Holiday Gift Guide (Part I)
We enjoy searching worldwide for the finest quality objets d’art and paintings. In our three part Holiday Gift Guide we have gathered a selection of unique and interesting gifts to suit every person on your list. We have something for the tea, wine or cheese lover, those who yearn to travel or anyone who enjoys history or one of a kind objects. Each piece is unique and we explain what makes it special and rare. Enjoy!
For the Tea Lover
Tea - that soothing, calming brew which exudes warmth and strength. Tea’s history dates back almost 5,000 years to ancient China, and according to legend was discovered when Emperor Shen Nung drank from his pot of boiling water which leaves from a wild tree had blown into. Tea became popular in Britain during the 17th century, and the British introduced its consumption to India where presently the majority of the world’s tea is produced. Today the ritual of tea is worldwide as a welcome break from work, a moment alone or shared with a friend.
We have an excellent selection of Georgian Mote spoons from the 17th and 18th century, which were used to sift and strain tea, as well as to clear the spout of the teapot. Even with modern advancements of current day tea production mote spoons can still be used for their original purpose, and the intricate designs and rich history make them an excellent gift for any collector with a love for antiques or the narrative of tea.
George I sterling mote spoon, circa 1720. Size: 5 ¾ h x 1 w in
With the arrival of tea to Europe, it became first the domain of royalty and women. The addition of a handle to teacups was introduced by the designer Robert Adams, who also introduced the creamer and sugar to the tea and coffee set to cater to the British taste. This rare Irish sterling tea and coffee service is made by the well-respected silversmith John Smyth, known for high quality hollowware. The baluster shaped bodies are richly decorated in the Louis Quatorze pattern and this service is of excellent quality.
Early Victorian Irish sterling silver 4 piece tea and coffee service in the Louis Quatorze pattern, Dublin 1859, maker John Smyth, comprising tea pot, coffee pot, open sugar and cream pitcher.
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This is the perfect gift for any tea lover. Not only are tea strainers immensely collectible, they are practical and easy to use with any loose leaf tea. This example is particularly beautiful with the ornate decoration depicting dragons and a lotus flower.
Chinese tea strainer with decorated rim depicting dragons, late 19th century. Size: 1 h x 5 ½ w x 3 ¾ d in
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For the Person who has Everything: Historical/Unique Objects
The most interesting part of our job is researching and writing about the unique objects we collect. Acquiring a quality antique brings a piece of history into your home, each one with a rich and unique story to unfold. As conversation pieces or just for display these objects have an interesting narrative to tell.
Bog Oak is fossilized wood found in peat bogs in Ireland, and the Victorians were fond of carving small articles such as personal or dress ornaments such as jewelry or mourning brooches, household ornaments, and functional articles from bog wood. This is an interesting and large example of a tinker.
Irish bog oak figure depicting a man in traditional Irish top hat and suit, mounted on a turned base, mid 19th century. Size: 10 ¼ h 3 ¾ in diameter in
The intricate details and excellent craftsmanship of this Table Nef is ideal for any marine enthusiast or silver collector. A Table Nef is a small model of a ship made as an elaborate table or sideboard ornament. Primarily made of silver, gilt silver or pure gold, Nefs could also be decorated with enamel or jewels. Nef is the French word for carrack, a type of three or four-masted sailing ship that was developed in the 14th to 15th centuries in Europe. The first table Nef was recorded as early as 1239 in France and initially just consisted of a ship’s hull. It was most likely used as a drinking vessel that then evolved in form to hold the table services and then to hold precious salt or spices. The addition of functional wheels allowed it to be moved along the table for guests to admire it or be served from it. These early Nefs were large and minimal in ornament, but by the 14th century they had evolved to show the full ship with masts, sails and crew. Nefs became so decorated they ceased to be functional and served only for decorative purposes, and often the Nef was placed in front of the guest of honour or the person of highest status as a physical reminder of their position.
This Table Nef is a fine 19th century German example, with elaborate decoration and cast and applied figures and ornamentation. The exterior of the hull is decorated with waves, sea creatures and a water deity. It has four working wheels, and is adorned with canons, anchors and an elaborate figurehead of a sea creature whose mouth suggests a spout. There are numerous figures on board the boat, including one climbing the rigging of the ship to the crow's nest at its peak.
Silver Nef ship with a dolphin and cherub embossed hull and two sails, German late 19th century; marked 800 on base. Size: 13 h x 11 ¾ w x 3 d in
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These three original framed lithographs from the mid-19th century are early studies of the Quadruped of North America by John James Audobon. Best known for his devotion to painting and writing about the birds and mammals of America, Audobon travelled widely throughout the North American wilderness in search of specimens. He soon developed his trademark style, using naturalistic composition and enhanced watercolour application using different media to express textures. The results of his study and artistic work were embodied in The Birds of America, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, and Ornithological Biographies.
John James Audubon (French/American 1785-1851) ‘Soft-Haired Squirrel, Hare Squirrel and Migratory Squirrel’, three lithographs from the Quadruped of North America, Octavio Edition, circa 1849-1851 'P1. XIX Soft-Haired Squirrel', 'P1. XLIII Hare Squirrel' and 'P1 XXXV Migratory Squirrel'. Size: 17 x 13 ¼ in (with frame 18 x 14 ½ in)
This extremely rare sterling box is decorated with “Three Penny Bits” and has a concealed hinged lid and interior. The maker, James Barclay Hennell, was the fifth generation of illustrious Hennell silversmiths who made objects for European royalty and nobility. In 1736 goldsmith David Hennell, James Barclay's great great grandfather, founded the company which went on to become one of London’s best-known jewellers with a long and illustrious history. The firm made and sold objects for the European royalty and nobility including Queen Victoria and Admiral Lord Nelson who commissioned a silver day cabin service to use on board the HMS Victory. The firm was sold in 1887 to Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater. James Barclay Hennell was known for making novelty items including beakers and tankards inset with silver coins.
Extremely rare sterling silver rectangular box with concealed hinged lid and gilt interior, decorated with 72 Great Britain 3 Pence pieces ("Three Penny Bits"), marked for London 1878, maker James Barclay Hennell. Size: 1 ½ h x 5 ⅜ w x 3 ⅜ d in
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For the Traveller
While we cannot travel easily, we can still dream, plan and reminisce of trips past and future. If you know a travel lover, we hope to inspire you with these gift ideas from around the world.
A keen traveller himself, Frederic Marlett Bell-Smith was born and studied in London before immigrating to Canada in 1867. Other than the mode of transportation and the style of clothing, not much has changed since this depiction of The Changing of the Guard which was painted in 1919. This intricate watercolour is an excellent example of Bell-Smith’s incredible artistic talent for capturing daily life in London. Working mainly in watercolours, his skills are exemplified in the detail found in all of his works from small to large scale. Each painting is delicate and refined, and treated with a distinctly charming composition.
Frederic Marlett Bell-Smith (Canadian 1846-1923) ‘The Changing of The Guard’, watercolour, signed and dated lower left "F M Bell Smith 1919". Size: 10 ½ x 14 ½ in (with frame: 20 ½ x 24 ½ in)
This unique 19th century sterling silver Chinese inkwell with a dragon’s head has exquisitely detailed silverwork. Both useful and decorative, this is a toast to days past when the art of calligraphy was practiced and penmanship was highly regarded. This would be the highlight of any home or office desk.
Chinese sterling ink well with two pots and dragon's head mounted on a wooden base, circa 1880. Size: 4 ¾ h x 9 ¾ w x 4 ½ d in
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Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy and calculation which originated in China over 3000 years ago. Originally restricted to the wealthy class, popularity spread when China became a Republic and recently has had a large resurgence in online gaming. Played by Mandarins and restricted to the wealthy class during the Qing Dynasty, it was originally called Pinyin, meaning sparrow, as the clacking of tiles during shuffling resembles the chattering of sparrows. When China became a Republic in 1911 the game became popular with all classes of people, and expensive ivory tiles were replaced with those of bone and bamboo. The game was brought to England and America and very popular during the Roaring Twenties, however there were many versions of the rules before the National Mahjong League standardized the rules in 1937. Although popularity waned in the middle of the 20th century, Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club'' surged popularity in the 1990’s. Mahjong is still widely played throughout Eastern and South Eastern Asia and has a small following in Western countries.
Mahjong set in lacquered box, circa 1900. Consists of complete set of 144 bone and bamboo Mahjong tiles, dice, counters, markers, and wooden tile holders. Tiles adorned with both calligraphy and Western numbers as well as artwork and figures. Housed in decorative lacquered box with three drawers, adorned with brass handles and fittings, complete with key. Size: 6 ⅛ h x 11 w x 7 ⅛ d in
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Small Collectable Gift Ideas
We always have a selection of affordable smalls and our customers enjoy searching for treasures in our cabinets and showcases. Sometimes the most interesting and special gifts come in small packages.
Gifting silver has traditionally been thought to be beneficial for health and was imbued with healing properties. This Chinese christening set includes a spoon, fork and a pusher. A pusher, not commonly used today, was used to neatly push the last bits of food onto the fork or spoon. Both practical and charming, this set is a delightful gift that would be treasured for years to come.
Three piece Chinese christening set, circa 1900, including spoon, fork and pusher, with bamboo decoration.
Vinaigrettes were developed for the elite as an accessible and practical alternative method of carrying perfume and scents, and are highly collectible today for their intricate workmanship and detail. The perfume, or aromatic vinegar, would be soaked in a sponge and contained within the box under a grille. Sizes tended to vary from half an inch to four inches wide.
Perfume was an exotic extravagance, and vinaigrettes became a fashionable display of grandeur and wealth. Sanitization standards were low for all classes, including the upper class who were able to compensate with perfumes which would distinguish them from the common labourers. The scent was a disguise, but many also believed that pleasant smells would protect them from disease. The association between illness and bad smells had been acknowledged, however the solution to the problem had not yet been acknowledged.
Usually made of silver, finer vinaigrette examples were gilded especially at the point where the sponge would touch the metal to avoid corrosion. This Georgian vinaigrette has a ring for a chatelaine, a hinged lid and gilt interior. Often repurposed today, vinaigrettes can be used to hold small personal items such as vitamins or jewellery.
Georgian sterling silver vinaigrette with hinged lid for sponge, gilt interior, with ring for chatelaine, London 1813 maker TP/EP/JP, the top inscribed with initials EDF. Size: 1 ½ h x 1 w in
Like today, hand warmers were very important items in the household in the winter. Filled with hot water or coal, they were placed on the table for your hands, on the floor near your feet or in a fabric cozy for travel. There are many ways to repurpose this once very useful brass example and it would make for a warm decorative accent in any home or office.
Brass hand warmer with hinged lid and fitted liner, possibly Turkish, circa 1900. Size: 6 ½ h x 4 ¼ w x 4 ¼ d in
Canadian/Indigenous Collectables
We enjoy researching and collecting works from established Canadian artists dating back to pre contact. Each piece we collect deepens our understanding and appreciation for Canada’s Indigenous history and cultures.
The legendary Thunderbird is often seen as the most powerful of all spirits, representing power, protection, and strength. Kwakwaka'wakw artist Lloyd Wadhams grew up in Alert Bay and had his early training from Henry Speck who was an important influence during his youth. His first major carving in 1957 was an 8 foot totem pole for the then Lt. Governor, Frank Ross. During the 1960's he was associated with Doug Cranmer's Vancouver shop "The Talking Stick". He carves in wood and also paints, but is now primarily known for his silver engraving.
Lloyd Wadhams Sr. (Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) 1938-1992) ‘Thunderbird Bracelet’, silver thunderbird bracelet with inset abalone eye and wing tips, inscribed and dated on back "L. Wadhams Kwakiutl 1976". Size: 1 ½ h x 6 ⅞ in diameter + 1 opening in
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The internationally renowned visual artist, carver and jeweller Robert Davidson is credited with a reawakening of the Haida culture after the 1969 carving and raising of the first pole in over a century. ‘Identity’ derives from a diptych from 2004 which were inspired by the human faces carved on 19th century argillite panel pipes their shallow depth recalling the proportions of the pipe’s carving. Robert Davidson is the subject of the film Haida Modern which was released in 2019 and the 1969 pole raising is the subject of the recent documentary film Now is the Time.
Robert Davidson (Haida/Canadian born 1946) ‘Identity’, limited edition cast bronze, edition 5/15, signed “RD”, 2006, mounted on a granite base. Size: 24 ⅝ h x 16 w x 3 ¼ d in
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This carved soapstone figure depicts a bear kneeling on one knee with his head turned and upper limbs held out. He is a most appealing figure. Polar bears are greatly respected by the Inuit and symbolize resilience, patience and determination. During the Pre-historic Period, Inuit carvings were produced, in large part, either for use in shamanic rituals or for the purpose of creating amulets, and were carved from bone, antler or stone. In later years, Inuit artists created carvings for the ‘tourist’ market, increasing the size of the pieces and primarily carving from soapstone to try and keep up with the demand. This demand was further increased after artist James Houston brought Inuit art to The Canadian Handicrafts Guild in Montreal, resulting in sponsored exhibitions in the 1950’s and 60’s which gained international interest.
Carved Inuit soapstone figure of a bear kneeling on one knee with head turned and upper limbs held out, late 20th century. Size: 8 ½ h x 5 ⅝ w x 3 ¾ d in
Practical Antiques Gift Ideas
There is always someone on your list who enjoys a more practical gift. While antiques can be unique they can also be useful for everyday living.
For the horologist on your list this brass carriage clock is of outstanding design and workmanship and perfect for any desk, shelf or mantle. Carriage clocks or ‘Officers’ clocks as they are sometimes known, were first developed for Napoleon Bonaparte between 1798 and 1812 by Abraham-Louis Breguet. The clock cases are simple in form for ease of transport and are usually made of plain or gilt brass in a rectangular shape with a carrying handle and inset with glass, or on occasion enamel or porcelain panels. The balance spring used to drive the clock replaced the pendulum needed in earlier larger bracket clocks. These small spring-driven clocks were designed for travelling and sometimes came encased in leather or leather-covered wood cases which would protect the clock in transport. It is rare today to find the clock and leather cover intact as time has often deteriorated the leather or the clock and cover have become separated over time. In the past carriage clocks were a traditional gift to retiring or long-serving staff.
Brass carriage clock with white painted dial showing roman numerals, inscribed inside with number '703' and on base "M", striking on the hour and half hour, French early 20th century, with key. Size: 7 h x 3 ¾ w x 3 ¼ d in
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This Art Deco dish is exquisitely hand hammered and sits on four stepped feet. Of fine craftsmanship, possibly by Lutz & Weiss, it is an excellent example of the bold geometric form which defines the period.
Hammered Art Deco German silver 835 dish on four stepped feet, possibly by Lutz & Weiss, first half of the 20th century. Size: 1 ½ h x 11 ¾ w x 11 ¾ d in
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The long, sinuous and organic lines of this Art Nouveau lamp are characteristic of the movement from 1890 to 1910 which wished to avoid ‘frivolous’ decoration and believed that the function of an object should dictate its form. The status of craft was raised by the revival of good workmanship, producing genuinely modern design that reflected the utility of the designs being created. Drawing inspiration from both organic and geometric forms, the elegant lines unite flowing, natural forms and help to narrow the gap between the fine and the applied arts.
Gilt Art Nouveau lamp base, French circa 1900. Size 20” x 14 ½” diameter