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Asian Special – Fine Japanese Antiques

This stunning cabinet is known as a Shodana, and is seen here being used as intended – it’s a ‘curio cabinet’, to store your precious objects in.
What makes this example so interesting is the architectural element – the central portion contains two three-shelf corner partitions, the lower one having four sliding screen doors – miniature versions of the Japanese house doors – and the entire segment hinges outward, to leave the interior space clear. Above is another larger shelf section with four similar sliding doors. The open fretwork on these is amazing for its fineness and accuracy, true miniatures of the full-sized house doors in Meiji Japan. Add to that the rich wood inlay, and this is a truely spectacular piece of Japanese Meiji period craftsmanship.

Suzuribako writing box

A fine quality Japanese piece fresh to stock is this Japanese Suzuribako writing box. The lid has an intricate panel of quail and a maize plant, modelled in high relief with various woods and bone, the rest of the box adorned with an intricately carved cell pattern, the interior lined in jet black lacquer with gilt foliage to the inside of lid, fitted with a full set of writing instruments, including silver butterfly Suiteki inset within a silver dish, a carved slate ink-stone with gilt rim, two brushes, a bodkin with lacquer sheath & a matching steel blade with inscribed maker’s inscription, and two gilt-decorated ink blocks.  

Meiji period, 

Circa 1870 

23.5cm x 20.5cm, 6cm high
blade 6.5cm, in sheaf 19cm

An Inro Treasure

This is an ‘Inro’, a small box with cord to carry at your waist. Standing just 8cm tall, it was intended to contain ‘medicine’, via a series of segments that seal tightly together, a small usable compartment in the base of each.

Japanese Shibayama Inro
Japanese Shibayama Inro
Japanese Shibayama Inro
Japanese Shibayama Inro


The quality of this piece speaks for itself, with a very finely detailed continuous scene – probably from a popular play – depicting two gracious ladies seeing off a bare-foot bald-headed Samurai, clutching his sword. They were enjoying a quiet picnic in the woods a moment ago, as can be seen by the red rug with picnic box, wine bottle and cup….. and the intruder on the other side, a wizen old Samurai warrior with his sword, is receiving a good telling-off by the startled ladies. No doubt it’s illustrating something form a popular play of the period – if anyone knows, please send us a message!

Shibayama | Shokasai marks


There is a signature to the base of the lowest segment, which is interesting as it bears to parts; first, an inlaid mother-of-pearl plaque with ‘芝山’ , and second, three characters in gold lacquer “松花齋”. These signatures reveal the origins of this piece; the lacquer case and landscape is by Shokasai, a well known & respected Edo lacquer artist, while the fine inlaid figures is by the fabled Shibayama artists, made as a joint effort & hence signed by both.

Japanese Shibayama Inro
Japanese Inro, signature of Shokasai in gold to the left, for the lacquer; Shibayama on the inlaid plaque for the inlay work.

Shibayama: this Japanese family workshop of artisans was founded by Shabayama Dosho, also known as Senzo. He was a farmer from Shibayama who became a famous artist in the 18th century after moving to Edo to practice his trade. He had many descendents, such as his grandson & successor, Shibayama Naoyuki, who continued the workshop’s tradition for fine inlaid work into the 19th century. Records are not distinct when it comes to the later Edo period Shibayama artists, as they all used the simple signature “‘芝山” , for ‘Shibayama’.

Shokasai:

ref. Bonhams NY 19 Sept. 2008, lot 5036 for a comparable example.

Japanese Woodblock Prints

Japanese artists began to print in the 17th century, and technological advances meant that by the 18th century they were able to produce large & colourful images. For the multi-coloured images, a different wood block was carved for each, and carefully lined up consecutively to create the multi-colours image.
They were initially commissions by the wealthy Edo period patrons to illustrate calendars, which they gave as New Year presents. Subjects were often beautiful courtesans, actors, or illustrations of popular opera scenes. Scenic splendour and historical events followed. They were hugely popular in Japan, and specialty shops existed just to sell ‘the latest’ from the famous artists. Collectors would be inclined to ’collect the series’ by a particular artist, storing them away in specialty wooden boxes. In many ways, it was just like the present day Comic Book scene!
The simple lines, and the bright separate zones of flat colour were the result of the techniques used. They were very important factors in the development of Western Art, once collectors discovered them in the later 19th century. In fact, it’s well documented that the great ’fathers of Modern Art’ such as Gauguin and Van Gogh both collected and were inspired by Japanese Woodblocks, as they set about their quest for a break with the traditions of Western Art.

We have a selection of these vivid prints for sale, some shown below with more to come shortly.

This Satsuma vase was no doubt directly inspired by a woodblock print of the time.
Vase: Kyoto Satsuma, featuring rare ’Gosu Blue’ enamel, circa 1880

Satsuma

Satsuma is a favorite Japanese decorative item, and is distinct & unique

The Allure of Japan

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Fresh Stock – Artworks, Georgian Furniture, Silver, Glass & more!

Our latest Fresh Stock on Moorabool.com includes a terrific variety of fine items – including some Sterling Silver rarities, usable Whiskey & Wine glasses, and a scattering of jewellery.

Lots more in the pipeline, as October draws to a close it will soon be November – and that’s almost Christmas! We will have a sensational selection of Christmas Present ideas for all of those who like to plan ahead.

Enjoy!

Best wishes from Paul & Glenys Rosenberg & all at Moorabool

Original Artworks

Portrait Miniatures

We have a fine collection of Portrait Miniatures to offer over the next few weeks. From several collections, including John Rosenberg’s own personal pieces, we will be putting them into their own gallery – see them all here >>

Rare Dutch Silver from the Napoleonic Period

French Occupation Dutch Napoleonic Silver
“French Occupation” Dutch Napoleonic Period Silver:
A – Empire shape teapot
B – Helmet-form jug

These two pieces of Napoleonic-era Silver have an interesting tale to tell.
The hallmarks show that the teapot is French, and the jug is Dutch. Not illustrated is a matching tea canister, also Dutch. This canister has an engraved dedication – a wedding gift in the early 19th century. It was retained by the family, and opens up an interesting story: the family name was well represented in records available online, and at this period was involved with the famous Dutch East Indies company (VOC). This enterprise, controlling trade from the far East to Europe, created huge fortunes for those involved, and this was most certainly the case with this family; Meissen porcelain, and quantities of early Chinese porcelain, some dating to the VOC’s heyday in the Kanxi period, 1644-1722. (These will be the subject of another release & blog in the near future, stay tuned for more!).

French Occupation Dutch Napoleonic Silver Hallmarks
French Occupation Dutch Napoleonic Silver Hallmarks
A – Helmet-form jug mark, 1809
B – Empire shape teapot mark, introduced 1809

A- the hallmarks of the jug are Dutch, with the Crown being used for a short period, 1807-10, for large articles of .934 grade silver. The stork with eel in beak beneath it is the City Guild mark for The Hague, and the ‘M’ indicates a maker, while ‘g’ is for the year 1809.

B- the hallmarks for the teapot indicate a French origin – the helmeted head is the mark used for certified Silver items, of ’provincial’ origin (Paris makers used the head of Athena). The Rooster mark is the fineness indicator for France, introduced in an oval such as this to indicate ’Provincial’, .950 grade silver, in 1809. However, thanks to Napoleon, the French Kingdom spread far across Europe – and their particular assay system for precious metals was used in multiple places. Also widely used was the diamond-shaped stamp containing the maker’s mark, although a single letter – ‘S’- is not common, with the majority of makers having two.
Dutch silversmiths had used the marks seen in ’A’, the helmet-shaped jug, but were forced to disband their guilds and conform to the French marking system. A search for the ’S’ maker has so far been unfruitful, in both Dutch & French makers.

The jug & teapot tell an interesting story, of the time when France held sway over even the silversmiths of Holland. Napoleon’s vision of Empire brought with it the elegant simplicity of these ‘Empire Style’ pieces, and they show the harmonious situation in Europe for the few brief years of the Kingdom of Holland.
The jug, reading the date letter, was made in 1809; the teapot was made to the same pattern, with it’s hallmark type being first introduced in 1809, whether in either France or Holland, and it was then combined as a tea service.

Napoleonic French Silver Lion 1809
The finial is this ‘worried’ Napoleonic solid Silver Lion, datable to 1809

Sterling Silver Surprises

We have a quantity of English Sterling Silver to offer, from local estates – including some collector’s rarities, and some very usable pieces.

Sterling silver spoons

These ordinary looking Georgian Sterling teaspoons are nothing remarkable from the front – but turn them over, and instead of the normal stub at the junction of handle & bowl, they have fancy moulding – these are ’Picture back’ spoons. For a while during the later 18th century, there were a number of spoon makers who decorated their spoon backs in this manner, but numbers were always less than ’normal’ production and they’re the rarities of today’s Sterling Collecting field. We have several ’scroll backs’, a ’single rose back’ and another that doesn’t seem to have a name – a simple scroll moulded to the back.
All came from a local family via a family inheritance from the UK.

English Pictureback Silver
Georgian ’picture back’ Sterling Silver spoons, 1760’s-70’s

Pair of Sugar Castors

These interesting sugar-castors were used by the Georgian diner to spread sugar on desserts. While the shape is something from the earlier 18th century, these are hallmarked for 1775 & 1777 – the last years such pieces were used. They were being replaced by new sugar-spreading techniques – sugar bowls and baskets with sifter-spoons.

Georgian Sterling SIlver sugar castors, Thomas Daniell
Pair of Georgian Sterling SIlver sugar castors, Thomas Daniell

They are marked for a second-generation London silversmith, Thomas Daniell (also spelt with one ‘l’). His father,

A lovely large ‘Stuffing Spoon’, dated 1807.
This was literally to help with the ‘stuffing’ of poultry – and would have had to be large for a Turkey, Goose, Swan or Peacock!
It would have been very handy on the table – and why not again, it serves a decent spoonful…

Sterling Silver at Moorabool Antiques, Geelong
Some Fresh Sterling Silver at Moorabool Antiques, Geelong
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October 7th – Fresh Stock, some fine quality.

Moorabool Antiques, October 2022

We’ve had some changes in our shop layout in Geelong, to accommodate some superb ‘Fresh Furniture’. As there are a number of Dining type pieces of furniture, we now have a room setting from an elegant ‘English Country House’ – the perfect setting to showcase a good portion of our stock!

The Regency mahogany table is superb quality, with a cavity inside containing extra leaves – one complete and two half-leaves. It can comfortably seat 10 when fully extended, and yet compacts to a 6-seater of manageable size very simply.
The Hepplewhite sideboard is elegant, and provides some excellent storage including a deep ’cellerette’ drawer made to hold wine bottles.

Georgian Watercolours, circa 1820
Georgian Watercolours, circa 1820

We now have a wall to showcase some art. These interesting landscapes are Georgian, and show four views of the same Georgian house, by a ‘talented amateur’ who hasn’t signed or dated.
First instinct was ‘Could this be Tasmanian !?’, but closer examination of details show typical English countryside features such as deer and : it’s therefore an interesting Palladian-style English Country House of the early 19th century – we’d love to know if anyone recognizes it.


Each of the four views show different facades of the house, and the surrounding countryside: it is therefore possible to produce both a complete diagram of the house layout, and also the topography surrounding it!


Saltglaze

Salt Glaze English Pottery
‘Salt Glaze’ English Pottery
English Saltglaze c.1765
English Saltglaze c.1765

We have a stunning piece of ’Saltglaze’ fresh to stock. Made in the Staffordshire potteries in the mid-18th century, ‘Saltglaze’ is so-named due to the nature of the glaze: salt was introduced into the hot kiln, and as the oxygen had been consumed by the kiln fire, the resulting chemical reaction with the clay surface produced a thin, waterproof surface. As there is no added layer of glaze, the original moulding of the product shows to the finest detail, and the potters used the technique to showcase their finely detailed designs. The dish we have is ’best in class’ – crisply moulded and in terrific original condition.

Charles Meigh Victorian Gothic York Minster
Close-up detail of the Charles Meigh Victorian Gothic ‘York Minster’ Bowl 1846


It was a popular technique with the Victorians also, and the bowl shown above is a finely detailed piece designed & produced in 1846 by Charles Meigh, decorated with eight figures of saints in arches, inspired by the Gothic wonders of York Minister.


Children’s Plates

CHildren's plates, 1830-50
Fresh to stock – Children’s plates, 1830-50

These were intended to ‘Educate’ the children – but many were perhaps more likely to amuse the adults!
Take this one for example:

BEAUTY OF NATURE satirical print
REFLECTIONS ON THE BEAUTY OF NATURE

The ‘fishing’ isn’t really the subject, as the man hasn’t even cast his line: he’s gazing at the ‘beauty’ doing the fishing instead!
There’s a certain mocking undertone that would be very politically incorrect today!

OUR EARLY DAYS child's plate - Scott Pottery?
OUR EARLY DAYS child’s plate – Scott Pottery?
OUR EARLY DAYS child's plate - Anchor & LONDON mark - Scott Pottery?
OUR EARLY DAYS child’s plate – Anchor & LONDON mark – Scott Pottery?

A particularly interesting example is the girl nursing a cat, dressed up as a baby. This example is marked, with an anchor & LONDON. As this exact mark appears on wares of multiple known makers, it is thought to indicate they were made by potters for a retailer in London. The slightly different moulded daisyheads on this example are the clue we need to follow to shed more light on where it was made – and a comparable moulding & clay is found at the Scott pottery, Sunderland. They also printed versions of ‘OUR EARLY DAYS’ series, and coloured them in a similar way. However, the impressed LONDON & anchor doesn’t appear to be recorded as a ‘Scott’ mark, making this plate a probable documentary example.


Finally, there’s a fresh selection of English & Dutch Delft pottery.

Delft Pottery

CLEARANCE!
We’re making space,
with many terrific bargains here >>

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Fresh! Variety & Value….

Welcome to our first Fresh Stock for October 2022.
Today, we have a great variety to offer, from Furniture to Children’s Plates, from the useful to the ‘whimsical’.
Over the next few weeks, there will be a large number of fresh items uploaded, so keep an eye on our ‘Latest’ gallery.

Enjoy!

Natural History

There’s a number of fresh pieces of ‘Natural History’ – including dinosaur parts under $50 (terrific gifts!) , minerals, and the amazing ‘Zebra Stone’, unique to a small area in the Northern Territory.

Furniture Wax

We stock ‘Gilly’s’ furniture polish.
This is an Australian made wax, produced in Western Australia, and offers a number of different products for different situations.

‘Cream’ is the product that gives a fine finish to Antique timber. It is a whitish paste, and our stock has a lemon scent, nice & fresh. After application with a rag, it can be buffed after a few minutes, resulting in a layer of wax with a remarkable lustre: it really brings a piece to life.

AFTER

‘Restoring Polish’ is the most-used in our business, being the best for antique pieces that have a few scuffs & scratches.
It fills any scratches and makes them disappear, giving a uniform appearance.
The ‘Dark’ option is perfect for any dark finishes, the ‘Clear’ for everything else.

‘Cabinet Maker’s Wax’ is the product that gives a finish to raw wood.
We use it on pieces that have been very neglected, and need a serious refresh to their surface. The ‘Dark’ option is terrific on early dark oak pieces, making any raw or faded patches merge with original patination. The ‘Clear’ will not alter the colour, but will provide a good ‘feed’ to any raw wood.

Did you know….. the finishing wax also works on lacquer & tolewares? We used it on the black toleware tray in today’s ‘Fresh Stock’, which started out quite dull & streaky – and came up beautifully.

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Fresh stock, mid- September

Antique Pewter at Moorabool Antiques, Geelong

We have a lot of Fresh Stock to share with you!

Pewter.

There’s a charm to this mellow, often battered metal. Popular in the past, today it’s purely a decorative item – not suitable for food as it contains a lot of lead.

It’s a perfect compliment to aged Oak furniture.

Natural History

Moorabool has a fantastic collection of ‘Natural History’ to offer – Fossils, Minerals, Seashells & other Natural Wonders. They form our ‘Cabinet of Curios’.
You’ll find a new ‘Natural History’ page we have just created dedicated to this collecting field: a small number of items are available, with a huge number still being prepared – if it’s of interest, drop back regularly to see the latest additions.

Fossils

We have some spectacular Fossil specimens – these are very large examples of their type, and being rare, are more expensive.
Alongside, there are always super-affordable examples; check out the ‘Under $50’ section of Natural History, a great place to find a unique present for the ‘person with everything’…. do they have a genuine Dinosaur Tooth? (starting at $25!)

Fossils UNDER $50

Prints

We are preparing a ‘Print Gallery’ to display our extensive stock of Antique Prints. Organized into handy groups by techniques (Etchings, Engravings, Woodblocks) dates, and subject matters, you will be able to browse through over 1,000 interesting examples by the time we have finished – although that may take some time!
Fresh Prints added constantly.

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Fresh for Spring!

Welcome to our Fresh stock – on the First Day of Spring (for us Southerners!).

What better way to welcome Spring than with some Derby children with flowers…. and the Regency lacquer tray they are displayed on is simply sensational, converted into a ‘coffee table’ by mounting it on a bamboo base.

There’s plenty of Fresh Furniture to browse….

Prints of Geelong

We have started to catalogue our large holding of Prints – and what better place to start than with our local views. You’ll find a good selection of S.T. Gill views of Geelong, from the 1857 publication ‘Views in Victoria’, or the 1890 re-print.
In the near future, we have a lot of other interesting historical views from all around Australia – soon to be found fully sorted by region in the ‘Print Gallery’ we are preparing.

Fossils

We have a fine selection of Fossils to offer, from several old collections that are being dispersed. Here’s a few, with many more to come.
They make terrific presents….. Millions of years old for a few dollars!

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The Death of Nelson

Death of Nelson Staffordshire Figure

Trafalgar, 1805:
It was a tragedy of heroic proportions: the battle with the French was won, but the admiral responsible, Nelson, was dead. While the event happened in 1805, it still had the imagination of the public 40 years later, when the Staffordshire figure illustrated here was made to dramatically illustrate the event.

In the words of William Beatty, Surgeon on the Victory who published his account in 1807:

About fifteen minutes past one o’clock, which was in the heat of the engagement, he (Nelson) was walking the middle of the quarter-deck with Captain HARDY, and in the act of turning near the hatchway with his face towards the stern of the Victory, when the fatal ball was fired from the Enemy’s mizen-top; which, from the situation of the two ships (lying on board of each other), was brought just abaft, and rather below, the Victory’s main-yard, and of course not more than fifteen yards distant from that part of the deck where His LORDSHIP stood. The ball struck the epaulette on his left shoulder, and penetrated his chest. He fell with his face on the deck. Captain HARDY, who was on his right (the side furthest from the Enemy) and advanced some steps before His LORDSHIP, on turning round, saw the Serjeant Major (SECKER) of Marines with two Seamen raising him from the deck; where he had fallen on the same spot on which, a little before, his Secretary had breathed his last, with whose blood His LORDSHIP’s clothes were much soiled. Captain HARDY expressed a hope that he was not severely wounded; to which the gallant Chief replied: “They have done for me at last, HARDY.”—”I hope not,” answered Captain HARDY. “Yes,” replied His LORDSHIP; “my backbone is shot through.”……..

CAPTAIN HARDY ordered the Seamen to carry the Admiral to the cockpit; …. The Reverend Doctor SCOTT, who had been absent in another part of the cockpit administering lemonade to the wounded, now came instantly to His LORDSHIP ….. (Nelson said) “take care of my dear Lady HAMILTON, HARDY; take care of poor Lady HAMILTON. Kiss me, HARDY.” The Captain now knelt down, and kissed his cheek; when HIS LORDSHIP said, “Now I am satisfied. Thank GOD, I have done my duty.” Captain HARDY stood for a minute or two in silent contemplation: he then knelt down again, and kissed HIS LORDSHIP’S forehead. HIS LORDSHIP said: “Who is that?” The Captain answered: “It is HARDY;” to which HIS LORDSHIP replied, “GOD bless you, HARDY!” After this affecting scene Captain HARDY withdrew, and returned to the quarter-deck, having spent about eight minutes in this his last interview with his dying friend.

….The Surgeon again left him, and returned to the wounded who required his assistance; but was not absent five minutes before the Steward announced to him that “he believed HIS LORDSHIP had expired.” The Surgeon returned, and found that the report was but too well founded: HIS LORDSHIP had breathed his last, at thirty minutes past four o’clock; at which period Doctor SCOTT was in the act of rubbing HIS LORDSHIP’S breast, and Mr. BURKE supporting the bed under his shoulders.

Thus died this matchless Hero….”
1809

AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE
OF THE DEATH OF
LORD NELSON:
WITH
THE CIRCUMSTANCES PRECEDING, ATTENDING, AND
SUBSEQUENT TO, THAT EVENT;
THE PROFESSIONAL REPORT
ON HIS LORDSHIP’S WOUND,
AND SEVERAL INTERESTING ANECDOTES 
.
BY WILLIAM BEATTY, M.D.

Nelson memorabilia was a big market throughout the earlier 19th century. This is no surprise when we consider the potential market: England had spent a long time struggling with France, and the soldiers & sailors who went through the experience in the early 19th century – in their teens or twenties – were in their ‘old-age’ years by the 1840’s when this figure was made – the perfect time to buy a figure with sentimental appeal for the mantel! And perhaps, as a present from the next generation, given to the Grandfather who would entertain with his stories of ‘… back when I was in the Navy….’ .

Death of Nelson Staffordshire Figure
Death of Nelson Staffordshire Figure c. 1845

This group is rare: there are several different depictions, by different factories, with the three figures in the group. In Harding, vol. 1 p92, there are 5 variations illustrated; 4 are ‘E’ rarity, suggested at £3-400. This version, however, is ‘C’ rarity: £1,000 – £2,000.
The figures are well modelled, the painting well executed, and the most distinct point-of-difference is the pair of lanyards with rings attached, moulded & painted black front center.

Harding’s example of the rare version of ‘Death of Nelson’
The other 4 Staffordshire ‘Death of Nelson’ groups, as recorded by Harding.
left- Harding’s example, note cup in hand. right- our example, much finer details.

The visible fingers of both officers have been restored in our example – although Nelson has somehow survived intact! Examining the illustrated example reveals a mistake the restorer made: the figure on the left should have a glass of water he is offering to Nelson, not included with the restoration.

This comparison with the example in Harding’s book also emphasizes the superior quality of our example – the detailing seems much crisper, which may simply mean it came out of a newly made mould, as opposed to the harding example, where the mould was well-used and details less distinct.

It’s a fine & desirable rarity, despite its flaws!


Death of Nelson Staffordshire Figure

Who are his companions?

With the tale of his death as told above, we can identify the figures comforting Nelson. To his left is the gent who should have a glass in his hand; this would fit the part played by the Reverend Doctor Scott, who was ‘administering lemonade to the wounded’ and gave Nelson liquid when he requested it.
To his right is an officer, holding his hand; this would be Hardy; famously, towards the end, Nelson said ‘Kiss me, Hardy’.

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Fresh stock – Fantastic Variety

Today we have a big variety – from an almost life-size alabaster bust, to some fresh furniture, antiquities, ‘seaside’ souvenirs, and even a Black Forrest bear.

Enjoy!

Furniture

We’re over-stocked with Fine Furniture! Unfortunately, it has been difficult to access the furniture on our website – until now.

See our Antique Furniture
See our Antique Furniture Galleries


We’re pleased to introduce a brand-new browsing page, which groups the furniture into logical galleries for you to enjoy. Click on the above banner – also now featured on the homepage – to see our furniture.
Note: there’s a vast amount of furniture in stock, 600+ pieces, and much is still to be catalogued – if there is something in particular you are looking for, contact us. More added constantly!

Antiquities

We have some more interesting Ancient pieces for you to enjoy, including a collection of arrowheads. These are not uncommon in the ancient world, as they were a very necessary product. Warfare was a way of life – and a city being attacked needed a vast stock to keep the enemy at bay. The other aspect was hunting – this was an everyday necessity in some cultures, and once again needed a lot of arrowheads made.
Of note in this collection released today is an ancient Egyptian example around 3,000 years old, another Egyptian-made example that is only 2,600 years old (!) – but with Greek origins. Others are Roman, Persian, and a Medieval English example found in the Thames.

There’s some pottery, and a remarkable ancient bronze mirror…

Seaside Souvenirs

These fun items show the Victorian’s classic holiday – a Seaside trip. The ‘sand pictures’ were a classic souvenir of the Isle of Wight, taken from Alum Beach – and depicting the classic view from the beach of ‘The Needles’, a series of sea-stacks on the neighbouring headland. The mussel shell is painted with a fishing boat, and applied with real shells and a small moulded pottery fishwife….. you can almost hear the seagulls.

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Fresh Today – Antiquities, Staffordshire Figures, Georgian Cutlery, plus more!

Sterling Silver Georgian

A variety of Fresh items have just been released on Moorabool.com –

John Gilpin – a Staffordshire Figure of the hapless husband on his runaway horse, made when it became an act at the Astley Theatre, London (the ‘First modern Circus Ring’) in the 1850’s
Astley's Amphitheatre in London, Rowlandson 1808
Asterly’s Amphitheatre in London

“The Diverting History of John Gilpin Shewing how he went Farther than he intended, and came safe Home again ” was a poem penned by William Cowper in 1783, which rapidly became ‘the most popular poem in England’. 

It told the tale of a certain London draper named Beyer, re-named by Cowper to ‘John Gilpin’, and follows the series of unfortunate incidents that befell him when he attempted to ride the 10 miles to an inn in Edmonton, to celebrate his 20th wedding anniversary. As his family took up the entire carriage, he borrowed a horse… which was too lively for him and would not stop! 
It was adapted into a stage play at Astley’s Theatre, London (remembered as ‘the first modern circus ring’), and published as a children’s book; this figure dates to this period. 

Here’s the relevant verses from what is a rather long original poem:

(Line 97)"...But finding soon a smoother road
Beneath his well-shod feet,
The snorting beast began to trot,
Which gall'd him in his seat.


So fair and softly, John he cried,
But John he cried in vain,
That trot became a gallop soon
In spite of curb and rein.


So stooping down, as needs he must
Who cannot sit upright,
He grasp'd the mane with both his hands
And eke with all his might.
His horse who never in that sort
Had handled been before,
What thing upon his back had got
Did wonder more and more.

Away went Gilpin neck or nought,
Away went hat and wig,
He little dreamt when he set out
Of running such a rig.


The wind did blow, the cloak did fly,
Like streamer long and gay,
'Till loop and button failing both
At last it flew away

Antique cutlery is a fascinating – and useful – collecting field. There were many different makers, creating many variations, all beautiful. And still very usable! The 200 year old steel of the Georgian implements is incredibly fine quality, and super-sharp after all those years – even without sharpening.


A selection of Antiquities released today

Antiquities, freshly mounted, including a group of American Indian stone arrowheads (one is 10,000 years old!), a small Egyptian bronze Osiris, a Greco-Roman head of Harpocrates, plus more.

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Fresh Stock – Fine Continental and English Ceramics

A wonderful selection of Vienna, Meissen, Sevres and other finely decorated ceramics for your perusal!
Mainly 18th century, you’ll find Bow, Worcester & Caughley, plus some French & German – but in particular, a fine selection of early Vienna porcelain.

This group of Vienna is a part-set, with just 3 pieces remaining – beautifully painted with flower panels on dark ‘earthy’ grounds, they are individual masterpieces in their own right!

Vienna Flower Painting 1785
Vienna Flower Painting 1785

The vienna is original 18th century; the Sevres cup & saucer, shown at the top & in detail here, is 18th century porcelain, but was decorated in the 19th century – by a very skilled artist. Stunning!

Sevres Cup Saucer cherubs
Cherubs with a goat…. 19th century decoration
Sevres Cup Saucer
Superb quality.

Bow Blue

The Bow pieces in today’s ‘Fresh’ are rather fine examples of their early products of the 1750’s. The blue is a distinct lovely rich deep tone. The fluid quality of the painting is superb – echoing the imported Chinese Export wares of the period, but in their own way. The large charger has a number of very unusual features, including the central pagoda with its buttressed supports, and the speedy boat at lower left, piloted by a hunched over figure in the stern, the movement shown by a radiating wake!

Each piece has a damage – the charger a factory flaw to the central tree, the punchbowl a chip & crack to rim restored – hence their tempting prices, $1650 on the charger and $850 on the punchbowl.

Today’s Fresh Additions