RARE, early, Japanese PHOTOGRAPH mounted in a hairpin (KANZASHI), Tokugawa mon
Posted by admin On July 2, 2026
Rare Meiji Japanese Kanzashi with Kabuki Actor Photograph Albumen Print, Onnagata, c. A rare and historically significant Japanese kanzashi (hairpin) from the Meiji period, incorporating an original photographic portrait of a kabuki actor beneath a domed glass cover. The inset image is a miniature albumen print, the dominant photographic process of the late 19th century, widely used in Japan for studio portraiture. The photograph depicts an onnagata (male actor specializing in female roles) in full theatrical costume, wearing a tall eboshi (court cap) and holding a hossu (Buddhist fly whisk) -identifying the figure as a high-ranking female character in priestly or ritual guise from the kabuki repertoire. Unlike later cut-down photographs, the image appears to be a purpose-made small-format print, likely produced as part of a series of actor portraits (“yakusha shashin”) and intended for collection, display, or incorporation into decorative objects. The sole known parallel of a kanzashi incorporating an identical actor photograph is held in the National Theatre, Tokyo (actor Hanayagi Shotaro Collection). Such pieces can be understood as early forms of celebrity-image adornment, reflecting the popularity of kabuki actors in the Meiji era. Photograph: albumen silver print (miniature format). Materials: copper (gilded), glass cabochon, photographic print. Subject: kabuki onnagata in priestly/ritual role (eboshi and hossu). Excellent, with light period wear. Sole known parallel: National Theatre museum, Tokyo. An unusual and evocative survival combining early Japanese photography, kabuki theatre culture, and traditional ornament -of strong interest to collectors of Meiji-era art and photography.
Rare Beatles Items With Huge Valuations Even Paul Mccartney Wallpaper Antiques Roadshow Uk
Posted by admin On July 2, 2026
Estate Sale Find Let S Open On Camera Antique Treasure Print Or Rare Early Primitive Artwork
Posted by admin On July 1, 2026
Antique Early Rare c1900s Hermes Paris Riding Crop / Whip. Leather & Brass
Posted by admin On July 1, 2026
A Rare c1900s Hermes Paris Riding Crop / Whip. Beautifully made from Bound Black Leather with Brass Collars and Top. Please note: I believe the collars are Brass as there is no hallmark i can see to identify as solid Gold. They could be gold plated though. My conclusion was Brass. This came from a country house Estate in England and was likely Bespoke made in Paris. In Excellent original condition apart from 1 small area of about 1cm where the seam has come apart – see last photo. I have taken photos of all areas so please do study them. All items are carefully checked for any defects and listed accordingly.
1911 A Rare early Antique Tube UNDERGROUND MAP & GUIDE OF LONDON
Posted by admin On June 30, 2026
1911 A Rare early Antique Tube UNDERGROUND MAP & GUIDE OF LONDON. 1911 “THE UNDERGROUND MAP OF LONDON” The Underground Map of London – Map & Guide. Printed by Johnson Riddle & Co Ltd for London Underground Electric Railway Company. Folding paper map, 26.7cm x 20.2cm, Condition: Very good. Small tear on right side with professional repair. Alternate folding, probably once in a guide book. This colourful map is among the earliest’unified’ maps of the London Underground system and bears the first’UndergrounD’ logo. Specifically designed for tourists, the verso presents London’s sights and Theatres shown as colour-coded and numbered icons on the map. This edition is a considerable improvement on the 1908 design in terms of clarity – enabled by non-topographical smoothing and straightening of lines to an extent not seen again until HC Beck’s diagram of 1933. The early 1900s saw a rapid pace in the development of’deep-level tubes’ and by 1906, there were numerous Underground railway companies operating independently to one another to the determent of themselves and confused passengers. In 1907, the four main London Underground railway companies, unified by their dire financial situation, came together and agreed to promote their joint interests as a complete Underground railway system. In 1908, the first all-inclusive map design of the London Underground was approved and the companies agreed to operate under a single’UndergrounD brand. The streamlining of station signage, posters and publicity were all coordinated immediately. Track Page Views With.
Rare Exquisite Antique Early 19th Brass Piano Top Soloists Music Stand Violin
Posted by admin On June 30, 2026
EXQUISITE ANTIQUE EARLY 19TH BRASS PIANO TOP SOLOISTS MUSIC STAND VIOLIN.
Rare 17th / Early 18thC Antique European Folk Art Wooden Crucifix Cross Jesus
Posted by admin On June 29, 2026
Overview? An exceptional, highly atmospheric late 17th or early 18th-century Continental European devotional crucifix. This authentic piece of historic folk art showcases incredible age, an untouched crusty patina, and deep religious character. Featuring unique pre-industrial craftsmanship, it stands on its original multi-tiered “Golgotha” wooden base. Design & Iconography? The Corpus: Features a striking, elongated hand-carved wooden figure of Christ with a Jansenist-influenced vertical arm posture, characteristic of 17th-century theological artistry. The torso and loincloth show beautifully raw, provincial carving details. The Details: Adorned with a hand-painted “INRI” titulus scroll at the apex and a unique, jagged sheet metal (tin/iron) radiating halo/glory behind the head and cross joints. The Wood: The reverse reveals beautifully aged, hand-riven/hand-hewn timber showing historic adze or drawknife marks. The unpainted wood on the back has oxidized over centuries to a rich, warm honey-brown hue. Condition Report? Surface: Magnificent, untouched original condition with extensive “alligatoring” (square cracking) to the old painted gesso surface. The deep, dark patina is completely authentic, built up from centuries of exposure to candlelight and environment. Structure: The piece is stable on its layered, block-constructed wooden base. There are ancient, entirely inactive woodworm flight holes on the reverse, adding to its genuine antiquity. Historic Repairs: As is common with devotional items of this age, this piece has been loved and maintained over generations. There are early-to-mid 20th-century flat-head slot screws carefully stabilizing the hands and feet to the cross where the original ancient glue/fasteners naturally failed. The tin halo elements remain attached via irregular, hand-forged blacksmith tacks.
Early Rare Desirable Robert Mouseman Thompson Yorkshire Oak Bookends c. 1940s
Posted by admin On June 29, 2026
Here we have for sale a rare and early pair of fully adzed Robert “Mouseman” Thompson bookends. Both sport the signature mouse with the earlier “heart shape” tails, which dates them into the 1940s. They are both in very good original condition and have been given a very light clean and nourished and protected by the application of several coats of Gilboy’s beeswax polish, which is a 100% organic and natural product. The grain on both matches when placed side by side, which shows that they are a natural pair carved from a single block of wood, as does the matching patination. The golden medulary rays to the side of each radiate out to add a touch of distinction and show they were carved from the very best part of the tree. To note they may have been dropped at some time in the past as there are a couple of nicks and nibbles to the edges of the rims and the tail of one mouse has had a small bash. It is not unusual to find earlier Mouseman pieces with older minor damage as they were made some 80 years ago, in a time when Mouseman was made to be used, not consigned to display cabinets. Likely these fell off the desk years ago, or something similar. The damage is minor and to be expected from pieces that have been regularly handled, nevertheless needs pointing out. (I have tried to show this in close up on the last two of the photos, so please view them carefully, along with all the others, to see condition). They are a lovely colour, medium fumed with a rich dark aged patina. The mice are pleasantly plump, animated and very skillfully carved. These earlier made bookends rarely come onto the market and are desirable, sought after collectors’ items. Dimensions are each H15.1cm x W9cm x D9.1cm approx. Please view all the photos carefully.
Early Rare Antique Cast Iron Balance Scale 17 Long Heavy Design Marked 5Kg
Posted by admin On June 28, 2026
This early rare antique cast iron balance scale, measuring 17 inches in length and marked “5Kg, ” is a highly decorative piece perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to any space. Made in the United States by the maker “Early Balanced Scale, ” this authentic mercantile scale would have been used for weighing groceries, pharmacy items, and general store inventory. With its heavy brass construction and functioning counter-balance design, this scale is not only functional but also a true collector’s item for those with a passion for antique weights and measures.
ANTIQUE PORCELAIN DISH circa early 1800 VERY RARE BOY AT WINDOW GEORGIAN
Posted by admin On June 28, 2026
Is an Antique Ceramic Dish/ Bowl Porcelain. Very Rare Hand Painted Pattern Number. Pattern’Boy at Window’ In god used Condition. Has signs of use discolouration, fades, chips, stains and general wear.