Within this embossed velvet box lies a supreme quality desk-set. Engraved & Gilt Desk Set, attributed to Mosley, London, c.1860 Of superior quality, this set is made to impress. From the shape of the letter-opener and the detail of the engraving, it was ‘exotic’, reflecting the riches of the Eastern cultures – it would not…
Wine has always been a part of an English gentleman’s meal. In the past it was considered safer to drink than the water…. and to do so with style was important. Glasses were once pretty basic, but as the Georgian period continued, they became works of art. So too did the presentation of the beverages;…
Our ancestors were just as bright as us! We often underestimate our distant ancestors, but some of the pots in today’s fresh stock release show clearly an ingenuity familiar with our own 5,000 years later. The pieces are from the Neolithic period in China, the time when foraging for survival was replaced by a more…
The ‘Water Lily’ is the boldest & most beautiful pattern Wedgwood produced in the early 19th century. Why is it called ‘Darwin’s’? And who designed it? The answer is fascinating!
Some delightful shoe buckles we have for you – choose Scottish, Dandy, or Judge! (Or could there be a Scottish Dandy Judge out there somewhere, for whom we have one for every occasion….)
A Row about Rowing! This group of silverplate trophies are an interesting insight into the origin of Australian’s obsession with Sporting Events, which were used as a means of bringing the newly established colonial communities together and giving them a sense of ‘Pride of Place’ that is still very active today. Moorabool recently discovered this…
A Japanese Goldsmith’s Masterpiece As the world watches the competition for Olympic Gold in Tokyo, we have a 100-year-old masterpieces of Japanese goldsmith’s work to share. A remarkable Damascene ‘evening bag’, Gold, Silver inlaid into Iron Japanese Gold Case This temple, with Mt Fuji in the background, Opening reveals a mirror with panel of birds…
Some fascinating ancient boxes, just released on Moorabool.com We’re pleased to offer a small selection of South-East Asian ceramic boxes, fresh to Moorabool.com. These pottery and porcelain objects were produced in vast quantities in certain places as trade goods, and as a result are found all across South-East Asia. Khmer bird pot, 12th century The…
A fascinating recent discovery was this stunning little casket, or tea caddy. It has a terrific tale to tell, and even has a link to a great name in English ceramics, John Dwight of Fulham. Prince Rupert of the Rhine, by John Dwight of Fulham, c. 1678 Made from a golden toned oak, it has…
We are always fascinated by the origins of things…. when and where did it all begin? In the porcelain world, it was of course China, around 1,000 years ago. This was so foreign and magical to the Europeans that pieces which made the perilous journey across the globe were only affordable by the most wealthy,…
