daffodil-table-lamp","title":"Tiffany Studios Daffodil Table Lamp","description":"\u003cem\u003eDaffodil\u003c\/em\u003e Table Lamp\u003cbr\u003e Tiffany Studios\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1905 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A luminous celebration of nature and artistry, this rare \u003cem\u003eDaffodil\u003c\/em\u003e table lamp by Louis Comfort Tiffany embodies the height of Tiffany Studios’ mastery in leaded glass design. The lamp captures the rich color, naturalism and technical brilliance that made Tiffany lamps among the most coveted decorative arts creations of the early 20th century. Complete with its original patinated bronze base, the work stands as an exceptional example of the firm’s iconic floral lighting designs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The domed shade is encircled by radiant daffodil blossoms rendered in richly saturated yellow Tiffany glass. Rippled glass forms the trumpet of each flower, while delicately mottled glass creates layered petals that lend remarkable depth and dimensionality to the composition. The warm golden tones glow against the dark patinated bronze base, producing the jewel-like luminosity for which Tiffany Studios became renowned. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The daffodil, or narcissus, was among Louis Comfort Tiffany’s favorite flowers and appeared throughout the artistic output of Tiffany Studios, from windows and vases to monumental architectural installations. This particular shade was likely designed by Clara Driscoll, head of the Women’s Glass Cutting Department and one of the principal creative forces behind Tiffany’s most celebrated lamp designs. Driscoll and the “Tiffany Girls” created more daffodil lamp variations than any other floral model in the Tiffany Studios catalog, underscoring the motif’s significance within Tiffany’s artistic vision. The flower also held special importance at Laurelton Hall, Tiffany’s famed Long Island estate, where elaborate glass daffodil columns adorned the iconic Daffodil Terrace. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Shade stamped \"Tiffany Studios New York\"\u003cbr\u003e Base stamped \"Tiffany Studios New York 528\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 27\" high x 20 1\/2\" diameter \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e A. Duncan, \u003cem\u003eTiffany Lamps and Metalware: An illustrated reference to over 2000 models\u003c\/em\u003e, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, p. 153, fig. 635; (similar examples of shade 1497) and p. 103, fig. 407-8 (similar example of base 528)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44581014405255,"sku":"32-2596","price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2596_1_383f95b6-9d70-429d-833b-f657343f7552.png?v=1782328815"},{"product_id":"the-prince-of-wales-silver-cup-by-elkington-co","title":"The Prince of Wales Silver Cup by Elkington \u0026 Co.","description":"The Prince of Wales Silver Presentation Cup\u003cbr\u003e Elkington \u0026amp; Co.\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1900 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental silver presentation cup is a rare surviving object that unites royal patronage, diplomatic history and masterful English silversmithing. Made by Elkington \u0026amp; Co. and presented by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales—the future King Edward VII—it commemorates Monsieur Lozes’ assistance to the British section of the 1900 Paris International Exhibition. With its engraved inscription, royal arms and accompanying original framed letter from the Prince, the cup is an exceptional treasure of European history. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Founded in Birmingham in the 19th century, Elkington \u0026amp; Co. was among the most important English silver firms of its era, celebrated for technical innovation and luxurious production. The firm earned an international reputation for its refined workmanship and ambitious exhibition pieces, supplying silver for prominent patrons and major world fairs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Impressive in both scale and presence, the cup stands on a circular foot and rises in a commanding classical form, accented by bold scrolling handles. The Prince of Wales’s coat of arms and engraved presentation inscription are beautifully engraved. The generous proportions and substantial weight give the cup the authority expected of an official royal gift, among the most luxurious items ever created. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The inscription on the cup reads as follows: \u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Prince of Wales wishes and thanks Monsieur Lozes for the courteous assistance which he has been good enough to give to the officials of the British Section of the International Exhibition of 1900 in the performance of their duties. H.R.H. takes this opportunity of asking Monsieur Lozes to accept a small remembrance of the international duties which have brought him into relation with the staff of the Royal Commission with such excellent results.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 10\" high x 10\" wide x 5 3\/4\" deep\u003cbr\u003e 39 ounces sterling silver\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44701530095751,"sku":"32-2330","price":28500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2330_1_715d3327-bcb7-4e23-9143-929e82572d94.png?v=1780435274"},{"product_id":"pair-of-bronze-and-marble-busts-by-henry-dasson-and-c-caccia","title":"Pair of Bronze and Marble Busts by Henry Dasson and C. Caccia","description":"Pair of Orientalist Busts by Henry Dasson and C. Caccia\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1883 and 1885 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional pair of Orientalist busts represents a highly rare collaboration between Italian sculptor C. Caccia and the celebrated French bronzier Henry Dasson. Executed in 1883 and later mounted on ormolu and Campan Grand Melange marble plinths by Dasson in 1885, works combining these materials are seldom encountered, and their preservation as an original pair is rarer still. Together, the busts exemplify the height of late 19th-century European fascination with Orientalist subjects, rendered with remarkable naturalism and technical refinement. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The figures are rendered in richly polished dark bronze and their clothing carved in luminous white marble, creating a striking interplay of tone and texture. The finely sculpted drapery cascades in soft folds around each sitter’s shoulders, contrasting beautifully with the faces, whose features reveal the sculptor’s impressive skill. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e C. Caccia was active in Italy during the late 19th century, a period marked by technical virtuosity and academic rigor in marble sculpture. The subsequent marble plinths by Henry Dasson situate these works firmly within the highest echelon of decorative arts production in Paris. Dasson was renowned for his collaborations with leading sculptors and for supplying objects to elite collectors and institutions across Europe. The distinguished provenance of this pair, formerly in the collection of Sir Arthur Gilbert, underscores their importance; Gilbert was among the most influential collectors of decorative arts of the twentieth century, with major gifts to institutions including The Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Man: 17 1\/2“ high x 14” wide x 8 1\/2“ deep\u003cbr\u003e Woman: 17“ high x 13” wide x 8 1\/2“ deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance: Sir Arthur Gilbert Collection\u003cbr\u003e Sale of the above, Christie’s New York, 23 April 2004, lot 31\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, London\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45022055858311,"sku":"32-2059","price":64500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2059_1.png?v=1782501714"},{"product_id":"ocularists-glass-eye-cabinet","title":"Ocularist's Glass Eye Cabinet","description":"Ocularist's Glass Eye Cabinet\u003cbr\u003e 19th Century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This 19th-century cabinet contains an assortment of 650 individual hand-blown glass eyes. A collection of this magnitude would have resided in the office of a prominent ocularist, someone who specialized in crafting and fitting prosthetic eyes. The mahogany cabinet doors, adorned with a pair of carved eyelids and glass eyes, open to reveal ten shelves, each fitted with 65 eyes carefully stored in original red baize lining. Organized by iris color and other distinctive features, this collection is a fascinating scientific rarity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Precision was paramount for ocularists to match the unique dimensions of each individual's eye socket. Variations in size, iris color, thickness and shape all necessitated skilled painting and craftsmanship, resulting in glass eyes of remarkable realism and individuality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The development of realistic glass eyes is often traced to 16th-century Venetian glassmakers, who pioneered techniques for creating lifelike ocular prostheses. Though early iterations were delicate, later French and German ocularists advanced the field by utilizing innovative glass, resulting in durable and lifelike eye prosthetics. From the 16th to 19th centuries, Paris emerged as the hub of artificial eye production. Exceptionally thin enamel glass and glass shells such as these were ingeniously designed to cover atrophied eyes, setting the field’s standard of excellence. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 54\" high x 22 1\/2\" wide x 17 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45257363849351,"sku":"32-2602","price":88500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2602_1.png?v=1784236839"},{"product_id":"silver-gilt-bird-box-by-charles-bruguier","title":"Silver Gilt Bird Box by Charles Bruguier","description":"Silver Gilt Bird Box\u003cbr\u003e Charles Bruguier\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1845 with later date inscription 1885 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This enchanting silver-gilt singing bird box by the great Charles Bruguier houses an exceptionally intricate fusee-driven automaton movement within its richly decorated case. The oval lid is centered by a finely painted enamel pastoral scene, while the interior is brightly enameled with floral bouquets against a vivid turquoise ground. The top, sides and base are further embellished with engine-turned and engraved ornament. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e When activated, the lid opens to reveal a lifelike feathered bird that sings a joyful melody while turning its head, opening its beak, fluttering its wings and tail and rotating with captivating realism. At the conclusion of the song, the turquoise-feathered bird retreats beneath an engraved and pierced oval grille. The underside bears a presentation inscription dated 28 October 1885, suggesting the box was gifted to commemorate a special occasion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Charles Abraham Bruguier (1788–1862), the last true heir to the Jaquet-Droz tradition, honed his craft in Geneva and London. He elevated singing bird mechanisms with remarkable refinement, building upon the innovations of Les Frères Rochat and Jaquet-Droz. Bruguier's technique for recreating birdsong achieved striking realism, producing an exceptionally lifelike sound. His creations endure as mechanical masterpieces, blending sound, motion and the finest ornament.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 1 1\/4\" high x 3 3\/4\" wide x 2 1\/2\" deep  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Belgium\/New York\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45534559240327,"sku":"32-2454","price":68500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2454_1.png?v=1786721445"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/9-26-historic-splendor.oembed","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}