Rare large English enamel writing casket, c.1765

Rare large English enamel writing casket, c.1765

Apr 3, 2014 | 2014 Exhibition, Fairs & Exhibitions, Fresh Items

This powerful piece of Rococo style is the front cover image of our 2014 Catalogue- it’s that good. While it looks like porcelain, it is English enamel. It’s a writing casket as the interior has gilt copper divisions for inkwells etc. The outside has a white-on-white raised diaper pattern and rococo framed panels brightly painted with classical landscapes including figures and ruins – subjects as follows: Right side – cherub carving a bust   Left side – cherub playing a flute   Back – Apollo playing his lyre, as Pegasus flies by to the right.     Lid – a classical lady being crowned by a man in armour; he is Mars, and the cherubs to the right hold his attribute, the sword. The other cherub holds a flaming torch, suggesting the goddess is Venus – the scene therefore being War crowning Love. Front – Urania, the muse of astronomy, peers though a telescope while leaning on a table globe. This amazing piece is a part of our 2014 Exhibition, and will be released for sale on April...
A Louis XV agate box with Versailles scenes, c.1760

A Louis XV agate box with Versailles scenes, c.1760

Apr 2, 2014 | 2014 Exhibition, Fairs & Exhibitions, Fresh Items

We have a piece that is not actually porcelain -but still very worthy as a rare survivor in our ‘object de Vertu’ category. This amazing little box is a rare survivor: dating to Circa 1760, it is made from carefully selected pieces of Agate (semi-precious stone). It is mounted in gilt metal mounts, in itself a brittle combination much like porcelain. However, it also has a series of ‘cold-colour’ – meaning unfired enamel paintwork – scenic panels. These are fascinating, painted in blue/black/white, as they depict a grand palace with a U-shaped courtyard and fence in front, along which figures stroll: the unmistakable outline of Versailles.   The other faces – including the curved ends – each have a view of a particular feature in the gardens of Versailles – the walks, grottos & gardens. This slideshow requires JavaScript.   The painting in miniature is almost ‘impressionist’ when enlarged – how appropriate that it is French!   This superb piece will be a part of the ‘Recent Acquisitions’ Exhibition, to be held at Moorabool Antiques. Opening is April 12th, 2014  at 11am. Details of box: #1017020 7.5cm wide...
Meissen harbour scene snuff box, circa 1730

Meissen harbour scene snuff box, circa 1730

Mar 10, 2014 | 2014 Exhibition, Fresh Items

This remarkable snuff box has come back to us for the second time. A local collector purchased it from us many years ago; now, he says, it is time for someone else to enjoy it. An early form, with silver mounts, it dates to circa 1730.   This slideshow requires JavaScript. This superb item will be a part of our 2013 Exhibition, opening in our Geelong gallery on April...