{"title":"Alabaster","description":"Alabasters refer to a type of translucent or semi-translucent mineral that is prized for its ornamental value and its ability to be carved into various decorative objects. Alabaster is a form of gypsum, which is a soft mineral that is easily carved and polished to create a smooth surface.\n\nThere are several types of alabasters, with the most common being white alabaster. However, rare examples come in a variety of colours, patterns, and textures that make them highly sought after by collectors and artisans. Some examples of rare alabasters include:\n\u003col\u003e\n \t\u003cli\u003eBlack alabaster - This is a rare type of alabaster that is black or dark gray in colour. It is found in small quantities in Egypt and Italy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \t\u003cli\u003eOnyx alabaster - This is a type of alabaster that has banding of different colours. It is found in Mexico, Utah, and Italy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \t\u003cli\u003eBrecciated alabaster - This type of alabaster has a fractured appearance and is made up of fragments of other minerals. It is found in Utah.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \t\u003cli\u003eAragonite alabaster - This is a type of alabaster that has a yellow or orange colour. It is found in Spain and Mexico.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \t\u003cli\u003eCipollino alabaster - This is a type of alabaster that has a green or gray colour and veining that resembles onionskin. It is found in Italy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\nThese rare alabasters are highly prized for their unique beauty and rarity, and are often used in the creation of decorative objects such as lamps, vases, and sculptures.","products":[{"product_id":"neoclassical-alabaster-vase","title":"Neoclassical Alabaster Vase","description":"\u003cp\u003eNeoclassical Alabaster Vase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA striking embodiment of refined taste, this Neoclassical Alabaster Vase on stand captures the poise and elegance of late nineteenth-century decorative arts. Meticulously crafted in England during the circa 1900 period, it blends classical inspiration with turn-of-the-century sophistication, resulting in a vase that both honours and reinterprets the antique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: England\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1900\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Carved alabaster\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Height 42 cm, Width 19 cm, Depth 19 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent, with a superb patina and minor expected wear consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by the grandeur of neoclassical design, this alabaster vase echoes the forms popularised by ancient Greek and Roman urns, filtered through the lens of Victorian revivalism. Similar examples can be seen in prominent museum collections, attesting to the enduring appeal of such objects. Not only is this piece decorative, but its bespoke fitting for electricity transforms it into an atmospheric table lamp—seamlessly merging historical allure with modern function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely carved alabaster, exhibiting nuanced sculptural detailing and exceptional translucency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic neoclassical profile, featuring gracefully curved handles and a pronounced footed base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdapted as a table lamp, with expertly integrated wiring for ambient illumination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSought after by collectors for its rare combination of original condition and practical utility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe craftsmanship displayed in this neoclassical alabaster vase is a testament to the skill of its English makers around 1900, with smooth, tactile surfaces and crisp carved details. The design’s symmetry and balanced proportions are hallmarks of neoclassical artistry, while the subtle veining of the alabaster adds interest and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an illuminated centrepiece or a distinguished vessel in its own right, this neoclassical alabaster vase brings a refined antiquity to any interior. Its genuine period origins, adaptability, and classical character make it an invaluable addition for both seasoned collectors and those seeking a statement in period table lamps or vases.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection CK40","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51125971419473,"sku":"34945","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/A4-scaled-1.webp?v=1749198030"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-alabaster-polar-bear","title":"Early 20th Century Alabaster Polar Bear","description":"\u003cp\u003eEarly 20th Century Alabaster Polar Bear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exquisite marble sculpture perfectly encapsulates the refined elegance and artistic curiosity of early twentieth-century France. Rendered in luminous alabaster, the polar bear figure demonstrates a captivating blend of naturalism and stylised Art Deco sensibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: France\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1925\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Alabaster\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Height: 19 cm (7.48 in), Width: 28.5 cm (11.22 in), Depth: 10 cm (3.94 in)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent condition, with a softly aged patina and minimal signs of wear consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated around 1925, this alabaster sculpture reflects the period’s fascination with wildlife-inspired décor and the interplay of form and light. The inherent translucency of the alabaster medium allows the sculpture to appear almost ethereal, echoing famed examples found in museums and sophisticated private collections. Comparable pieces from this era were popularised by leading French ateliers, making this work especially resonant with collectors of period animal sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuperb alabaster craftsmanship, meticulously hand-carved to evoke the polar bear's gentle power and serene presence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArt Deco influences evident in the smooth contours, understated geometry, and harmonious proportions of the marble sculpture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare and desirable form—animal figures from this era and in this medium are highly collectable, prized for their blend of decorative and sculptural appeal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeally sized for display on a mantel, sideboard, or as a focal point within a curated collection of early 20th century sculptures and statues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombining artisanal skill and elegant design, this piece stands as a testament to early 20th-century French sculpture’s enduring charm. The Early 20th Century Alabaster Polar Bear offers both historical significance and immediate decorative impact, making it a worthy addition to any discerning collector’s display or as an individual statement within a stylish interior.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51145225568593,"sku":"12853","price":1900.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/polar-bear-alabaster.webp?v=1747844528"},{"product_id":"pietro-bazzanti","title":"PIETRO BAZZANTI — Marble Bust of Minerva","description":"\u003cp\u003eA finely carved marble bust of Minerva by the celebrated Florentine sculptor Professor Pietro Bazzanti, Italy, circa 1900. Executed with exceptional technical refinement, the goddess is depicted wearing a richly detailed Corinthian helmet above flowing drapery and delicately articulated armour, her downcast expression lending the work a contemplative and quietly monumental presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved in luminous pale marble with remarkable sensitivity to surface and light, the sculpture embodies the enduring fascination with classical antiquity that defined the finest late nineteenth century Italian ateliers. The subtle transitions between polished and softly worked passages reveal the sophistication of Bazzanti’s workshop, long admired for its ability to unite archaeological precision with sculptural elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaised upon its original circular socle and signed verso, the bust possesses both decorative authority and scholarly appeal. Pieces of this scale work particularly well upon pedestals, library consoles, or chimneypieces, where the sculptural silhouette and tonal softness of the marble can be fully appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePietro Bazzanti was among Florence’s most respected sculptors of the late nineteenth century, exhibiting internationally and producing works for Grand Tour patrons and prominent collectors across Europe and America. His sculptures remain highly sought after for their refined craftsmanship and strong neoclassical sensibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItaly, circa 1900\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 66 cm (26 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 36 cm (14 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned verso.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection CK40","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51148813762897,"sku":"67423","price":12500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/Pietro.png?v=1778850937"},{"product_id":"mid-century-onyx-verde-antico-brass-coffee-table","title":"Mid Century Onyx, Verde Antico, Brass Coffee Table","description":"\u003cp\u003eMid Century Onyx, Verde Antico, Brass Coffee Table\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sophisticated example of Italian mid-century craftsmanship, this coffee table exemplifies the elegance and innovation characteristic of the period. Merging Italian provenance with a refined modernist style, this piece radiates timeless appeal and is a remarkable highlight for any interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Italy\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1960\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Onyx, Verde Antico marble, brass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Height: 49.5 cm (19.5 ins), Width: 101 cm (40 ins), Depth: 54 cm (21.5 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent condition, with a fine patina commensurate with age, displaying only minor, expected signs of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentative of the finest early 20th-century Italian low tables, this coffee table integrates sumptuous materials with meticulous design. Its use of rich onyx and luxurious Verde Antico marble reflects mid-century Italian design’s focus on natural beauty and bold yet harmonious contrast. Comparisons can be drawn to similar pieces by leading Italian modernists in collections such as the Triennale Design Museum in Milan, illustrating its significance in European decorative arts of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional craftsmanship is evident in the precision-cut onyx and Verde Antico marble top, exuding richness and natural variation unique to each piece of stone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElegant brass framing enhances the table’s sculptural quality, blending sleek lines with subtly tapered legs for a touch of understated glamour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe combination of rare materials, refined proportions, and mid-century authenticity make this coffee table a sought-after addition for collectors of Italian modernist furniture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly versatile, this coffee table serves equally well as a centrepiece in a sophisticated sitting room, a practical everyday furnishing, or a focal point for a carefully curated mid-century collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis mid-century onyx, Verde Antico, and brass coffee table is not only an outstanding example of Italian design but also a rare and collectable object for the discerning connoisseur. Its marriage of exquisite materials, period significance, and functional elegance ensures its continued appreciation in both historical contexts and contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51153758716241,"sku":"3516","price":3900.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/very-fine-and-rare-early-20th-century-italian-onyx-and-verde-antico-cocktail-or-coffee-tail-circa-1935.webp?v=1747992365"},{"product_id":"borghese-vase","title":"Borghese Vase","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis distinguished Borghese Vase, crafted in Italy during the early 19th century, stands as an exceptional example of Grand Tour artistry. Inspired by the celebrated antique vase now housed in the Louvre, this sculptural piece epitomises the elegance and sophistication sought by aristocratic travellers during the Regency period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Italy, probably Rome\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Circa 1800\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Alabaster\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Height: 39 cm (15.4 in); Diameter: 23 cm (9 in)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Very fine, with a pleasing natural patina and only minor signs of age commensurate with its history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Borghese Vase remains one of the most iconic forms reproduced for the Grand Tour market. Collectors of 19th-century works of art prize such pieces for their fidelity to classical design and their tangible link to Italy’s rich artistic heritage. Modeled after ancient originals, this vase mirrors the mythological grandeur revered by connoisseurs and is reminiscent of prominent examples found in museum collections. Its presence is both a statement in Regency taste and a testament to the enduring influence of classical antiquity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExquisite hand-carved decoration in alabaster, showcasing intricate mythological motifs inspired by the antique original.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraceful lines and harmonious proportions, reflecting the neoclassical ideals that dominated early 19th-century Italian design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare and highly coveted as a Grand Tour souvenir, this Borghese Vase holds significant collecting value due to its quality, scale, and distinguished form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerfectly sized for prominent display on a mantelpiece or entry hall plinth, it would serve as a focal point for interior decoration or as an esteemed addition to any collection of Regency-era vases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe allure of this Borghese Vase goes beyond decorative beauty, offering both historic resonance and a touch of Italian grandeur to any setting. Its authentic Grand Tour provenance, coupled with exceptional craftsmanship, makes it a distinctive and desirable piece for collectors of 19th-century works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection CK20","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51225724518737,"sku":"13443","price":9500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/borghese-vase-grand-tour.webp?v=1749114429"},{"product_id":"pair-alabaster-vases-on-pedestals-floor-lamps","title":"Pair Alabaster Vases on Pedestals \/ Floor Lamps","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined pair of 19th-century Italian alabaster vases, masterfully carved and presented on integral pedestals, offer a striking marriage of classical beauty and practical lighting. Crafted circa 1850, these floor lamps exemplify the period’s fascination with grand, sculptural forms and naturalistic ornamentation, echoing the opulent tradition of neoclassical design found in historic Italian villas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Circa 1850\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Carved alabaster\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: Height: 134 cm (53 ins), Width: 37 cm (14.5 ins), Depth: 37 cm (14.5 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent, with a delicate patina and minor, age-commensurate surface marks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese alabaster vases on pedestals recall the refined taste of mid-19th-century Italy, a period renowned for its revival of classical motifs and flourishing of fine decorative arts. Comparable examples may be admired in distinguished collections such as those found in historic Florentine palazzi or leading decorative arts museums, where alabaster was favoured for its lustrous translucency and ability to evoke the grandeur of antiquity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExquisite foliate carvings and delicately rendered classical masks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaised upon elegant, circular fluted columns and square, stepped alabaster bases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal illumination transforms each vase into an atmospheric floor lamp, accentuating the medium’s natural glow and soft veining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe craftsmanship is especially apparent in the precision of the detailing, from the finely carved botanical motifs to the expressive masks that anchor each piece firmly within neoclassical tastes. The sculptural design boasts harmonious symmetry, with architectural forms reminiscent of Regency and Empire styles, creating a bold yet refined presence ideal for period and contemporary interiors alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a pair of floor lamps, these alabaster vases on pedestals make a rare and distinctive addition to any serious lighting collection or interior design scheme. Their substantial scale and elegant proportions make them particularly desirable, while their dual function ensures both decorative and practical appeal. Perfect for display in a grand hallway, drawing room, or study, these floor lamps bring a touch of Italian artistry and history to any setting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection CK20","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51226226983249,"sku":"17073","price":14500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/0W2A9128.webp?v=1749157868"},{"product_id":"rudolf-franke-nautschutz-nautschutz-1860-1913-berlin-snake-charmer","title":"Rudolf Franke-Nautschütz (Nautschütz 1860-1913 Berlin), Snake Charmer","description":"\u003cp\u003eOrientalist sculpture features a seated snake charmer, crafted from two-tone onyx and alabaster, and mounted on a gilt bronze base. Standing 36 cm tall, the piece showcases meticulous detail and luxurious materials, capturing the exotic allure of the orientalist movement. Signed on the base Rudolf Franke-Nautschütz\u003cbr\u003eBerlin, Germany, circa 1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight : 36 cms (14.2 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 22 cms (8.7 ins)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 22 cms (8.7 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51242437738833,"sku":"20308","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/0W2A1590_1.webp?v=1749490196"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/1000046674.png?v=1749884088","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/alabaster.oembed","provider":"nwtiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}