Alberto Marconetti / Italian Post-War Design Armchairs c. 1960’s
ALBERTO MARCONETTI Milan, Italy (active Argentina)
Armchairs (Two available) c. 1960’s
Oak, painted iron, leather strapwork and seat
Marks: by Alberto Marconetti (script signature)
H: 40 1/2” x W: 27” x D: 21”
Seat height: 19″
Price: $7,450 (each)
This pair of armchairs nods to the influence of such Italian designers as Carlo Bugatti and Carlo Mollino yet are their own unique creation. They have an unusual anthropomorphic quality in that the frame suggests a skeletal structure. In addition, the leather strapwork, iron loops and hooks allude to the equipage of the ancient Roman equestrian order.
Somalia African Tribal Wood Headrest, Early to mid 20th Century
SOMALIA
Head rest early to mid 20th Century
Carved wood with rich natural patina
H: 4 3/4″ x W: 13″
Headrests are used by both Somali men and women while resting or sleeping. It is popularly believed that the headrest serves a protective function by elevating the head off the ground during sleep, thereby preventing any possible attack by snakes or scorpions. Men’s headrests, such as this one, generally feature a smaller base that makes them somewhat unstable to sleep on, while the rectangular bases of women’s headrests are usually more stable. Scholars suggest that this instability is purposeful as it prevents the user from falling into a deep sleep while guarding the herds at night. It is in this sense that the headrest itself has become a symbol of vigilance among Somali nomads. Headrests also play an important role in the nuptial ceremonies of Somali nomads. On his wedding night, the groom places the tubash (a sum of money) under the bride’s headrest. The morning after the marriage is consummated, the bride will use this money to purchase an amber necklace, the symbol of her new status.
Benin King Oba bronze standing figure, African, Nigeria, 20th Century
Benin King Oba bronze standing figure, Nigeria, 20th Century
Lost wax cast bronze with a verdigris patina and a desert sand surface highlighting a rich brown patina.
H: 15″ x D: 4 1/2″ x W: 4 1/2″
The art of Benin is the product of an urban royal court, and is meant to symbolize and to extol the power, mystique, grandeur, continuity, and endurance of the ruling dynasty and its governing institutions. From the 14th century until its fall in 1897, Benin was ruled by the Oba, a divine ruler at the head of the political system of titled chiefs. Under royal support, a number of craftsman’s guilds produced bronze, brass, and wood sculptures and embroidered cloth, all of which have become prized by museums and collectors.
Archibald Knox / Liberty & Co. Important and Rare Tudric Clock 1902
ARCHIBALD KNOX (1864-1933) UK
LIBERTY & CO. London
Extremely rare and important grand clock by Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co. This is the largest of all of the Tudric models designed and is inset with abalone shell on the sides, the front corners and on the hands of the clock.
Marks: TUDRIC, 098
Illustrated: The Designs of Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co., A..J. Tilbrook (London: Ornament Press Ltd., 1976) pg. 88; The Liberty Style, (Japan: Hida Takayama Museum of Arts, 1999) fig. 168, p 114; Archibald Knox, ed. by Stephen A. Martin (London: Academy Editions, 1995) p. 88.
H: 15″ x W: 7″ x D: 5″
***This is the largest clock designed by Archibald Knox for
Liberty & Co. and one of only three models known.
@hd_jewels