Little cylinders, no more than 4 inches long and one inch in diameter, were crafted by hand in leather and precious metals, exotic materials like shagreen (shark or stingray skin),  tortoiseshell or semi-precious stones. They are the perfect romantic gift in which you can stash a very personal love note or even a small gift of jewelry.

M.S. Rau Antiques and Fine Art has acquired an extraordinary collection of 18^th century “étuis” which are decorated using different types of gold and agate. Agate was highly prized in the 18^th century for its marbled look and used as an amulet or talisman to divert storms in ancient civilizations. French phrases like “Nul Plaisir Sans Vous” (“no pleasure without you”) intensify the sentiment of the gift tucked inside, as shown on the one below.

This incredibly intricate, Swiss Louis XIV-era etui (below) is only 4 inches long and is made of 18K yellow gold and features a Neoclassic design representing Music and Gardening motifs in bas-relief cartouches and laurel borders.

This exuberant, English Rococo era étui is formed of beautifully carved agate and 18K yellow gold. It is carved to resemble an enchanted landscape with trees.  Sealed with wax for security, it opens with the push of a diamond studded button. Truly, a gift to have and to cherish.

To see more of these petit treasures, which make the most memorable Valentine’s gifts, visit  www.rauantiques.com.

Australian aborigines called it the “stone of light” and the Celts believed its prismatic properties linked it to the sun. Even the fortuneteller’s rudimentary crystal ball was originally crafted of the mysteriously alluring mineral we refer to today as rock crystal.

Rock crystal, or clear quartz, has been revered by nearly every ancient culture in history. It’s clear, ice-like appearance, enhanced by light refracting fissures gave the mineral an air of mystique that carried on well into the Renaissance. The mineral’s innate beauty piqued the interest of 14th-century European royals and aristocrats and they began amassing stunning collections that largely included rock crystal objets d’art in rooms known as “curiosity cabinets.” Even today, many royal collections throughout the world contain pieces crafted of rock crystal.

The use of rock crystal in the creation of precious objects required highly skilled artisans that were proficient in a multitude of disciplines, including gem cutter, jeweler, goldsmith, and enamelist. No other group of craftsmen excelled in this art better than the Viennese. Their ability to marry so many varied techniques, with the utmost level of perfection and beauty, led to the creation of the most exquisite objects of virtu ever made.

This brilliant Rock Crystal Charger of Chateau de Chenonceau is believed to have been commissioned by the daughter of Scottish businessman Daniel Wilson, who purchased the Chateau de Chenonceaux for her in 1864. Created by a Viennese craftsman of obviously tremendous skill, a precise rendering of the chateau is carved into the central panel of rock crystal, while the surrounding insets are etched with an intricate network of Neoclassical scrolls. The silver and silver gilt frame of the charger boasts relief figures adorned with vivid enamel, pearls, rubies and emeralds. In terms of history and craftsmanship, this is arguably the finest example of Viennese rock crystal on the market.

A single block of rock crystal was used to create this fanciful Rock Crystal and Enamel Vessel, in the form of a double-headed bird. From the exquisite carving to the intricacies of the silver gilt enameling, it would be easy to envision this elegant masterpiece in a most prestigious collection.

M.S. Rau Antiques is incredibly fortunate to offer these and several other Viennese rock crystal wonders for sale. Rarely does such a large number of these desirable objets d’art become available for acquisition, as most can only be found in the most prestigious museum collections. Immersed in legend, sought by royalty and matchless in beauty, the reason why these treasures continue to lure collectors throughout the world is crystal clear.

To view M.S. Rau Antiques entire collection of rock crystal treasures, click here.

Rock crystal, or clear quartz, has been revered by nearly every ancient culture in history. It’s clear, ice-like appearance, enhanced by light refracting fissures gave the mineral an air of mystique that carried on well into the Renaissance. The mineral’s innate beauty piqued the interest of 14th-century European royals and aristocrats and they began amassing stunning collections that largely included rock crystal objets d’art in rooms known as “curiosity cabinets.” Even today, many royal collections throughout the world contain pieces crafted of rock crystal.

The use of rock crystal in the creation of precious objects required highly skilled artisans that were proficient in a multitude of disciplines, including gem cutter, jeweler, goldsmith, and enamelist. No other group of craftsmen excelled in this art better than the Viennese. Their ability to marry so many varied techniques, with the utmost level of perfection and beauty, led to the creation of the most exquisite objects of virtu ever made.

This resplendent Viennese charger is inset with nine intricately engraved panels of rock crystal

This brilliant Rock Crystal Charger of Chateau de Chenonceau is believed to have been commissioned by the daughter of Scottish businessman Daniel Wilson, who purchased the Chateau de Chenonceaux for her in 1864. Created by a Viennese craftsman of obviously tremendous skill, a precise rendering of the chateau is carved into the central panel of rock crystal, while the surrounding insets are etched with an intricate network of Neoclassical scrolls. The silver and silver gilt frame of the charger boasts relief figures adorned with vivid enamel, pearls, rubies and emeralds. In terms of history and craftsmanship, this is arguably the finest example of Viennese rock crystal on the market.

A breathtaking rendering of the Chateau Chenonceau at the center of the charger

A single block of rock crystal was used to create this fanciful Rock Crystal and Enamel Vessel, in the form of a double-headed bird. From the exquisite carving to the intricacies of the silver gilt enameling, it would be easy to envision this elegant masterpiece in a most prestigious collection.

The fanciful form of this Viennese rock crystal vessel is similar to prized specimens currently held by museums.

M.S. Rau Antiques is incredibly fortunate to offer these and several other Viennese rock crystal wonders for sale. Rarely does such a large number of these desirable objets d’art become available for acquisition, as most can only be found in the most prestigious museum collections. Immersed in legend, sought by royalty and matchless in beauty, the reason why these treasures continue to lure collectors throughout the world is crystal clear.

To view M.S. Rau Antiques entire collection of rock crystal treasures, click here.

George III Silver Gilt-Covered Monteith

If you were to ask someone from New Orleans, “What are the seasons,” they would definitely not give the answer, winter, spring, summer or fall.  You are much more likely to get the response of, “it’s Mardi Gras season, or football season, (or more specific, Saints season),  Jazz Fest season, creole tomato season, strawberry season, hunting season, fishing season, shrimp season, the season of Lent and I could go on and on. We all look forward to that next great season and a reason (or excuse) to celebrate.

Right now we are in Mardi Gras season and I am having a, “Twelfth Night Party”. What is a Twelfth Night Party? It’s just a great reason to have a party! The twelfth night was actually on January 6^th or 12 nights after Christmas and it’s our official date to kick off the Mardi Gras season.  Today is January 14^th, so I am a little late but who’s counting?

Style is such an intricate part of any celebration. If there were one thing in this entire gallery that I would love to have at my party it would be the George III Silver gilt Monteith. It screams style! For those of you who don’t know, a Monteith is an elaborately decorated vessel with notched rims allowing a wine glass to suspend inside the bowl which is filled with either ice or ice water.  Hence the chilled glass! The name monteith was derived from a very dapper dressing Scottsman, Monteith,  who wore a cloak of notched edges.

I can just imagine serving wine in chilled glasses from this magnificent silver gilt monteith elaborately decorated in repousse’ of huntsman, stag and hounds, flower garlands, winged figures and bearded satyr masks…stylish and great fun!

Whatever season you’re celebrating, do it with style. Make this Monteith your new centerpiece.

Measurements:

11” diameter x 15 1/2” high

Asking Price: $68,500

Wouldn’t this exquisite piece be perfect for your next festive occasion?

Happy New Year from all of us at M.S. Rau Antiques!  Having just completed 2011, our most successful year ever, the first quarter of 2012 promises to be even more exciting!  Beginning on January 18^th through the 22^nd, M.S. Rau will be present at the annual Los Angeles Fine Art Show, where we will be offering original works of art by Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Gauguin, Winston Churchill and many other great artists.  As our truck travels the I-10 corridor from New Orleans to L.A., we will be stopping at clients’ homes along the way, fulfilling their requests to see specific items amid the décor of their own homes.  If you happen to live anywhere between the two cities, please peruse our website, find those perfect pieces, call us and we will gladly bring it to your homes for you to see as well.

February is even more eventful as we visit those snow birds who headed south for the winter to both east and west coasts of sunny Florida.  The annual Naples Art, Antique and Jewelry show will run from February 9^th through the 13^th while the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art and Antique Show will follow February 17^th through the 21^st.  From our fine art to rare silver by Tiffany, Gorham, Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, Myer Myers and others, to porcelain, objets d’art and the finest antique furniture available, these two shows are not to be missed. Once again, we are pleased to show you items in your home should you be interested.

Additionally, M.S. Rau’s very own Rau for Art Foundation will be accepting submissions to its inaugural art scholarship competition through February 15^th. Find out more at www.rauforart.com.

The Grand Finale of the first quarter of 2012 will undoubtedly be the 100^th anniversary celebration of the gallery, owned by the Rau family throughout its duration. The weekend of March 9^th, 10^th and 11^th, we will be hosting several events in the gallery welcoming our clients to view our most magnificent collection ever.

For those familiar with our gallery, you can appreciate how incredible this event will be. To potential new clients I welcome you to visit and help us celebrate 100 years of selling the finest, rarest and most desirable collectables found anywhere.  Come help us as we celebrate 100 Years of Excitement throughout 2012.

–Lyndon Lasiter

This extremely rare and delightful carousel horse by Philadelphia Toboggan is one of the earliest made by the renowned company

There was a time when no amusement park or playground was complete without a carousel ride. Children and even adults could take pleasure in a whimsical ride atop an array of horses and other fanciful creatures carved by the most skilled artisans of the day. Though quality examples of these nostalgic masterpieces come few and far between on the market, that doesn’t seem to deter the demand for these magnificent figures.

The carousel reached its golden age in early 20th-century America, and lasted until the Great Depression of 1929. This roughly 25-year period saw the creation of carousel rides that rivaled, and in most cases surpassed, their European counterparts. With no money for life’s essentials, much less a carousel ride, many of these hand-carved wonders were abandoned and fell into disrepair, or were demolished. By the time the Depression ended and the public was ready to enjoy these treasured amusements once again, carousel figures had become mass-produced, cast metal versions of their former selves.

Renewed interest in the carousel art form began in the 1970s, when enthusiasts began uncovering these lost American treasures and appreciating the tremendous skill and imagination they embodied. This particular example from the renowned Philadelphia Toboggan Company is one of the rarest American carousel horses. The realism of the wind-swept mane, life-like musculature and expressive eyes, this “golden age” example is an outstanding example of American wood working at its highest. Many carousel figures were made into other imaginative creatures, like this Carousel Rabbit by Dentzel. Created by the company’s head carver, Salvatore Cernigliaro, this English hare worked perfectly with the popular “jumping” mechanisms that made the rider feel as if their figure had come to life. Such inventive forms by Dentzel are some of the most desired on the market.

Whether horse or hare, there is no denying the charm of the carousel. Each majestic figure embodies not only the skill of its craftsman, but also the most innocent and carefree moments of our lives, when a break from the real world was just a spin away. With incredible examples like the above emerging from private collections, the desire for these once-lost childhood memories is greater now than ever.

To view M.S. Rau Antiques’ selection of carousel figures, click here.

The only limit to antique carousel forms was the carver's imagination. This lively rabbit by Dentzel exhibits magnificent craftsmanship

This stunning pony with real horse hair tail was crafted by Charles W. Dare, one of the first American carousel makers. To find such an early example is truly exceptional. Circa 1800

The first piece, a stunning 18K gold bangle bracelet by Tiffany designer Jean Schlumberger, is a study in pure design. Teal green enamel is the back drop for a series of applied gold bands and cross hatches.

The second piece is also by Jean Schlumberger and is of the same nature but features royal blue enamel with 1.50 carats of diamonds around it. There are 19 larger diamonds and 38 smaller ones making it utterly eye-catching from every angle.

Jean Schlumberger is one of the most respected jewelry designers in history. Born in France, he created costume jewelry for Elsa Schiaparelli before moving to New York after World War II. Hired by Tiffany in the 1950s, Schlumberger’s work quickly became the talk of the town, attracting collectors such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor.

The other two pieces I am presenting to you are bold brooches that will instantly transform any outfit – from a gorgeous gown to a wool blazer – you will be noticed. The stunning reclining cat pin features emerald eyes and numerous diamonds covering the platinum base. It’s truly a charming piece that any cat-lover would be enthralled by. The emerald eyes are the perfect complement to the shining diamonds.

The second piece, the catfish brooch with sapphires, emeralds, and enamel is one of the most unique pieces of jeweled ornament I have ever seen. It’s excellently crafted and pictures truly do not do its charm justice.

Any one of these pieces would make a lovely addition to your collection. Please let me know which of these entice you most!

A Woman on a Path by a Cottage by John Atkinson Grimshaw

Of all the items in my home, paintings truly give me the most pleasure. I am amazed by the fact that you can look at paintings thousands of times without noticing every detail. There is always something fresh to be found in a great painting. I have sold several paintings by John Atkinson Grimshaw over the years, whose paintings always intrigue me. As one of the prominent Victorian painters, he produced spectacular moonlit scenes. Well, I found a Grimshaw-inspired painting of ships at night with a full moon shining on the waves to hang in my home, and it brings me great joy.

It is fun to build collections of paintings for clients, and since I see so many works from various artists, I can really separate the great ones from the good ones. Because artists painted to make a living, there are, in the trade, paintings considered “commercial grade” that they cranked out. Then there are the really spectacular ones that jump out at you that you fall immediately in love with. Take for instance, A Woman on a Path by a Cottage by Grimshaw, a glowing nocturne, or Village sous la neige by Maurice de Vlaminck, a wonderfully expressive Fauvist landscape. Let’s not forget A Young Girl Crocheting by Alexi Harlamoff, a charming portrait of a young peasant girl fully concentrated on her crocheting project. The list goes on and on, and I’m certain that we have paintings to fit every taste.

I would love to share my passion for great art with you and help you find pieces that you will enjoy and love forever.  Please send me an email or call me to let me know what subject matter, artists or period of paintings that you would like to collect.

Village sous la neige by Maurice de Vlaminck

A Young Girl Crocheting by Alexei Alexeievich Harlamoff

This just may demonstrate the truest definition of Impressionism. In L’eglise de Varengeville et les falaises, land meets sea and sky in a bold, mesmerizing display of color and texture on a clear afternoon. Renoir painted this fascinating scene in 1880, at the ripe age of 39. This is generally considered the peak of Renoir’s career, whose most revered paintings were produced in the late 1870’s and early 1880’s. Renoir’s mastery of outdoor light is eloquently rendered here, as is his genius for conveying mood through varying brushstrokes. The land is portrayed with short, impulsive strokes, giving it certain wildness, while the sky and ocean are rendered calm and peaceful with long, gentle washes of color. This ability to capture the explosive sensation is essential to Impressionism and a hallmark of Renoir’s work.

This subject matter was particularly dear to Renoir, which makes the painting especially valuable. Whereas Renoir regularly took portrait commissions to stay financially afloat in Paris, he retreated to the Normandy coast in the summers of 1879 and 1880 to relax and embrace the landscapes that continually inspired him. The bold, rich hues that comprise the windswept cliff denote the passion with which Renoir approached this scenery. During these summers, Renoir was housed by his important patron, Paul-Antoine Berard at his country château in Wargemont.

Without question, Renoir had the remarkable ability to translate the ordinary into the extraordinary. Working closely with Monet, he began experimenting with the portrayal of light and its effect on his canvases. The youngest member of the Impressionist movement, the astute painter recognized that a subject was constantly changing due to the dynamic effects of light on color. As is visible when examining his work, Renoir captured a particular moment in time, or an “impression” of a scene, rather than a static and overly refined depiction that begs for explanation.

I can’t say enough how much this painting captures the essentials of Impressionism.  Please give me a call, I would love to discuss the painting with you.

James Jacques Joseph Tissot's Promenade Dans La Neige

There are but a few artists that can accurately render feelings. The emotion depicted in this painting by Tissot, is that of undying love.

James Jacques Joseph Tissot’s painting entitled “A Winter’s Walk” is of his beautiful Irish muse and later lover, Kathleen Newton – known as “Kate” to her friends and family. Kate was born in 1854 to Charles Ashburnham Kelly, an Irish army officer who was employed by the East India Company in Lahore, India; her mother, Flora Boyd, was from Ireland.

Kelly arranged a match for his sixteen-year-old daughter, Kate, with Isaac Newton, a surgeon in the Indian Civil Service. On the outward voyage to be married, however, a young sailor, Captain Pallisar, became entranced by her beauty. The girl nobly refused his advances but was, nonetheless, struck by the captain. After the marriage in 1870 and before consummation, Kate, on the advice of her pastor, explained to her new husband her love for Pallisar and the brief courtship.

Refusing to believe Kate’s innocence in the matter, Newton instituted divorce proceedings and ordered her back to England. Still in love with the young beauty, Pallisar paid for her passage, but only on the condition that she finally yield to his seductions. She ultimately became pregnant but refused to marry the captain. Her daughter Muriel Violet Mary Newton, called Violet, was born in Yorkshire on 20 December 1871 on the same day that her divorce was finalized. Kate and baby Violet went to live with Kate’s sister Polly and her husband in St John’s Wood, outside of London, England. It is here that she finally meets the man who would immortalize her, James Jacques Joseph Tissot.

Newton became the subject of many of his paintings. It is obvious in this painting that he adored her totally and loved to paint not just her beautiful face, but also to dwell on her dresses, pleats, ribbons, bows and hats. He had a great artistic talent, and also an eye for style and a feeling for chic. Although the people in his pictures are so elegant and pretty that they could have been a model out of fashion magazines, they are yet very human and just ordinary people. Every picture tells a story.

Soon after Tissot painted Kate in “A Winters Walk,” they moved in together.  Although their love affair scandalized Victorian London, it was of no concern to either of them.  Each considered the other the love of their life, and nothing else mattered. Tragically, their love affair lasted only a fleeting 5 years for soon into their relationship, Kate fell prey to tuberculosis.  As she became sicker and weaker she was unable to watch his grief and took her own life in November 1882.  The despondent Tissot sat by her coffin for four days.

I can’t think of one other single painting of a common person where so much is known about the subject.  The more I found out about her the more fascinated I became with her gutsy individuality, belief in freedom and choice, and her elegant beauty – the last of which she was utterly oblivious.

Interestingly, the whereabouts of this particular painting had previously been unknown until it came onto the market recently – much to the delight of Tissot historians. The newest edition of the catalogue raisonné will now feature this work rather than a mere representational etching based upon it. I feel incredibly fortunate to bring such important work in the artist’s oeuvre to you for consideration!