Tridacna Shell Padua school Probably 17th century Bronze, patina, traces of gilding 6,5x18,5x13,5 cm This rare bronze was made from a direct cast of a real shell.In the Renaissance, castings from life were often made in the Paduan area, following the taste for Nature-Artifice theme. Snakes, lizards, toads and spider crabs were covered with refractory material and placed at high temperatures, leaving a perfect cast of their bodies to be used as a mold for later castings. Small studiolo objects such as inkwells, candlesticks and paperweights often concealed philosophical meanings related to the role of art in emulating nature. This tridacna falls into this category of objects.Shells were often used as ink vessels and in the production of Severo da Ravenna and Gerolamo Campagna they were supported by satyrs in compositions of bronze inkwells. A similar large shell supported by a kneeling man is attributed to Girolamo Campagna (Museo Correr, Venice; Vittoria and Albert Museum, London). Another shell, part of an inkwell, is attributed to the workshop of Severo Calzetta da Ravenna (Castello del Buonconsiglio, Trento).This shell shows no signs of being part of another object (there is no holes or pins). It could be an autonomous work, representing itself and the union of nature and artifice.Bronze tridacne shells are present in works by Francesco Bertos (Venice 1678-1741), such as basins with small putti musicians playing on the edges. BibliographyManfred Leithe-Jasper and Francesca de Grammatica, Bagliori d'Antico Bronzetti al Castello del Buonconsiglio, Publistampa Arti Grafiche, Pergine Valsugana, 2013, pp.74-79.Charles Avery, Bertos The Triunph of Motion, Allemandi, Turin, 2008, pp.256-261.
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Three Georgian silver cauldron salt cellars having plain bodies with cast border of shells, scrolls etc, supported on three cast lion paw feet, with gilt interiors, two hallmarked for Sheffield 1816 together with two silver condiment spoons, hallmarked Sheffield 1909, makers mark for Thomas Watson & Co, g/w 312gms (a/f) (3)
Matchbox Superfast 2 x 32c Field Gun - both are Near Mint to Mint complete with plastic accessories (1) in Fair stained & tape repaired "New" type L box with French text to one picture face & illustrating model firing shells to striker side panel; (2) in Excellent Plus "New" type L box with 2-line English/French text to striker side panel. (2)
Manuscript Journal on Taxidermy, Zoology and Travel, A 19th Century manuscript note book relating to the Strickland family, comprising 32 leaves in a neat hand variously in ink and pencil, with several loose leaf inserts and further blank leaves and pages, likely by Hugh Edwin Strickland (1811-1853), the English geologist, ornithologist, naturalist and systematist. Strickland, through the British Association proposed a series of rules for the nomenclature of organisms in zoology, known as the Strickland Code that was a precursor of later codes for nomenclature./12MO (18.5cm x 10.5cm), Stitched leather binding/The notebook contains several recipes and processes relating to taxidermy, listing chemical and processes for the successful preparation of specimens. Headings include 'Manner of skinning birds'. Further entries relate to travel to Africa such as a letter drafted 'Remarks on the Coast of Africa', referencing Sir F Collyer - the author refers to his travels and a mysterious fever that affected the crew on the ship 'Sybille'. In the letter he refers to slavers, tornadoes, travel to Sierra Leone, Lagos, etc./ Further entries on Zoology, 'Class 2nd G. Graves …1st Landbirds, Order 1st Rapacious …' followed by several pages of entries of bird names, e.g. Alanda (Lark) and Didus Dodo (annotated "doubtful")/Another chapter entitled 'Birds that I have obs'd off the Cape at different times', followed by pencil pages entitled 'Prospectus of a plan for An Expedition into Central Africa', followed by 'At the ordinary meeting of the South African Secretary & Scientific Institution …on the 5th June 1833. Followed by a list of shells and their description, classed into Bivalves and multivalves. Also listed shells observed at St Helena, Sierra Leone and other locations. Followed by 'Hints and Memoranda relative to the collecting and preserving objects of Natural History'. With one page of a list of books, a list of preservatives, followed by hints on catching certain birds and bats "Goatsuckers or Night Hawks may be taken by … a beetle on a hook attached to a small line across the branch of a tree"…. The last page with a pencil drawing in outline of a bosun's whistle. CONDITION REPORT: Condition information is not usually provided in the description of the lot but is available upon request; the absence of a condition report does not imply that a lot is without imperfection
Three Worcester chambersticks, c.1805-20, two from the Barr, Flight and Barr partnership, of hexagonal form, one painted with shells, the other with flower sprays, the last Flight, Barr and Barr and painted with English flowers on a pale green ground, impressed, painted and printed marks, 10.5cm max. (3)Provenance: a private collection in Hampshire.
Edward Weston was an influential American photographer who is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of modern photography. He was born on March 24, 1886, in Highland Park, Illinois, and passed away on January 1, 1958, in Carmel, California. Weston's career spanned several decades, during which he produced a vast body of work that encompassed various genres, including landscapes, still lifes, nudes, and portraits. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, precise composition, and ability to capture the essence and beauty of everyday objects. One of Weston's most significant contributions to photography was his exploration of form, texture, and tone through close-up studies of natural objects and landscapes. He often used large-format cameras and emphasized sharpness and clarity in his images. Weston's photographs of vegetables, shells, rocks, and other ordinary subjects transformed them into elegant and abstract compositions. Weston was a founding member of the influential photography group known as Group f/64, which advocated for the use of sharp focus and precise detail in photography. He exhibited his work extensively, and his photographs received widespread recognition and acclaim. Weston's contributions helped establish photography as a legitimate art form and influenced generations of photographers. Today, Edward Weston is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of photography. His legacy continues to inspire photographers worldwide, and his work can be found in major museums and collections around the world. Measures 7.75 x 9.5Printed circa 1950sVerso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.
Edward Weston was an influential American photographer who is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of modern photography. He was born on March 24, 1886, in Highland Park, Illinois, and passed away on January 1, 1958, in Carmel, California. Weston's career spanned several decades, during which he produced a vast body of work that encompassed various genres, including landscapes, still lifes, nudes, and portraits. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, precise composition, and ability to capture the essence and beauty of everyday objects. One of Weston's most significant contributions to photography was his exploration of form, texture, and tone through close-up studies of natural objects and landscapes. He often used large-format cameras and emphasized sharpness and clarity in his images. Weston's photographs of vegetables, shells, rocks, and other ordinary subjects transformed them into elegant and abstract compositions. Weston was a founding member of the influential photography group known as Group f/64, which advocated for the use of sharp focus and precise detail in photography. He exhibited his work extensively, and his photographs received widespread recognition and acclaim. Weston's contributions helped establish photography as a legitimate art form and influenced generations of photographers. Today, Edward Weston is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of photography. His legacy continues to inspire photographers worldwide, and his work can be found in major museums and collections around the world. Measures 9.5 x 7.75 Printed circa 1950sVerso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.
Edward Weston was an influential American photographer who is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of modern photography. He was born on March 24, 1886, in Highland Park, Illinois, and passed away on January 1, 1958, in Carmel, California. Weston's career spanned several decades, during which he produced a vast body of work that encompassed various genres, including landscapes, still lifes, nudes, and portraits. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, precise composition, and ability to capture the essence and beauty of everyday objects. One of Weston's most significant contributions to photography was his exploration of form, texture, and tone through close-up studies of natural objects and landscapes. He often used large-format cameras and emphasized sharpness and clarity in his images. Weston's photographs of vegetables, shells, rocks, and other ordinary subjects transformed them into elegant and abstract compositions. Weston was a founding member of the influential photography group known as Group f/64, which advocated for the use of sharp focus and precise detail in photography. He exhibited his work extensively, and his photographs received widespread recognition and acclaim. Weston's contributions helped establish photography as a legitimate art form and influenced generations of photographers. Today, Edward Weston is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of photography. His legacy continues to inspire photographers worldwide, and his work can be found in major museums and collections around the world. Measures 9.5 x 7.75 Printed circa 1950sVerso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.
Sanibel Island is a picturesque barrier island located off the southwestern coast of Florida. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, and shell-lined shores, Sanibel Island is a popular destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Here's an overview of Sanibel Island:1. Beaches: Sanibel Island is renowned for its beautiful beaches, characterized by powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. The island's beaches, such as Bowman's Beach, Blind Pass Beach, and Lighthouse Beach, offer serene settings for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Shells are abundant along the shores, attracting shell collectors from around the world.2. Wildlife and Nature: Sanibel Island is a haven for wildlife and is home to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which covers a large portion of the island. Visitors can explore the refuge's trails, boardwalks, and observation decks to spot a diverse range of bird species, including herons, egrets, pelicans, and roseate spoonbills. The island's mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and estuaries support a variety of marine life, such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.3. Shelling: Sanibel Island is known as the "Shell Capital of the World" due to its abundance of seashells. The island's unique geography, with its east-west orientation, causes shells to wash ashore in large quantities. Collecting seashells is a popular activity, and the island even has an annual Shell Fair and Show where visitors can learn about different types of shells and their intricate beauty.4. Outdoor Activities: In addition to beach-related activities, Sanibel Island offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Kayaking and paddleboarding through the island's mangrove estuaries and backwaters allow visitors to explore the island's natural wonders up close. Biking along the island's bike paths or fishing in its bays and inlets are other popular pursuits.5. Sanibel Lighthouse: The iconic Sanibel Lighthouse, located at the eastern end of the island, is a historic landmark and popular photo spot. Visitors can admire the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding coastline.6. Conservation and Preservation: Sanibel Island has a strong commitment to environmental conservation and preservation. Strict building codes and regulations have helped maintain the island's natural beauty and preserve its unique ecosystem. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum contribute to the island's conservation efforts and provide educational opportunities for visitors.7. Island Culture and Relaxation: Sanibel Island offers a laid-back and unhurried atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind and relax. The island has a selection of charming shops, galleries, and restaurants that reflect its unique island culture. Visitors can savor fresh seafood, browse local artwork, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the island's natural surroundings.Sanibel Island's pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and commitment to environmental conservation make it a nature lover's paradise. Whether you're strolling along the shell-lined shores, observing the diverse birdlife, or immersing yourself in the island's laid-back culture, Sanibel Island offers a serene and captivating escape along Florida's Gulf Coast.Measures 24 x 36.Mounted to linen.
A Victorian Ebonised and Parcel Gilt Overmantel Mirror, late 19th century, the original mirror plate flanked by moulded pilasters, with a stiff leaf moulded border, the cornice surmounted by shells143cm by 137cmThe mirror plate is heavily tarnished and also scratched. There are numerous losses to the gesso and moulding throughout (see further images). The maximum width is 135cm and the maximum height with shells is 141cm (this would have previously been fitted with finials).
A Deborah Timperley purple studio glass dish, contemporary, heightened in gilt, dia.18.5cm, together with a Jodi Wright coloured studio glass bowl, contemporary, signed to the rim, w.32cm, a Richard coloured studio glass bowl, contemporary, signed to the foot, 32cm and a blue studio glass bowl, in the form of shells, signed indistinctly and dated '81, w.31cm (4)
A George III sugar basinBy William and Patrick Cunningham, Edinburgh, 1796 On moulded pedestal foot, the hemispherical bowl chased with a band of shells and scrolls at the rim and engraved with crest and motto, with swing handle and gilt interior, length 16.5cm, weight 9.5oz.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Dale Chihuly (American, b. 1941). Set of eight "Persian Forms" handblown glass. With a spiderweb design in turquoise blue along one side and a variation from orange to black along the other. Rimmed in bright red. The forms range from large open bowls in resembling shells to curling floral vessels. They are able to be nested together in a variety of unique ways.Provenance: Savage Art Resources, Portland, OR; Distinguished Corporate Collection.Lot Essay:Dale Chihuly first encountered glass art as an interior design student at the University of Washington. Immediately fascinated, he went on to study glass at the University of Wisconsin, which was the first university in the United States to teach glassblowing. From there, he went on to the Rhode Island School of Design, where he continued to learn about glass and eventually ended up teaching. His education continued with a Fulbright Fellowship to go to the famous glassblowing studios of Venice. After his time in Italy, he returned to his home state of Washington to found his own glass school, the Pilchuck Glass School, with Ann and John Hauberg, influential supporters of the arts in Seattle. At this school, his art style and process truly flourished. In particular, Chihuly first fostered the collaborative method of glassblowing he had witnessed in Italy at Pilchuck, something that would become a hallmark of his artistic process.Height ranges from 1 3/4 in to 15 1/2 in; width ranges from 4 in to 21 in; depth ranges from 1 1/2 in to 15 in.Condition: Throughout all of the pieces there are no major cracks, losses, or restorations. There are some accretions and dust collected throughout. Along one of the large bowls there is a minute chip near the edge of the interior of the bowl, approximately 1/4 inch. There are no other notable scratches or chips.
Beautiful Shells: Their Nature, Structure and Uses Familiarly Explained. Descriptions of the most remarkable species and explanations of the meanings of their scientific names. By H. G. Adams. Illustrated with numerous engravings and coloured plates. Published by Groombridge and Sons, London, 1855. 78 pages, including index. 5" x 6¾". Very good copy in marbled quarter leather boards. Lacks leather spine but is a tight copy of a RARE book. From single vendors book collection. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99. 30kg box UK £15, EU £40, ROW £60
Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith (4386 Pte. W. Brockett, Devon: Regt.) nearly extremely fine £400-£500 --- Private W. Brockett was killed in action at Ladysmith on 21 November 1899, the circumstances of his death being described in The Record of a Regiment of the Line: ‘On November 20th the Boers mounted some more guns on Bulwana and also on Umbrella Tree Hill, which lay in the Nek between Bulwana and Gun Hill. Colonel Knox ordered a dummy battery to be made at night on the further side of the Klip River and out in the open. Wooden imitation guns and imitation gunners were erected, and these were worked with a string by a gunner concealed in the bank of the river. Captain Kincaid-Smith, with the two Maxim-Nordenfeldt guns captured at Elandslaagte, of which he was now in charge, was to open fire from Devon Post on to the Boer guns newly placed on Umbrella Tree Hill, and as he was perfectly concealed and fired smokeless powder, it was supposed that the Boers would imagine that the firing came from the new dummy battery just erected. Kincaid-Smith began firing at about six o'clock on the following morning. He fired some five shells in perfect silence unanswered by the Boers. He was then suddenly located by them, and shells were hurled on to him from all sides and from all descriptions of guns. This continued for a quarter of an hour and then slackened off. The Boers burst their shrapnel better than usual, and in the evening just before dark one shrapnel got into a working party on Devon Post, killing one man and severely wounding another.’
A GEORGE II SILVER SALVER by Joseph Sanders, London 1741, the border with shells, raised on three hoof feet, engraved with a crest. 20.5cm diameter, 12.5 troy ouncesThe marks are crisp and clear. Engraved with initials on the underside. In generally good condition commensurate with age and use.
A FINE PAIR OF GEORGE II SILVER CANDLESTICKS by James Kirkup, Newcastle 1746 and 1747, each shaped square base engraved with a crest and with shell corners, issuing a knopped stem cast with leaves and shells, the detachable nozzles further engraved with a crest and decorated with scrolls and flowers. (2) 21cm high, 40.3 troy ounces grossThe marks on the underside of each are crisp and clear. Each numbered 1 and 2, respectively. The nozzles are unmarked. Each stands upright and does not wobble or lean. One is slightly taller by a few millimetres. The cast decoration is crisp and good. These are a lovely pair of candlesticks in very good condition.
A continental walnut, mahogany and marquetry secretaire abattant, early 19th century, the dentil cornice over a pair of frieze drawers and a fall front centred with an inlaid boxwood urn, opening to a compartmented interior, above a further long drawer and a pair of cupboard doors inlaid with conch shells, upon ogee bracket feet, 147cm H x 94cm W x 43cm D Please note this lot is offered for sale in accordance with the Ivory Act 2018, Trevanion Auctioneers & Valuers LLP have applied for an exemption licence for the ivory in this lotRef: 6BZRYQS8
A gold snuff box, probably English, circa 1720, of rectangular form, richly decorated throughout, the hinged cover chased with two huntsmen and a hound, against a granulated stippled sky, within a frame of engraved scrolls and shells, the cartouche border further chased with deer and hounds, the reverse with a riverside scene of a crane wrestling a serpent, another crane in flight above, the scene similarly framed, and edged with flowerhead latticework and architectural details, unmarked, length 7.9cm. £6,000-£8,000 --- Literature: Snowman A K: 18th Century Gold boxes of Europe, pub. ACC, 1990, page 261, plate 533, illustrating a comparable example, possibly from the same workshops, depicting a scene from one of Aesop’s fables, The Fox and The Crow. Condition Report The box is in very good condition. possibly a tiny graze to the gold at one corner below the hinge. Sotheby’s London, Gold Boxes, Ceramics and Silver, sale 26 May 2021, lot 25. Snowman: Page 259 - ‘The gold standard demanded in London up to the year 1798 was 22 carat, and in Dresden approximately 18 carat’. Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.0 x 1.3cm. Gross weight 109.5gm
A Dutch architectural oak and ebony cabinet on stand, late 17th c, the carved frieze of shells and leafy scrolling foliage with head corbels above a pair of arch panelled doors and three fluted pilasters, the lower part with conforming drawer, on four massive globe knopped legs with geometric stretchers, 183cm h; 55 x 118cm Good condition with only some small faults and replacements. The later replacement bun feet wormed
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