A elegant French 19th century model staircase in walnut. The copper spindles decorated with walnut rings reflecting the bobin turned bases. The stairway sweeping curve standing in perfect balance. Architectural models like these were made throughout Europe by 18th and 19th century apprentice carpenters, cabinetmakers. As a final test they had to make a fine model to obtain their master degree. Not only did they have to master the chosen materials but they also had to have a profound knowledge of proportions and mathematics. This example is very well executed and shows the maker paid a lot of attention to esthetics

large early 20th century Italian walnut lay model. Beautifully constructed and with great patina. This mannekin is fully functioning and in great condition.

A great 19th century English bowl. Turned in Sycamore with beautiful graining, color and patina.

Architectural models as these were made by apprentices or master craftsman to apply for a title by their respective guild. In France these craftsmen were known as the 'Compagnons du Devoir'. They would start their careers by travelling around France, sometimes trough Europe, and taking temporary places in workshops throughout the country. Each time they would learn new things and materialize these in ever more complex scale models. Crucial in their training was the understanding of proportion. This science was taken very seriously and based on centuries of transcriptions going back as far as the Egyptians. Carpenters would use this knowledge in their designs and typically make studies of roofmodels in various shapes and sizes. Before they could end their educational travels and settle down in a city they were obliged to finally deliver a masterpiece or Piece de Maitrise. And if approved they got the right to open their own shop. This early 19th century softwood model is quite elaborate and would have been from an advanced student. Because of the geometric lines and golden cut proportions it has a modern abstract feel to it and in the meantime its warm patina shows its history. 

Architectural models as these were made by apprentices or master craftsman to apply for a title by their respective guild. In France these craftsmen were known as the 'Compagnons du Devoir'. They would start their careers by travelling around France, sometimes trough Europe and taking temporary places in workshops throughout the country. Each time they would learn new things and materialize these in ever more complex scale models. Crucial in their training was the understanding of proportion. This science was taken very seriously and based on centuries of transcriptions going back as far as the Egyptians. Carpenters would use this knowledge in their designs and typically make studies of roof models in various shapes and sizes. Before they could end their educational travels and settle down in a city they were obliged to finally deliver a masterpiece or Piece de Maitrise. And if approved they got the right to open their own shop. This early 20th century softwood model has basic geometric lines in golden cut proportions. This gives it a modern abstract feel while its warm patina shows its history.
H 7.09 in. x W 33.47 in. x D 17.72 in.H 18 cm x W 85 cm x D 45 cm
Ref. 2000

Architectural models as these were made by apprentices or master craftsman to apply for a title by their respective guild. In France these craftsmen were known as the 'Compagnons du Devoir'. They would start their careers by travelling around France, sometimes trough Europe and taking temporary places in workshops throughout the country. Each time they would learn new things and materialize these in ever more complex scale models. Crucial in their training was the understanding of proportion. This science was taken very seriously and based on centuries of transcriptions going back as far as the Egyptians. Carpenters would use this knowledge in their designs and typically make studies of roof models in various shapes and sizes. Before they could end their educational travels and settle down in a city they were obliged to finally deliver a masterpiece or Piece de Maitrise. And if approved they got the right to open their own shop. This 19th century softwood model has basic geometric lines in golden cut proportions. This gives it a modern abstract feel while its warm patina shows its history.
H 10.24 in. x W 10.63 in. x D 4.34 in.H 26 cm x W 27 cm x D 11 cm
Ref. 705

Architectural models as these were made by apprentices or master craftsman to apply for a title by their respective guild. In France these craftsmen were known as the 'Compagnons du Devoir'. They would start their careers by travelling around France, sometimes trough Europe and taking temporary places in workshops throughout the country. Each time they would learn new things and materialize these in ever more complex scale models. Crucial in their training was the understanding of proportion. This science was taken very seriously and based on centuries of transcriptions going back as far as the Egyptians. Carpenters would use this knowledge in their designs and typically make studies of roof models in various shapes and sizes. Before they could end their educational travels and settle down in a city they were obliged to finally deliver a masterpiece or Piece de Maitrise. And if approved they got the right to open their own shop. This 19th century softwood model has basic geometric lines in golden cut proportions. This gives it a modern abstract feel while its warm patina shows its history.

A set of 3 green glazed ceramic candlesticks. All three simular but in a different size (28 cm high, 11 and 19 or in inches 11, 4,3 and 7,5). The glaze wonderfully aged and of a elegant form. These date from around the 19th century (Qing dynasty in Ming style) and have no restaurations or damages. Originally they were used as oil lamps but make great candleholders. Ready to use for a cosy evening.....

Small offering box or coffre. Used by clergy or nobility to hold coins. Beautifully made in walnbut planks and forged iron. Dating from 17th century Spain this piece is in good condition with beautiful patina.

Small turned and decorated boxes like these are referred to as part of treen (wooden utilatary objects with fine workmanship). The fashion of woodturning started with the 16th century aristocracy who took it up as part of their education. From the 1800s objects like these became more available for the common class due to the Industrial revolution. These particular items were used to store away sewing accessories. They are lovely turned and decorated. Especially the egg shaped one is common for this use.

H 3.15 in. x W 1.97 in. x D 1.58 in.H 8 cm x W 5 cm x D 4 cm
Ref. 300 set

A set of 5 late 18th century wooden pigment jars. The softwood lidded jars are made in a baluster shape and decorated with the original black paint and hand painted color names in Dutch. Inside they still contain pigment remains and on one of lids there are 3 dates marked, the oldest one being 1781. All of the jars are in good condition and the lids fit perfectly. The paint has a warm patina and here and there you can even find old paint dots. Pigments were very expensive up to the 19th century. They were made from natural sources and sometime had to travel halfway the world to get to Europe. They were carefully stocked and used in jars like these. However usually they were made from pottery so wooden ones are rare to have survived. Pigment containers like these most likely were owned by a painter.

This Italian walnut early 19th century lay model is finely articulated with lots of details. The face is expressive, the hand and feets are well executed and the overall anatomy is in proportion. Interesting are the preserved wooden pegs troughout the model. Alltough it has its age the construction is just right, firm enough to stand independently and flexible to adjust. Models like this have been used since the 1500's and they exist in the smallest size like this one but also lifelike. Artists and students used them as model to study anatomy and proportions.

This 19th century briar wood pipe head takes the form of a horses head. The whole sculpture is finely detailed and it has a great expression.

Rustic and delicate miniature travel cabinet. Very finely executed in large boards of fine walnut. All sides traditionally dovetailed. The design, fabrication method and patina of this piece date it to the 17th century.

Superb walnut staircase model, so called Piece de Maitrise, probably Italy, 19th century, 2001.

Interesting French contemporary hand-turned box with three drawers completely made from one slice of tree. The complete design follows the natural forms of the wood with the drawers delicately sliced out. Great jewelry box, ornamental sculpture or gift for anyone.

H 9.8 in. x W 9.45 in. x D 5.12 in.

H 24.9 cm x W 24.01 cm x D 13.01 cm

Ref. 300

Life is like a box of chocolates....Great walnut veneered travel apothecary box with lots of drawers and compartments,Germany, 18th century, 905.

Dairy Bowls.

2 stormlichtjes 18 laat 18de eeuw,

20cm hoog,
7,9inch high

ref 951.15.4.202t

Large masterpiece, so called piece de maitrise, in the Compagnonnage tradition, 19th century, France.

This elm pot was probably used to store tabaco. It is finely turned and has a attractive patina.

H 4.33 in. x W 2.75 in. x D 2.36 in.H 11 cm x W 6.99 cm x D 6 cm

Ref. 105.

Early 19th century Italian Lay Figure, 32 cm high, ref. 1005.

Contemporary Piece de Maitrise from belgian ebenist Noël Fievez.

Elegant quaterturn staircase made as an apprentise piece to the Carpenters Guild, France, 19th century.

Lovely Dairy Bowl, 19th century.

Collection of wooden kitchen treen with salt and pepper, candlestickholder, pilgrims flask, several mortar and pestles and cutting tray.

Sicilian Marionette, early 20th Century, wood and iron, articulated face.

Nicely proportioned trestles to use for coffeetable support or decorative item, early 20th century, softwood, France.

Branch vase.

Collec tion of cutting boards.

Maitrise with elegant geometry, early 20th century, walnut.

Dairy Bowl, beechwood, 19th century, Belgium

Wonderful and quite large dairy bowl, beechwood, 19th century, Belgium

Pair of grainbowls, 19th century, France.

Miniature commode and linnenpress together with an carpenter study of a trestle tower.