Antique Cameos

Grapes

Antique Cameos — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:32:00 +0000

Grapes are often depicted in cameos. They are the fruit of wine so cameos which depict mythical deities such as Bacchus, the god of wine, are often shown with vines.

Below are some examples and price guides of cameo jewelry and glass depicting grapes including a shell cameo necklace and a lava cameo brooch.

SHELL CAMEO NECKLACE, CIRCA 1820-1830
Ten graduating shell plaques, each carved to depict a mythological scene, including Psyche and Eros, Terpsichore with her lyre, and Eros holding a bunch of grapes, mounted in gold, length 44.7cm, fitted case

Sold for £4,096 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023

Legras cameo enamel vase, wild grape vine

Cascading the rim about a water flow textured backdrop. 10 1/2”T. Cameo signature. Enameled France below the base. Very good condition.

Sold for US$150 at Forsythes’ Auctions, LLC in 2024

HIGHLY UNUSUAL 3-TIER CARVED HARD STONE CAMEO BROOCH, High carat gold.depicting the bust of a Bacchanta maiden with vines and grapes in her hair. The back indistinct signed. L. cameo 3.7 cm. L. brooch 4.6 cm. 19.8 grams.Fitted case.

Sold for $504 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2022

Tall Galle French cameo glass vase in a fire polished finish with dark amber grapes set against a frost and yellow ground, signed in cameo Galle, 14 1/2″ ht. CONDITION: no chips, cracks, repairs or material defects found. Jaremos attempts to call any materal flaw that affects the price, but minor scratches and color variances are inherent to glass and antiques.

Sold for US$700 at Jaremos in 2023

Lava cameo brooch. Female figure with grapes and vines. Frame tests 14k. 1-3/4″ wide x 2″ high. Hairline crack to back.

Sold for US$120 at Cordier Auctions in 2023

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Amber

Antique Cameos — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 08:13:09 +0000

Amber has been used as jewelry since the Stone Age, from 13,000 years ago. Amber ornaments have been found in Mycenaean tombs and elsewhere across Europe. Reference: Wikipedia. It is a material made from fossilized tree resin and the most desirable ones are those that contain insects or tiny animals such as reptiles. Amber has also been used for cameos and intaglios.

Below are some examples and price guides of amber cameos including an Italian reverse cameo pin and a beaded cameo necklace.

An Italian antique style 18k gold and amber reverse carved cameo pin. Features a cabochon carved amber cameo depicting the profile of a young female figure with flowing hair and flower, measuring approximately 30mm x 22mm, set in an ornate and elaborately framed 18k yellow gold mount, featuring a top bale measuring 5mm. Marked MADE IN ITALY ROMA 750. Total approximate weight 13 grams.

Sold for US$325 at Hill Auction Gallery in 2023

Vintage 14Kt White Gold Cameo, Diamond, Emerald & Amber Beaded Necklace. Measures approx. – 18″ long. Weight approx. – 23.7 dwt.

Sold for US$550 at Antiques & Art International in 2023

Intaglio cut amber fairy pendant with silver mount and center diamond, in original box marked Zlatarna, Roberto-Studio, Dubrovnik. Size: 2 x 1.5 in.

Sold for US$100 at Americana Auctions in 2023

An Ancient 18K Gold and Amber Intaglio Ring

Hand carved ring with flowing filigree designs, containing one oval shape carved Amber intaglio measuring 24.5 x 18 mm and depicting a Classical Greco-Roman scene of a man and woman in a romantic scene. Weight: 8.3 grams
Ring Size: 7.5 Condition: Overall very good condition.

Sold for US$550 at Alma in 2023

Classical Style Gold Ring Set with Amber Intaglio Ibex or Gazelle

approximate ring size 6-1/2, testing at least 22K.

Sold for US$750 at Leland Little in 2023

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Muller Freres Table Lamps

Antique Cameos — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 10:20:06 +0000

Muller Freres table lamps are beautiful and highly sought after. They come in a variety of different shapes and colors and can include figural lamps as well.

Below are some examples and price guides of Muller Freres table lamps including a scenic lamp from the 1920s and a pair of parrot form lamps.

Muller Frères and Richard
Art Deco table lamp, circa 1925
Iron base, the stem modelled as a horse-chestnut branch, with mottled glass shade.
32.2cm high
Shade signed Muller Fres Luneville, the base stamped Richard.

Sold for £535.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

MULLER FRÈRES
Scenic Table Lamp, circa 1920

overlaid and etched glass, bronze mount
The domed shade and baluster base with a frosted mottled grey ground overlaid in teal and brown, etched to depict a landscape scene of the forest, lake and mountains, the shade with cameo signature MULLER FRÈRES LUNEVILLE, the base with cameo signature MULLER FRÈRES LUNEVILLE, also with paper label No.90h2 and embossed label SANTIAGO VAL PARAISO CASA WEIL PARIS to the underside

261⁄2 in. (67.3 cm.) high, 113⁄4 in. (29.8 cm.) diameter (the shade)

Sold for USD 12,600 at Christie’s in 2023

Pair of Muller Frères Art Deco Iron and Glass Parrot-Form Table Lamps
Circa 1930
Each fashioned as a wrought iron parrot on a perch holding a lantern with orange orb-form globe shade from it’s beak, iron frame unsigned, each shade etched Muller Fres Luneville. Height 22 inches.

Sold for $10,625 at Doyle in 2022

Muller Freres Art Glass Signed French Art Deco Wrought Iron Table Lamp
French wrought iron art nouveau art deco table lamp with signed Muller Freres shade. Lamp having a hammered wrought iron base supporting a triangular frame with foliate motif and one socket. The Muller Freres shade in yellow and blue, is marked to the exterior.
17 3/4″ high x 8 3/4″ wide x 7″ diameter at base . Shade – 6″ high x 3 5/8″ square.

Sold for US$450 at Collective Hudson in 2023

Muller Freres Luneville, France, 1920 ca

A glass table lamp with a cammeo and enamel decor and a forged iron frame. Embossed signature. Missing one screw, diametro del cappello cm 16, altezza cm 39

Sold for €2,400 at Cambi Casa D’Aste in 2023

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Tulips

Antique Cameos — Thu, 11 May 2023 15:01:25 +0000

Tulips are beautiful flowers which look beautiful in cameos and cameo glass. They were at the height of fashion during the Art Nouveau era and glass makers such as Galle and Tiffany incorporated them into some of their glassware items.

Below are some examples and price guides of cameo glass items depicting tulips including a Galle vase and a Tiffany Studios vase.

Gallé
Large tulip vase, 1920-1936
Cameo glass.
51cm high
Signed in cameo Gallé.

Sold for £3,187.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

An Art Nouveau antique style table lamp, produced in the style of Emile Galle. Matte cameo glass in light green, yellow, and white with tulip flower relief. Bears raised pseudo makers mark on shade.

Sold for US$275 at Hill Auction Gallery in 2023

Tiffany Studios
Cameo vase with tulip petals

USA, c. 1906
hand-blown and wheel-carved Favrile glass
4.75 h x 3.75 dia in (12 x 10 cm)

Etched signature and number to underside ‘L.C. Tiffany – Favrile 4194 A’.

Sold for US$3,800 at Rago Arts and Auction Center in 2023

Daum Nancy textured yellow to orange mottled glass decorated with gilt highlighted stemmed red tulips, signed Daum Nancy, 5 1/2″ ht.

Sold for US$1,900 at Jaremos in 2022

Emile Galle
(French, 1846€“1904)
Tulip Vase, c. 1920-30s
acid-etched cameo glass
signed in cameo
H 17 3/4 x Diameter 5 inches.

Sold for US$1,100 at Hindman in 2022

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D’Argental Cameo Glass

Antique Cameos — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:22:49 +0000

D’Argental Cameo Glass. D’Argental is a signature used by a glass making firm called Cristalleries Saint Louis.

Below are some examples and price guides to d’Argental cameo glass items including a French art glass vase and a cameo glass oil lamp.

D’Argental Signature Mark

D’Argental French Cameo Art Glass Vase, purple floral of soft yellow satin, 6″ tall, signed.

Sold for US$400 at Richard D. Hatch & Associates in 2023

A D’Argental Cameo Glass Scent Bottle
Early 20th Century
signed to body.
Height 10 inches.

Sold for US$250 at Hindman in 2023

FRENCH RED CAMEO GLASS LAMP

Red cameo glass decorated with red hibiscus flowers, signed D’Argental to base with custom silk and beadwork shade. French, circa 1920s. H. 16″ W. 9 1/2″ D. 9 1/2″ (40.6 x 24.1 x 24.1 cm)

Sold for CA$400 at A.H. Wilkens Auctions & Appraisals in 2023

A D’Argental cameo glass oil lamp
early 20th century
Decorated with fuchias, signed in the cameo D’Argental, the gilt metal mount stamped Lampe Berger.
height overall 6 3/4in (17.2cm)

Sold for US$400 at Andrew Jones Auctions in 2022

D’Argental Cameo Glass Table Lamp

French D’Argental cameo glass vase form lamp with lotus flowers designed. and signed on body of stand, 23″H x 13 1/4″W

Sold for US$3,500 at The Popular Auction in 2022

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Gus Crystal

Antique Cameos — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:45:54 +0000

Gus Crystal is a Russian crystal manufacturer and is the oldest surviving manufacturer of Russian crystal. It was founded in 1756 on the Gus River. The company gave its name to the town of Gus-Khrustalny and its district. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples and price guides of cameo glass items by Gus Crystal Works including an Imperial vase and an example of their maker’s mark.

Gus Crystal Works Maker’s Mark

A LARGE CAMEO GLASS VASE
BY THE GUS CRYSTAL WORKS, MOSCOW REGION, LATE 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Of tapering cylindrical form, with a flared lip, the body cut with tulips in shades of mauve against a yellow and green ground, signed in cameo in Cyrillic ‘yu.s.N.M.N-k Gus-Krust’ (Yuri Stepanovich Nechayev-Maltsov, heir of Gus Khrustalniy)
18 in. (45.7 cm.) high

Sold for GBP 18,750 at Christie’s in 2021

Yury Nechaev Maltsov for Gus Crystal Works, Moscow, an Imperial Russian cameo glass vase, circa 1900, splayed trumpet form, the brown pate de verre body carved with a lakeside scene, signed in Cyrillic ‘yu.s N.M. m.k Gus-Krust’ (Yuri Stepanovich Nechayev-Maltsov, heir of Gus’Khrustal’nyy), 15cm high

Sold for £4,000 at Kinghams Auctioneers in 2020

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Butterfly Cameos

Antique Cameos — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:22:31 +0000

Butterfly Cameos. Butterflies have often been depicted in cameo glass items and in jewelry cameos. Some of these are exceptionally beautiful and can fetch high prices especially if made by makers such as Thomas Webb. Vases are probably the most common item but there are also some exceptional items such as boxes and inkwells.

Below are some examples and price guides of antique butterfly cameos including a Galle lamp and a Thomas Webb silver mounted inkwell.

Gallé Metal-Mounted Acid-Etched Cameo Glass Table Lamp
Circa 1910
With a conical domed shade and slender vasiform stem in brown colored glass cased over salmon, green and colorless glass, decorated with a landscape design base and butterfly and cloud designed shade, shade signed in cameo and base with engraved signature. Height overall 27 inches; height of shade 7 1/2 inches, diameter 12 inches.

Sold for $6,450 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2022

A LARGE CAMEO GLASS VASE
A Thomas Webb silver mounted ‘rock crystal’ cameo glass ink well
early 20th century
The cameo floral panels against a dotted ground interspaced by clear panels of floral sprays and butterflies, etched factory mark.
height 4 1/8in (10.5cm); diameter 3 3/4in (9.5cm)

Sold for US$1,400 at Andrew Jones Auctions in 2022

English cameo glass vase. Squatty form Prussian Blue cameo vase decorated with a random vine with a blooming flower and teasing butterfly, 7″ ht. CONDITION: Good with no defects found.

Sold for US$550 at Jaremos in 2022

Rare Stuart & Sons Cut Glass and Cameo Perfume Bottle.

English, late 19th century, of ovoid form, having all over cut hobnail pattern, sunburst to base, centered with cut cameo white over pink, foxgloves and butterfly, English silver cap, marks for Sampson & Mordan Co., London, 1888, .925 fine, 5-3/4 in.

Sold for US$1,600 at Brunk Auctions in 2022

Paul Nicolas for d’Argental, a cameo glass lily and butterfly box and cover, circa 1900, ovoid egg form, carved red over yellow amber, polished and frosted, signed in cameo d’Argental, 13cm high

Sold for £450 at Kinghams Auctioneers in 2022

Large Antique 19th Century 14kt Gold Cameo of Psyche. Hand carved large scale natural shell mythological cameo of the Goddess Psyche with her butterfly. Cameo is very finely carved with immense detail and deep relief. Likely a Grand Tour item purchased in Italy. Held in a 14kt gold frame. Measures just over 2.5 inches by just over 2 inches.

Sold for US$300 at Greenwich Auction in 2021

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Acid-etched Cameo Glass

Antique Cameos — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 13:29:42 +0000

When manufacturing acid-etched cameo glass, all of the top layer except the areas needed for the design are usually removed by an etching process—the figure areas are covered with a resist layer of wax or some other acid-resistant material such as bituminous paint, and the blank repeatedly dipped in hydrofluoric acid, so that cameo glass is in some sense a sub-set of acid-etched glass. The detailed work is then done with wheels and drills, before finishing, and usually polishing. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are examples and price guides to acid-etched cameo glass items including a Daum Freres Vase and a Galle table lamp.

DAUM FRERES (FOUNDED 1878)
Solifleur Vase
circa 1900
internally decorated, overlaid and acid etched glass, the surfaces with martele wheel carving, cameo mark ‘DAUM NANCY’ with the Cross of Lorraine
height 10in (25.3cm); diameter 2 1/2in (6cm)

Sold for US$5,100 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

A THOMAS WEBB & SONS CAMEO GLASS VASE
CIRCA 1900, ACID ETCHED THOMAS WEBB & SONS CAMEO MARK
Acid-etched with intricate scrolling flowers and foliage, the yellow glass wall overlaid in opaque white with a stalk of cinquefoil flowers, the reverse with a butterfly
10 ¼ in. (26 cm.) high

Sold for USD 3,000 at Christie’s in 2018

Le Verre Francais Acid-Etched Cameo Glass Vase
Circa 1928
Height 22 inches.

Sold for $1,764 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2022

Large Legras French acid etched 2-color cameo glass 26 inch vase, circa 1900. Yellow-green ground with overlaid blue to rim and base. Beautiful opalescent base with modeled internal streaks to the top. Cherry blossom design with brown enameled branches, green enameled leaves, and yellow and orange enameled highlights to center of flowers. Polished pontil. Legras signed in cameo to lower edge.
Weight Approx., 15 lbs
Measures Approx., 8.5 inches diameter of base x 26 inches tall

Sold for US$1,600 at Taylor & Harris in 2022

Émile Gallé Table Lamp circa 1900

Acid-etched cameo glass, silver base and shade each signed Gallé with French silver hallmark

20 in. (50.8 cm) high

9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm) diameter of shade

Sold for 11,340 USD at Sotheby’s in 2022

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Chinese Cameo Glass

Antique Cameos — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:18:22 +0000

Chinese cameo glass has been produced since the 18th century. It appears to be more chunky than European cameo glass and often incorporates Chinese symbolic motifs such as butterflies and bats. Chrysanthemums are also a popular design in Chinese art.

Below are some examples of Chinese cameo glass including a small white vase overlaid with blue bats and an Imperial red and white double-gourd vase.

This small opaque, white, glass vase is decorated with overlaid blue glass bats. Bats are a visual pun for happiness and five bats are a visual pun for the Five Happinesses ‘wufu’ – wishes for wealth, health, longevity, a virtuous life and a natural death in old age

Reference: The British Museum.

An Imperial Red Overlay Glass double-gourd Bottle vase
Qianlong four-character Mark in a square and of the Period, Beijing Palace Workshops
The semi-transparent dark red overlay beautifully carved with a scrolling double-gourd vine with five-petalled flower-heads and simple leaves that rises from a small pierced rockwork to one side of the lower gourd and gently follows an anti-clockwise motion around the lower gourd, finally rising upward and continuing in the same direction around the upper gourd, a band of overlay at the rim, on a short circular red-overlay foot ring, the white glass base with a double-squared Imperial mark.

Sold for US$100,312.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

A PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY CHINESE BULBOUS CAMEO GLASS VASES bearing four-character Qing dynasty mark to the bases. Each with overlaid designs of birds amidst scrolling prunus blossom sprays and chrysanthemum flower heads 16cm high

Sold for £1,500 at Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers in 2020

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Agate Semi-precious Gemstone

Antique Cameos — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:27:56 +0000

Information on agate including it’s use in cameo carving. Agate is one of the most common materials used in the art of hardstone carving, and has been recovered at a number of ancient sites, indicating its widespread use in the ancient world, for example, archaeological recovery at the Knossos site on Crete illustrates its role in Bronze Age Minoan culture.

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