Antiques

OLD NOUVEAU Atala Goddess HUGE Bronze bust with history

This listing is of an antique large bust of an art nouveau goddess Native American Heroine found in a 19th century novel by Francois-Rene de Chateaubriand. The book is either called Atala or Atala Rene? The name ATALA is embossed on the lower part of the piece and it was sculptured by Emmanuel Villanis. This is quite a stunning bust. It measures 18" high & 11" across the shoulders She is fairly old ( Art Nouveau Period C. 1890- 1910) and she was used in our store as display after we got her from an estate auction many many years ago to display jewelry The bust is probably made of French White Bronze with bronze finish and it is heavy (about 7 lbs). It makes a tin metal sound when you thump it which is why I am not sure the content but the color is bronze. There is no hole in the bottom to tell what is inside her. But she weighs quite a bit and is in very good condition with gentle wear. . . . There is no makers mark or date found the bottom which is covered in felt. She is more bronze in color than the darker color the photos show . I just love her face and we used her in our Egyptian displays when we had our store. Since she is free standing she will work most anywhere in a store or even at home. She has lots of age in her color and is in very good gently aged condition. As I said the raised name on her front it Atala and here is a little history on her: Atala was a book written by François-René de Chateaubriand (1768–1848) about a half Indian girl, Atala. The girl is caught between the love for her friend and the promise she made to her mother to stay a virgin, she finally commits suicide with a dagger. Height 14" (36 cm).From the moment of its publication in 1801, Atala, or the Loves of Two Savages in the Desert was a huge success. Set in 18th-century Louisiana, Chateaubriand’s tragic story tells about the Christian Amerindian maiden Atala, who frees the Amerindian brave Chactas from his enemies and finds refuge with him in the cave of the religious hermit Father Aubry. Having consecrated herself to God, Atala takes poison when she fears that she is falling in love with Chactas. After her death, the brave vows to become Christian himself. Imbued the sentimentality of the age, the novel was republished five times. Girodet’s loving depiction captures the tragic sentiment of Chateaubriand’s story. Since this is Irreplaceable there can be no returns on this sale. Please use photos to make your decisions.
$325.00
Layaway is always available

RARE Antique Chinese opera Headdress crown

This antique ( pre-1900) Chinese headdress / crown with beaded tassels and the long silk tassel ( see in in photos with the woman) is a real treasure that surely should be in a museum. I have many more photos so please email me to see them, because these four only show a tiny bit of the work that is involved in it.

The headdress is a very important accessory in the Chinese Opera costume as it helps the audience to identify specific roles. Important characters wore ( and still do) more ornate and striking headdresses. These are very rare and you hardly ever see one for sale so don’t miss this at the last minute. A little information as to why this is so special follows : Accessories, including helmets and hats, constitute an integral part to bring about dramatic stage effects.The costumes are of a high value and are indeed priceless.Each is one of a kind. Peking Opera costumes show the beauty of traditional Chinese embroidery: surface embroidery with gold or silver threads; woolen embroidery with silk or gold threads, among many others. Every costume and accessory is a masterpiece of art and craft.

One costume with elaborate designs and patterns may take a handicraftsman months or even years to finish. Peking Opera was born in the 55th year (1790) of the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). More than half a century later, the troupes combined and integrated stories and methods from the various popular opera styles they encountered, eventually resulted in Peking Opera.

Unlike European operas, which usually concentrate on one kind of performance in one stage representation, Peking Opera integrates music, singing, dance, costume art, makeup, acting and acrobatics into a unique whole. Dan characters usually wear elaborate headdresses. Scholars and officials often wear simple black hats with two fins coming out from the sides. It is important for actors to wear the right hats as the fins denote an actor's character or rank. This hat has butterfly fins that are so elaborate and detailed they even have miniature mirrors and faux jewels. A young scholar from a well-to-do family will wear a richly embroidered hat and fins in the shape of two curled butterfly wings.

I believe this hat would have been in that category. Costumes and accessories were mainly made of satin, crepe and silk and decorated with various meticulously embroidered patterns, and tell a character's sex and status at first glance, marking off people from all walks of life, noble or humble, civil or military. They primarily designate his or her role on the stage regardless of time and space.

This headdress is made of stiffened paper and wire and has painted dragons and butterflies and so many intricate pieces to it that the photos will have to help me tell you all there is. This also has two soft puff balls in green and pin on each side, two hand beaded ( almost Indian like in the stitchery) tassels that hang from bells on each side , and one long tassel that is unattached (see photo of mannequin) that is very detailed and over 6inches long.

There is a tie that would have held this to the actors head that is attached to the headdress. Intricate wire work has been added to the stiffened paper and gilded over to form beautiful patterns on the front. Intricate punch work that forms a screen like effect on the paper adds dimension. I can’t even imagine the time this took to make . The one tasseled side needs a little help and is missing part of an extra tassel to match the other side. Considering this is well over 130 years old and probably was worn in numerous performances, this is in very good condition. If you collect Asian antiques, or are a collector of the arts, then this piece will be one of your most prized additions. It is large and will fit most any head and I really hope it ends up in a place where it will be truly appreciated for all its history. Sold as is and it will have to be insured to wherever it goes.

$1100.00
Please use this # when ordering ga33635

12 place setting 1937 Wallace sterling Sir Christopher silverware

Years and years ago, when we were stocking our antique store, we drove through the east coast. We were lucky enough to be traveling through The Hamptons on a weekend during which there were loads of high quality estate sales. Talk about timing! This boxed set of Wallace Sterling service for twelve was just too good to be true! I believe it to be the Sir Christopher pattern which was manufactured in the late 1930's. In addition to the complete set of 12 salad forks, standard forks, standard knives, butter knives,soup spoons and teaspoons, there are three hostess pieces...One pie or quiche server, one vegetable spoon, plus one other larger soup-type spoon. (Unfortunately, there is no meat fork.)Total 75 pieces. Although I had the best of intentions, once I got it into my home, I couldn't part with it (A downfall to many an antique dealer), so it remained as one of my guilty pleasures and happiest treasures for lo these many years! I can honestly state that I don't entertain much these days, so it's time to find this beauty a wonderful new home, hopefully one where it will be appreciated and happily utilized. Please note that the cutting surfaces of all the knives as well as the quiche server are stainless steel, but the handles of all pieces are solid sterling. Although I want to sell this important part of a multi-family history, I will wait for just the right home to come along; Therefore, I will not be lowering my price, and I appreciate your understanding that fact before you place a bid. (As you can tell by the pictures, the Wallace Silver is in, what I believe to be, its original wooden box.)I will give free shipping within the US if you use a check or money order. I have more photos if you want to email me. These have not been polished or cleaned and are sold as vintage used sterling silverware.
Please use this # when ordering bab7042
$6995.00 Available in 4 monthly payments

Large French Victorian oil Girl portrait Painting

This large lovely portrait was in a really old wooden frame that was crushed in a move so we saved her from it when we got unpacked. I have never tried to reframe her and want to find her a proper home. This has its original matting too. The matting size is 19 1/2" tall and the painting is 19" tall. ( see photo of the back with the matting next to it) I tried to show a photo of the light hitting it so you can see there there are layers of paint. I am not a specialist in paintings so please ask me any questions you might have and I will be glad to help. I don't think it is a water color because of the shine where some of the layeres of paint or so my guess would be oil. If there is another type of paint then I am not versed in what it could be. On the back it is written Moore and 441 one. NOt sure what that means. She looks very young and has long drop earrings as well as pearl sash brooch. Very pretty and elegant looking. The matting was on the portrait so long that it has lightened the part where it laid against the portrait. The colors are soft and subtle. Maybe she looks like an ancestor of yours? Vintage and antique items are not mint nor are they perfect. Sold as is and as found (used and vintage) Since this is Irreplaceable there can be no returns on this sale.. Please use photos to make your decisions.
Please use this # when ordering ga33851
$325.00 available in layaway

Vintage Ceremonial Knights Templar Masonic Sword Belt w/Chain and four clips

This is a black masonic ceremonial sword belt complete with chains! I believe that this particular belt belonged to a Knight Templar based upon the decorative symbols. The silver belt buckle features a knight atop his steed as he proudly displays a banner of a red cross. A sword and shield with a red cross adorning the front lay at the feet of the stallion. The belt appears to be leather and is marked "The Cincinnati Regalia Company". There are five metallic clips ( one is gold in color) , each of a suit of armor, that are attached to the belt. One has a chain that is 7" long..This is 36" long.The leather is embossed with 32 chicopee Ames Sword Co .

VintageSparkles offers Layaway on all our pieces regardless of which site it comes from. Please remember that vintage & antique items are not mint, nor are they perfect but they sure are full of old history and charm. Please use photos to make your decisions and read our policies prior to buying so you can have an excellent experience with us.
$195.00
Please use this number when ordering g3185
If you want to see more of these pretties this is the link to my etsy store.
http://www.vintagesparkles.etsy.com/