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Figurines and Sculptures For Sale
Solid Silver Fallow Deer Figurine Vintage, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Solid silver fallow deer, in very good vintage condition. Dimensions: Height 68 mm / 2.67 inches - Length 66 mm / 2.59 inches - Weight 45 grams. It is stamped with the Silver Italia...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Vintage Happy Jester Buddha Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
This whimsical coral smiling Happy Buddha pendant is crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold. Showcasing an expertly carved salmon colored coral Bud...
Category

1950s Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1950s Lizard Diamond Yellow Gold 18 Karat Brooch Clip
Located in Geneva, CH
The Animal Lizard brooch clip in yellow gold 18k is a captivating piece of jewelry. This brooch features a lizard design, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The lizard’s eyes are adorned with rose cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle and elegance. The head of the lizard is crowned by a beautiful pink sapphire, enhancing its regal appearance. This brooch is estimated to be from the 1950s and bears French assay marks, indicating its authenticity and quality. With its unique design and exquisite gemstone accents, this lizard brooch is a timeless and sophisticated accessory. Total length: 2.56 inches (6.50 centimeters). Total weight: 10.66 grams. We are reknown for curating unfindable jewels. Most of the pieces of our collection are antique, one-of-a-kind and formerly owned by...
Category

1950s French Artist Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Gold

Radha Krishna God Aquamarine Figurine
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally stunning carving of the Hindu Gods Radha & Krishna in a rare Bi-Color Aquamarine with paint work as well. The figurine’s dimensions are 2” ...
Category

2010s Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Aquamarine

Wendy Brandes Year of the Dragon 18K Ring With Spinning Lapis Lazuli Globe
Located in New York, NY
This one-of-a-kind ring was inspired by Empress Wu, a 7th century ruler of China. She was the only female ruler of China to refer to herself as “Emperor” during her reign — historian...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium

Antique Silver Belle with Figural Fowl-Bearing Countryman Handle
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century European silver bell. Tulip-bowl with twisted gadrooning. Figural handle depicting an old-fashioned countryman holding two live fowl. Here’s dinner—eventually. Su...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Zuni Fetish Necklace
By Zuni
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Beautiful Zuni fetish necklace with various animals, hand carved in spiny oyster, with thunderbird center with turquoise. PERIOD: after 1950 ORI...
Category

1960s American Native American Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Zuni Fetish Necklace
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Assorted animals, hand carved of many different stones. PERIOD: 1980s-2000 ORIGIN: Zuni, Southwest SIZE: Length: 35" Naja: 4 1/8" Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in...
Category

Late 20th Century American Native American Figurines and Sculptures

Silver Partridge handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Partridge handicraft
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

18 Karat Gold Figurine Mismatched Stud Post Earrings Asymmetric Modern Pair
Located in New York, NY
DANCE. Mismatched figurines, pair of asymmetric minimalist stud post earrings in 18K Gold. Whimsical, impressionist style, Created for a modern woman. Show your sense of humor with t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Silver Gazelle handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Gazelle handicraft
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Fossilized Walrus Ivory Fetish Necklace
By Zuni
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Exceptional fossilized walrus ivory,fetish necklace. With birds, fox, bears, and standing bear center. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Zuni, Southwest SIZE:...
Category

1960s American Native American Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Antique Caritas Charity Children Garden Soap Stone Cameo Relief Sculpture Italy
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Unmounted soap stone cameo in high relief of a sitting caritas (charity) surrounded by four children in a garden. She is bare breasted, wears a richly pleated gown and a necklace. Sh...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Figurines and Sculptures

Wendy Brandes Signed Maneater Collection Ring: New York City Taxi and Passenger
Located in New York, NY
23 grams of 18K yellow, & white gold, satin finish. 92 yellow diamonds, totaling 0.59 carats. 92 white diamonds, totaling 0.46 carats. 130 black diamonds, totaling 1.04 carats. 2 sma...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Black Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Y...

La Esclavitud
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
piece designed by the master Taxqueño Ezequiel Tapia in the year of 1972, represents a chained Indian. With a technique of embossing and carving in stone, sterling silver .925 and ob...
Category

1970s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

La Esclavitud
La Esclavitud
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Faberge Hardstone Group of Three Pekinese Dogs, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Faberge. A Hardstone Group of Three Pekinese Dogs Carved of grey-brown chalcedony, the eyes set with rose-cut diamonds, 11.2 cm. wide, circa 1900, with...
Category

20th Century Russian Russian Empire Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Chalcedony

Plegadera Maya
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Silver and malachite folding, with chiseled Mayan details on the handle. 1958
Category

1950s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Plegadera Maya
Plegadera Maya
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Zuni Jet Fetish Necklace
By Zuni
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Absolutely beautiful Zuni Fetish Jet necklace with large heartline, bears, fish, and assorted animals with standing bear center. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGI...
Category

1960s American Native American Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Pipa
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Pipe Quetzalcoatl with Olmec mask in jade. Embossed technique, carved in stone and inlaid. Awarded with the first goldsmith prize in 1962
Category

1960s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Jade, Sterling Silver

Pipa
Pipa
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Pineapple Handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pineapple handicraft in silver
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Silver Hound Bracco handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver hound bracco handicraft
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Sterling Silver Cisne, by Antonio Pineda, 1958
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Piece of goldsmith in silver, made in 1958 by Antonio Pineda. the technique hammered in one piece, sterling silver .950
Category

1950s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Plegaria Colibri
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Inspired by the jewels of tomb 7 of montealban. Ornamental prayer with bird feather, representing a hummingbird, silver and jade. Technique openwork, chiselled, embedded, carved ston...
Category

1960s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Plegaria Colibri
Plegaria Colibri
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La ofrenda
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
The offering, representation of an Indian woman seller in silver and the container in agate. Winner of the National Silver Award in 1967. Embossed technique and obsidian
Category

1960s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

La ofrenda
La ofrenda
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Sinfonia Del Mar
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Piece designed by the master Taxqueño Ezequiel Tapia in the year of 1967, with the technique of embossing and carving in stone, sterling silver .925 represents the marine deity with ...
Category

1960s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sinfonia Del Mar
Sinfonia Del Mar
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Tres Hombres Ilustres
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Three illustrious men from Taxco, Custodia with faces of notable characters from Taxco, created to celebrate the first Alarcón Festival in 1988. Don Juan Ruiz de Alarcón, Don Jose De...
Category

1980s Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cane Vinatero Snake "Quetzalcoatl"
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
“Quetzalcoatl" Vintner Cane. Description: Represents the serpent “Quetzalcoatl.” Piece assembled with a thousand movable rings with a hilt in the shape of the reptile’s head. Techniq...
Category

1950s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

South Indian Thali Tamil Nadu circa 1850s Ornament
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A stunning ceremonial Hindu marriage ornament, also called ‘thali’ or ‘kazhutthuru’ from Tamil Nadu, mid 19th Century. This impressive gold pendant shows th...
Category

Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

22k Gold, 24k Gold

Elephant handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant handicraft in silver
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

19th Century Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse Bronze Sculpture of Seated Virgil
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Second-Empire artist Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse is known as the most prolific sculptor of this period. His sculptures were displayed in the Tuileries, the Louvre and the O...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Juan Ruiz De Alarcón
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Modeling the face of Don Juan Ruiz De Alarcón was finished in two pieces, with a rosewood base. Technique: chiseling and embossing. Made for the inauguration of the first Alarconian ...
Category

1980s Mexican Arts and Crafts Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

La Guerra Y La Paz
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
" La noche de los mayas" Box with silver, brass, malachite and precious and semiprecious stones. Base in rosewood wood. Technique: stamping and fusion of married metals, technique in...
Category

1980s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

La Guerra Y La Paz
La Guerra Y La Paz
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Cristo
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Christ, stylization in 3 pieces of sterling silver .925 on rosewood, the hair reflects the failed Christ (together with more than 1000 silver threads) Technique: embossed and chisell...
Category

1960s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Cristo
Cristo
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Pluma
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
Work of silver in spatial inspiration, on an ebony base. made in the year of 1963, winner of the prize of the School of Design and Crafts. Technique, embossing and pumped.
Category

1960s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pluma
Pluma
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Templo Maya del Caracol
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
representative work of the Mayan temple, inlaid with malachite mosaic and Mayan character. winner in the 1st world silver trade fair 1974. Embossed and ca...
Category

1970s Mexican Artisan Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Silver Fish Grayling handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver fish grayling handicraft
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

La Estampida
Located in Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero
3 heads of horses separately, on a wooden base rosewood, with eyes of onyx. Embossed technique. 2 of the horses have matte finish and the other maintains its original brightness.
Category

Early 2000s Mexican Artisan Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

La Estampida
La Estampida
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Elephant Puppy Sculpture in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant Puppy sculpture in silver
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Silver Wild Bison Sculpture
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Wild bison Sculpture
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Monkey Shakers in Gilded Asian Costume by Edward Charles
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a very RARE pair of antique shakers hand-wrought in sterling silver by the craftsmen of Edward Charles Brown of London England in 1867. These lifelike little monkeys are remi...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal

Sculpture of Dog Cocker in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Sculpture of dog Cocker in silver
Category

1880s Italian Early Victorian Antique Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

French Tsar Nicholas I Bisque Porcelain Portrait, 19th Century
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Depicting the Russian emperor, Tsar Nicholas I (r 1825-55) in profile within a 19th century neoclassical style bronze circular frame. French, 1825-55. ...
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Male Doberman Dog Sculpture in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Male Doberman dog sculpture in Silver
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Dog Sculpture Poodle in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Dog sculpture poodle in silver
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Elephant handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant handicraft in silver
Category

1980s Italian Early Victorian Vintage Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Magnificent Pair of Hand Carved Lavender Jadeite Masks
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful pair of Hand Carved Jadeite Masks. Light lavender and very light mint-green. Each has a diameter of 56 mm. Average thickness is 20 mm. Total weight of the pair is 226 grams...
Category

1990s Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Jade

Coral Wood Sculpture
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO ITEMS WITH FIX PRICE, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS ,ONGOING PROMOTIONS AND ITEMS ON SALES. For any inquiries,please contact the seller through the message center. This carved coral sculpture...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Coral

Coral Angel Brooch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A large coral brooch of an angel, Italy, 18th century. weight: 19.1 grams dimensions: 6.1 cm.
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Georgian Antique Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

coral brooch and sculpture
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A coral brooch and sculpture with a bucolic scene praising country life, Italy, 18th century.
Category

Italian Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Scrimshaw Carved Walrus Ivory Tusk Inuit Spotted Seal Knife
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Beautiful carved walrus ivory scrimshaw Inuit Native American ceremonial knife depicting a charming spotted seal by David Soolook Jr. The blade portio...
Category

Late 20th Century American Artisan Figurines and Sculptures

"Mallard" Figurine Hand Chiseled in 925 Silver
Located in Porto, PT
A Hand Chiseled 925 Silver "Mallard" made in Portugal. Dimensions: CM - 13 x 10 x 6 Inches - 5.1 x 3.93 x 2.35 We have other models in collection. Handmade in Portugal. Stamped by ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

"Woodcock" Figurine Hand Chiseled in 925 Silver
Located in Porto, PT
A Hand Chiseled 925 Silver "Woodcock" made in Portugal. Dimensions: CM - 13 x 7 x 5.5 Inches - 5.1 x 2.75 x 2.16 We have other models in collection. Handmade in Portugal. Stamped b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

18K Gold transforming jewellery Interior Object by Viktor Moiseikin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
All in this world is a reflection Of divine love and eternal art. And we're seeking inspiration, In the feelings – strings of soul harps. -Viktor Moiseikin - The 'Serenity' interior decoration by MOISEIKIN is a beautiful combination of modern and traditional jewellery art. The large carved quartz jewel plate, in which you can place your jewellery, represents the water where the natural lives concentrate. Delicately carved Clematis leaves made of jade and gold gently as if embracing precious pure water. The golden fluttering butterfly and snail are embedded with precious gems that bring charm. One beautiful and shining moment of nature is precisely and artistically reflected in this gold and jewellery artwork...
Category

2010s Thai Artisan Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Jade, Sapphire, Quartz, Cultured Pearl, Garnet, Diamond, Amethyst, Yello...

18k White Gold Fish Figurine with 9.20 Carats of White and Blue Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A One of One 18k White Gold Fish Figurine with White and Blue Diamonds Characteristics: Diamond Carat Weight: 9.20 Carats Metal: 36.05 grams, 18k White Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Spinning Bear Rattle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine teddy bear spinner rattle. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Together with its original Tiffany pouch & box. Marked to the reverse of the handle for Tiffany & Co. / 92...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dachshund Dog Couple Austrian Vienna Bronze circa 1900 Walking Under Umbrella
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF TWO DACHSHUND DOGS WALKING UNDER AN UMBRELLA. This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold ...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Gilded Age Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

18 Karat Gold Silver Diamond Floral carving Miniature by MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Gold floral compositions with precious or semi-precious stones or enamel became popular at the turn of the 20th century in Europe and Russia. Especially Imperial families and nobilities collected or gifted to important people. This floral miniature consisted of various rich flower stone carvings adorned with gold filigrees and over 9ct white and black diamonds is fascinating. Poppy flowers made of chalcedony and black diamonds adjoin a quartz lily and lively golden chrysanthemum decorated with diamonds. The gold stamens are adorned with diamonds and sapphires. Fresh-looking leaves are also hand-carved from Siberian nephrite to balance this rich floral composition. One of the poppies is detachable to be transformed into an outstanding brooch. A deep nephrite vase harmoniously continues the floral theme: inspired by the image of an ancient wine cup, it is shaped to be reminiscent of a flower bud. The artistic floral pattern on the base is silver and embedded with diamonds. This intricate artistic floral object symbolising tenderness, love, and wealth, shall bring joy to the home and be a precious family treasure for future generations. "Floral Fancy" Gold 18 K / SV925, Weight 613.18 g, Size: 105*103*246mm 1 184 Diamond 7,323 ct 72 Black Diamond 2,16 ct 1 Garnet 0,065 ct 1 Smoky Quartz 1,5 ct 1 Pearl 0,24 g 3 Carving quartz 20,8 g 1 Nephrite 342,6 g 11 Carving nephrite 48,51 g 4 Sapphire 1,08 ct 4 Chalcedony 38,52 g *This objet d'art was made in 2008 but not owned by anyone before. This object has been exhibited at a number of exhibitions such as Russian, Eastern & Oriental Fine Art...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Chalcedony, Black Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Quartz, Diamond, Sapphire, ...

Mellerio Paris, French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, Lapis, and Obsidian Polo Player
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock Crystal, Enamel, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Agate, Emerald, and Obsidian Polo Player, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1999. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved obdisian hardstone horse and polo player, mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, emaralds, enamel, lapis lazuli, and agate, .The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / MELLERIO DITS MELLER PARIS / 5003 DIV The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 12" high x 8" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

Vintage and Antique Figurines and Sculptures

Figurines and sculptures date back tens of thousands of years to the earliest human cultures. Some of the oldest examples portrayed or symbolized people and animals, such as the famed “Lion Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel” from the Upper Paleolithic era. Rituals may have been performed using these early sculptures and figurines in the belief that they embodied what they represented. Beginning in the 19th century, animal sculpture started becoming not only fashionable but artistically validated — a trend that continues today.

Sculptures and figurines in our modern era are made from a variety of unique materials including gold and silver, and some are adorned with precious and semiprecious stones and more, from jade and opal to diamonds and sapphires. The meaning and use of these artworks have evolved over time, but they remain important cultural objects across the world.

While in the past figurines and sculptures regularly had cultural or historical significance, others were abstract or purely decorative. Many people now display them in cabinets or on shelves in their homes to express their personality and interests, just as they do other decorative objects and collectibles.

On 1stDibs, shop a collection of exquisite figurines and sculptures by leading artists and creators such as Salvador Dalí, MOISEIKIN and others.

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