1301 Harrison Street San Francisco CA 94103
www.cmarianiantiques.com
Contact: Claudio Mariani
claudio@cmarianiantiques.com
Tel 415.541.7868 ~ Fax 415.487.3950

Italy  05042  M00052

15th century Tempera on panel

A devotional scene depicting the Virgin Mary on her deathbed, surrounded by the Apostles in solemn vigil. The composition reflects a transition from Gothic tradition—evident in the gilded halos—to early Renaissance naturalism in the expressive, individualized figures.

This evocative devotional panel portrays The Dormition of the Virgin, the sacred moment marking the earthly passing of the Virgin Mary, rendered with solemn dignity and intimate human emotion.

At the center, the Virgin reclines peacefully upon her bier, her pale, serene visage embodying both resignation and spiritual transcendence. Draped in deep crimson, her form creates a striking visual anchor within the composition, contrasting against the surrounding figures. A tapering candle in the foreground—its flame delicately rendered—serves as a poignant symbol of mortality and the passage from earthly life to eternal rest.

Encircling her are the apostles, gathered in close, almost claustrophobic proximity, their overlapping halos forming a rhythmic golden arc across the upper register. Each figure is imbued with individualized expression: some bow in quiet contemplation, others lean inward with visible grief, while one figure—traditionally identified as Saint Peter—appears absorbed in reading sacred rites, underscoring the liturgical solemnity of the scene.

The composition is intentionally compressed, heightening the emotional intensity and directing the viewer’s focus toward the Virgin’s final repose. The stylized halos, rendered in luminous gold tones, and the rich palette of deep reds, blacks, and ochres reflect the enduring influence of late medieval devotional painting, while the subtle modeling of faces suggests an emerging Renaissance sensibility.

Rather than depicting the triumphant ascent of the Assumption, this work captures the more intimate and human moment of transition—the quiet threshold between life and eternity—inviting contemplation on mortality, faith, and divine grace.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

Circa 1900 – 1915

A finely crafted Edwardian silver-plated desk inkstand by the distinguished English silversmith Mappin & Webb, one of Britain’s most celebrated luxury manufacturers. The elegant rectangular base is raised on four rounded bun feet and decorated with a refined beaded (pearled) border, a motif derived from neoclassical decorative vocabulary widely favored in late 19th- and early 20th-century design.

The inkstand is fitted with two square cut-glass inkwells, each topped with a silver-plated lid, flanking a gracefully arched central handle that allows the piece to be easily lifted and repositioned on the writing table. A recessed pen tray integrated into the base provides a convenient rest for dip pens or early fountain pens, reflecting the practical considerations of the period’s writing culture.

Stamped to the underside with the maker’s mark “Mappin & Webb” alongside the firm’s distinctive Prince’s Plume emblem, and numbered W9869, identifying the model within the company’s production catalog.

Founded in 1775, Mappin & Webb became one of Britain’s most prestigious luxury firms, renowned for its silverware, jewelry, and finely crafted decorative objects. The company later received royal appointments and supplied silver and presentation pieces to elite households throughout Britain and the Empire.

Desk accessories such as this inkstand were produced in the firm’s Sheffield workshops, where a long tradition of metalworking excellence had been established since the eighteenth century.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A French Gilt Bronze Dore Louis XVI Mantle Clock, circa 1780. Solid base raised on toupie feet, with applied wreath ornaments at canted front corners, flanking a Classic Greek frieze. Round clock dial is a cradled in another solid support with figures and swags, with side swan supports. Figure of Cupid sits atop the dial case with a dog stretching to be petted. White enamel dial with Roman numerals; time and strike movement. Written on the dial: “Viein Fils a Epernay”

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

Faenza, late 17th–early 18th century

A grand tin-glazed earthenware  jar of monumental scale, painted in cobalt blue on white ground. Of ovoid form with a tall cylindrical neck, domed cover, and dramatic serpent-form handles, the vessel is richly decorated with allegorical and religious figural scenes. The neck bears the inscription “CHARITAS”, referencing the virtue of divine charity and underscoring its devotional and healing context.

Originally produced for a monastic or civic pharmacy, jars of this type served both practical and symbolic roles, storing medicinal contents while embodying theological ideals. The survival of its original lid, along with its striking sculptural form and intricate Baroque decoration, places this jar among the rare and significant survivals of Italian maiolica.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

Natural Teak Driftwood Life-size Horse Sculpture

A striking life-size horse sculpture composed of individually selected teak driftwood fragments, meticulously assembled to form the dynamic contours of the animal. The natural curvature and texture of each wood piece emulate the musculature, flowing mane, and graceful stance of the horse, creating a powerful balance between abstraction and realism.

The raw, untreated wood retains its organic grain, knots, and weathered patina, giving the sculpture a natural, almost skeletal quality while preserving a sense of movement and vitality. This piece embodies both strength and elegance, making it a commanding presence in any space.

Origin: Contemporary, likely Indonesian or Balinese artisan work
Material: Natural teak driftwood / reclaimed wood
Dimensions: Life-size (approximate scale of a real horse)
Style: Organic Modern Sculpture

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Monumental Pair of Irish Neo-Gothic marbled wooden pilasters

Each tapering element of quatre-lobed section springing from a conforming gray plinth and rising through three tiers of horizontal bands before terminating in a gray foliate capital; the body painted in ochre, terra cotta and dark brown;

 

An exceptional architectural accent featuring a hand-painted faux-marble finish in warm amber and golden tones, meticulously layered with delicate veining for a rich, natural depth. The ornate Corinthian capital, adorned with carved acanthus leaves and volutes in a muted stone-gray finish, provides a striking contrast to the lustrous shaft.

Resting on a tiered plinth base with soft gray-green undertones, this column embodies neoclassical elegance and refined craftsmanship. Perfect as a standalone statement or as part of a matching pair, it enhances grand interiors with timeless sophistication.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A LARGE FLORAL STILL LIFE IN GILTWOOD FRAME
Signed B. Wood

Vibrant oil on canvas depicting an abundant arrangement of roses, peonies, and morning glories in a classical vase atop a stone table. The composition is rich with color, shadow, and botanical detail. Set in a deeply carved giltwood frame with scrolling acanthus and shellwork.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

PAIR OF CHINESE GILT LACQUERED WOOD PANELS
Late Qing Dynasty or Early 19th Century

Striking pair of hand-painted lacquered wood panels, decorated in gold on black with intricate landscape scenes. Each panel features traditional pavilions, robed figures, and stylized trees in a serene mountainous setting. Surrounded by finely painted borders and set within polished hardwood frames. A richly detailed example of Chinese decorative woodwork.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

PAIR OF SEVRES PORCELAIN EWERS
French (Sévres), Early–Mid 19th Century 

Exquisite pair of porcelain ewers with hand-painted figural and landscape scenes, framed in rich gilt bands. Each vessel features a gracefully curved spout and classical handle, with lavish gold detailing throughout. A stunning decorative pair, ideal for mantel or cabinet display.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

PAIR OF GILT METAL FLORAL CANDELABRA

Italy, Circa: Mid 19th Century

Charming pair of five-light gilt metal candelabra, each featuring stylized sunflowers, roses, and grape leaves in an organic, scrolling arrangement. A lively decorative accent for mantle, console, or dining display.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

GILT METAL FLORAL BOUQUET SCULPTURE

Italy, Circa: Mid 19th Century

Lavishly detailed gilt metal floral bouquet featuring lilies, daisies, and foliage, arranged in a classical urn-form base. A striking decorative accent — full of movement, texture, and antique charm.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Vibrant and colorful Oil in Canvas depicting a group of musicians by Ukrainian artist Roman Zuzuk, framed in a wonderful gilded frame and signed by the artist. Circa 1990

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Vibrant and colorful Oil in Canvas depicting a musician by Ukrainian artist Roman Zuzuk, framed in a wonderful, gilded frame and signed by the artist.  Circa 1990

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Pair of 20th Century Bronze Sculptures from Jaroslav Vacek (1923-2012)- Titled “Family”

Can be sold individually.

 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Pair of 20th Century Bronze Sculptures from Jaroslav Vacek (1923-2012)- Titled “Family”

Priced individually. 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

Late 19th Century Rocky coastal Seascape Oil on Canvas signed lower left: Bickerstaff

George Sanders Bickerstaff (California, Arkansas, 1893 – 1954) Landscape painter. Born in Marianna, Arkansas on April 12, 1893. Bickerstaff was a self-taught artist except for a brief period at the Art Institute of Chicago. He led a peripatetic existence before moving to California in 1922.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

Wonderful Acrylic and Oil on canvas Painting signed by Uruguayan Artist Libertad Gomez, dated 1983. Framed in gilded yellow frame, titled: “Sortilegio” which means “Spell” in Spanish. 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

Intriguing painted mask by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, signed by the artist, dated 1975; framed in a wonderful gilded frame. 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A magnificent 19th Century oil painting of ships at sea, on a beautiful hand carved gilded frame.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

An Italian Lithograph of Joan Casanova, mounted on horseback 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Magnificent Japanese Meiji Imari Imperil Period Pedestal Bowl.

 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Wonderful six Panels Rimpa Screen attributed to Sotatsu tales of Ghenji; displaying gold leaf of the period. 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A 19th Century Set of eight French Lithographs, Scenes of Egyptian Architectural Sites.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

Pair of 18th Century Blanc de Chine Parrots.

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

An 18th Century Tapestry Fragment Pillow, with silk velvet back and self welt details at front. 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

An 18th Century Flemish Tapestry Fragment with handmade Iron hardware. 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A set of 19th Century Italian Terracota busts of young boy and young girl – (Priced individually)

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Playful 18th Century Oil on Canvas of Five Putti frolicking in a verdant mountain setting

 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Magnificent 18th Century Oil painting of the Venetian Lagoon

 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A Wonderful 19th Century Sterling Silver Fruit Bowl by bundle and Upmeyer Company

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A wonderful 19th Century Sterling Silver Lidded serving platter tray. 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″
   


Italy  05042  M00052

A stunning Pair of Rock Crystal Obelisk resting on a plinth base and supported each by round crystal balls. 

Height: 31 3/4″ x Width: 21 5/8″ x Depth: 2″