Objects of Curiosities

Vase of a Moor Head made in ceramic, Sicily - Italy. Borbon King, old ancient white finishing, ceramic, double cooking. The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756–1492).

Woman Moor Head Vase made in ceramic with Prickly pear, made in Sicily - Italy. Old ancient finishing, ceramic, double cooking entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone.

Moor-Head Man, Vase made in ceramic with Prickly pear, made in Sicily - Italy.

Old ancient finishing, ceramic, double cooking entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone.

Woman Moor Head Vase made in ceramic White and Blue, made in Sicily - Italy. Old ancient finishing, ceramic, double cooking entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone. The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent.

Woman Moor Head Vase made in ceramic Black and Blue Sky, made in Sicily - Italy. Old ancient finishing, ceramic, double cooking entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone. The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent.

Ceramic vase in the shape of a Moor's head, matte finish, Sicily - Italy. Six colors are available. Handcrafted in ceramic, double firing. Entirely made and painted by hand. All decorations are individually hand painted making each piece unique. The Moors were members of the Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber origin. In the 8th century, they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756-1492).

Ceramic vase, head of a Moorish man, a traditional Sicilian achievement - Italy. This magnificent vase is produced and painted by hand in Caltagirone in Sicily and distributed exclusively by Arteslonga.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double firing. Entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone (Italy).

The Moors were members of the Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber origin. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756-1492).

THE LEGEND :

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in the city of Palermo there was an Arab suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb lived a beautiful young woman who spent her time tending to the flowers on her balcony.

One day a young Moor was walking under the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the young lady and he fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love and the beautiful young girl, impressed by the audacity of the lover, quickly experienced the same love.

Unfortunately, the young Moor was already married and had several children ... as soon as the young woman found out that he could leave to find his family, one day she waited for night and killed him while he slept soundly. She cut off his head and used it as a vase for her plants so she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was remarkable, the whole neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From this moment, the creation of vases in the shape of the heads of Moors began...

A very large and beautiful canvas straight out of the corridors of time. A Shabby chic reinterpretation of the odalisque by Maria Fortuny.

The original canvas was reproduced in the paint shop and then meticulously aged entirely by hand.

Every accident and lack, every crack or patina effect is never the result of chance... everything is brought together here so that this reinterpretation becomes more real than life.

Dimensions: H149x239x2cm

A large and beautiful canvas straight out of the corridors of time. A Shabby chic reinterpretation of the odalisque by Maria Fortuny.

The original painting (56.9 cm × 81 cm) is on display at the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona.

The original canvas was reproduced in the paint shop and then meticulously aged entirely by hand.

Every accident and lack, every crack or patina effect is never the result of chance... everything is brought together here so that this reinterpretation becomes more real than life.

Dimensions: H113x161x2cm

Woman Moor Head Vase made in ceramic White and Blue, made in Sicily - Italy. Old ancient finishing, ceramic, double cooking entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone. The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent.

Vase of a Moor Head made in ceramic, Sicily - Italy. Borbon King, old ancient white finishing, ceramic, double cooking. The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756–1492).

Ceramic vase, male Moor's head with representation of figs, made entirely by hand in Sicily - Italy.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double firing and hand painted.

The Moors were members of the Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber origin. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756-1492).

THE LEGEND :

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in the city of Palermo there was an Arab suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb lived a beautiful young woman who spent her time tending to the flowers on her balcony.

One day a young Moor was walking under the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the young lady and he fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love and the beautiful young girl, impressed by the audacity of the lover, quickly experienced the same love.

Unfortunately, the young Moor was already married and had several children ... as soon as the young woman found out that he could leave to find his family, one day she waited for night and killed him while he slept soundly. She cut off his head and used it as a vase for her plants so she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was remarkable, the whole neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From this moment, the creation of vases in the shape of the heads of Moors began...

Ceramic vase, male Moor's head with representation of beautiful yellow lemons, made entirely by hand in Sicily - Italy.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double firing and hand painted.

The Moors were members of the Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber origin. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756-1492).

THE LEGEND :

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in the city of Palermo there was an Arab suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb lived a beautiful young woman who spent her time tending to the flowers on her balcony.

One day a young Moor was walking under the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the young lady and he fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love and the beautiful young girl, impressed by the audacity of the lover, quickly experienced the same love.

Unfortunately, the young Moor was already married and had several children ... as soon as the young woman found out that he could leave to find his family, one day she waited for night and killed him while he slept soundly. She cut off his head and used it as a vase for her plants so she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was remarkable, the whole neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From this moment, the creation of vases in the shape of the heads of Moors began...

A large and beautiful canvas straight out of the corridors of time. A Shabby chic reinterpretation of the odalisque by Maria Fortuny.

The original painting (56.9 cm × 81 cm) is on display at the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona.

The original canvas was reproduced in the paint shop and then meticulously aged entirely by hand.

Every accident and lack, every crack or patina effect is never the result of chance... everything is brought together here so that this reinterpretation becomes more real than life.

Lying Woman Canvas H88x129cm

Ceramic vase, head of a Moorish woman, Sicily - Italy.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double fired and hand painted in Italy.

The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756–1492).

THE LEGEND : 

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in Palermo city, there was an Arab Suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb was living a beautiful young lady who used to spend her time in taking care of the flowers on her balcony.

One day, a young moor was walking down the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the lady and he truly fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love for her, and the beautiful young lady, impressed by the lover's boldness, started feeling the same love.

Unfortunately, the young moor was already married and was father of a few kids... as soon as the young lady found out that he would have left for going back to his family, she waited until the night and killed him while he was sleeping deeply. She cut his head and used it as a vase for her plants, so that she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was magnificent, all the neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From that moment, they decide to create ceramics moor heads as vases.

Ceramic vase, head of a Moorish woman, Sicily - Italy.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double fired and hand painted in Italy.

The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756–1492).

THE LEGEND : 

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in Palermo city, there was an Arab Suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb was living a beautiful young lady who used to spend her time in taking care of the flowers on her balcony.

One day, a young moor was walking down the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the lady and he truly fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love for her, and the beautiful young lady, impressed by the lover's boldness, started feeling the same love.

Unfortunately, the young moor was already married and was father of a few kids... as soon as the young lady found out that he would have left for going back to his family, she waited until the night and killed him while he was sleeping deeply. She cut his head and used it as a vase for her plants, so that she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was magnificent, all the neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From that moment, they decide to create ceramics moor heads as vases.

Ceramic vase, head of a Moorish woman, Sicily - Italy.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double fired and hand painted in Italy.

The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756–1492).

THE LEGEND : 

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in Palermo city, there was an Arab Suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb was living a beautiful young lady who used to spend her time in taking care of the flowers on her balcony.

One day, a young moor was walking down the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the lady and he truly fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love for her, and the beautiful young lady, impressed by the lover's boldness, started feeling the same love.

Unfortunately, the young moor was already married and was father of a few kids... as soon as the young lady found out that he would have left for going back to his family, she waited until the night and killed him while he was sleeping deeply. She cut his head and used it as a vase for her plants, so that she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was magnificent, all the neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From that moment, they decide to create ceramics moor heads as vases.

Ceramic vase, head of a Paladin Moorish woman, Sicily - Italy.

The paladin is a knight who has reached one of the highest ranks, is part of a religious order and bears the sacred power of faith.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double fired and hand painted in Italy.

The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756–1492).

THE LEGEND : 

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in Palermo city, there was an Arab Suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb was living a beautiful young lady who used to spend her time in taking care of the flowers on her balcony.

One day, a young moor was walking down the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the lady and he truly fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love for her, and the beautiful young lady, impressed by the lover's boldness, started feeling the same love.

Unfortunately, the young moor was already married and was father of a few kids... as soon as the young lady found out that he would have left for going back to his family, she waited until the night and killed him while he was sleeping deeply. She cut his head and used it as a vase for her plants, so that she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was magnificent, all the neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From that moment, they decide to create ceramics moor heads as vases.

Ceramic vase, head of a Moorish woman, Sicily - Italy.

Head-shaped vase, Italian-made to the smallest detail, all decorations are applied and hand painted making each piece unique.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double fired and hand painted in Italy.

The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756–1492).

THE LEGEND : 

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in Palermo city, there was an Arab Suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb was living a beautiful young lady who used to spend her time in taking care of the flowers on her balcony.

One day, a young moor was walking down the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the lady and he truly fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love for her, and the beautiful young lady, impressed by the lover's boldness, started feeling the same love.

Unfortunately, the young moor was already married and was father of a few kids... as soon as the young lady found out that he would have left for going back to his family, she waited until the night and killed him while he was sleeping deeply. She cut his head and used it as a vase for her plants, so that she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was magnificent, all the neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From that moment, they decide to create ceramics moor heads as vases.

Ceramic vase, head of a Moorish man, a traditional Sicilian achievement - Italy. This magnificent vase is produced and painted by hand in Caltagirone in Sicily and distributed exclusively by Arteslonga.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double firing. Entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone (Italy).

The Moors were members of the Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber origin. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756-1492).

THE LEGEND :

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in the city of Palermo there was an Arab suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb lived a beautiful young woman who spent her time tending to the flowers on her balcony.

One day a young Moor was walking under the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the young lady and he fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love and the beautiful young girl, impressed by the audacity of the lover, quickly experienced the same love.

Unfortunately, the young Moor was already married and had several children ... as soon as the young woman found out that he could leave to find his family, one day she waited for night and killed him while he slept soundly. She cut off his head and used it as a vase for her plants so she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was remarkable, the whole neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From this moment, the creation of vases in the shape of the heads of Moors began...

Man Moor Head Vase made in ceramic Lilac and Blue, made in Sicily - Italy. Old ancient finishing, ceramic, double cooking entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone. The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent.

Ceramic vase, head of a Moorish man, a traditional Sicilian achievement - Italy. This magnificent vase is produced and painted by hand in Caltagirone in Sicily and distributed exclusively by Arteslonga.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double firing. Entirely made and painted by hand in Caltagirone (Italy).

The Moors were members of the Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber origin. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756-1492).

THE LEGEND :

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in the city of Palermo there was an Arab suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb lived a beautiful young woman who spent her time tending to the flowers on her balcony.

One day a young Moor was walking under the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the young lady and he fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love and the beautiful young girl, impressed by the audacity of the lover, quickly experienced the same love.

Unfortunately, the young Moor was already married and had several children ... as soon as the young woman found out that he could leave to find his family, one day she waited for night and killed him while he slept soundly. She cut off his head and used it as a vase for her plants so she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was remarkable, the whole neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From this moment, the creation of vases in the shape of the heads of Moors began...

Ceramic vase, male Moor's head with representation of beautiful yellow lemons, made entirely by hand in Sicily - Italy.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double firing and hand painted.

The Moors were members of the Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber origin. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756-1492).

THE LEGEND :

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in the city of Palermo there was an Arab suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb lived a beautiful young woman who spent her time tending to the flowers on her balcony.

One day a young Moor was walking under the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the young lady and he fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love and the beautiful young girl, impressed by the audacity of the lover, quickly experienced the same love.

Unfortunately, the young Moor was already married and had several children ... as soon as the young woman found out that he could leave to find his family, one day she waited for night and killed him while he slept soundly. She cut off his head and used it as a vase for her plants so she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was remarkable, the whole neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From this moment, the creation of vases in the shape of the heads of Moors began...

Ceramic vase, head of a Moorish woman, Sicily - Italy.

Handcrafted in ceramic, double fired and hand painted in Italy.

The moors were members of Muslim people of North Africa, of mixed Arab and Berber descent. In the 8th century they were converted to Islam and established power in North Africa, Sicily and Spain, where they established a civilization (756–1492).

THE LEGEND : 

During the Arab domination in Sicily, in Palermo city, there was an Arab Suburb called "La Kalsa".

In this small suburb was living a beautiful young lady who used to spend her time in taking care of the flowers on her balcony.

One day, a young moor was walking down the lady's balcony. He noticed the beauty of the lady and he truly fell in love with her.

He did not wait a minute to declare his love for her, and the beautiful young lady, impressed by the lover's boldness, started feeling the same love.

Unfortunately, the young moor was already married and was father of a few kids... as soon as the young lady found out that he would have left for going back to his family, she waited until the night and killed him while he was sleeping deeply. She cut his head and used it as a vase for her plants, so that she could have him forever by her side.

As the beauty of this vase was magnificent, all the neighborhood wanted to own a similar one.

From that moment, they decide to create ceramics moor heads as vases.

Very beautiful Baoulé mask, mid-20th century from Ivory Coast of the Baoulé tribe.

A unique piece

The single item shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

The Baoulé are part of the Akan people. They moved to western Ivory Coast more than 200 years ago and adopted the masking traditions of their neighbors, the Guro, Sénoufo and Yaure peoples.

There are three basic types used in a special dance of rejoicing called Goli, symbolizing social order.

Most of these masks are Kpan – with elaborate hairstyles and exquisite carvings, and represent the elderly woman during ceremonies.

Another mask – Kple kple – represents the junior male. It is round and flat and is one of the most abstract traditional African masks.

A third type – a Goli Gulin – represents the senior male.

Very beautiful Boa mask, mid-20th century from Congo from the Boa tribe.

A unique piece. The single item shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

The Boa are mainly known for their masks, believed to be used in ceremonies related to war, to strengthen the courage of the warrior or to celebrate victories. These masks have wide-set, prominent, round ears, suggesting alertness, and are covered alternately with dark and light pigments. Ancient masks have been described belonging to warlike or secret associations and are considered war masks or diguises used for hunting although their precise function is not known

The unique piece shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

Ibeji male figurine with pleasant features and facial scarifications. He has a sensitive expression. The character wears a traditional high-bonnet hairstyle. The surface has a nice brown patina. It is decorated with pearls around the waist and arms.

Material: Wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Nigeria

Tribe: Ere Ibeji - Yoruba

The unique piece shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

A classic female Hemba ancestor figure with hands placed on the chest, eyes half open. These figures are imbued with the nobility of ancestors increasing the family lineage. These figures would have been shown during important ceremonies aimed at strengthening the family's position. As a spiritual container, the figure would facilitate the connection between the world of the dead and that of the living. It has beautiful scarifications on the abdomen.

Material: Wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Congo

Tribe: Hemba

The unique piece shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

A Punu Duma or Mvudi mask from Gabon with white kaolin.

Masks like these were used by various tribes in Gabon.

The Mwo Spirit Maiden masks depict a beautiful young girl with her whitened face and serene expression. As in life, this beautiful young girl wears an elaborate hairstyle illustrated by polychrome colors.

The mask would be worn with a colorful costume covering his body. Although the mask has an Asian expression, no such connection has been made.

Known as Duma or Mvudi, it represents a female guardian spirit in the initiation of young girls, funeral rites, ancestor worship and also in full moon dances.

Material: wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Gabon

Tribe: Punu

Tribe: Songye

This unique piece shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

A typical female ancestral figure with nice varied patina. The stylistic similarities with the sculpture of the neighboring Kuba people are evident. Beautiful scarifications all over the body with a typical coiffure.

Material: Wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Congo

Tribe: Ndengese

Very beautiful Kifwebe mask, mid-20th century from Congo from the Songye tribe.

A unique piece. The single item shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

Named Kifwebe or “Boismasque” – the same type of which was produced by both the Luba and the Songye – this tribal mask imposes itself with its masterful dimensions.

The term Kifwebe refers to the mask – the society of masks – and to the wearer of the mask belonging to the male secret society bwadi bwa kifwebe.

There are three variants: the masculine (kilume) generally with a high crest - the feminine (kikashi) with a very low or absent crest - and finally the greatest embodying power (kia ndoshi).

Material: Wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Congo

Tribe: Songye

Chair from the Chokwé Tribe, mid-20th century.

The single item shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

Most seats in sub-Saharan Africa are low stools carved from a single block of wood. However, as early as the 16th century, Portuguese traders and explorers introduced back chairs to southern and eastern Africa. Chokwe artists soon began producing similar chairs by adding sculptural scenes and Chokwe motifs.

The unique piece shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

Fang's Ngil masks are generally characterized by a face consisting of high orbital cavities on either side of a long straight nose separating two fine eye incisions.

The appearance of these masks coated with kaolin (the white color would evoke the power of the ancestors) in the middle of the night could arouse fear.

This type of mask was used by the Ngil male society which no longer exists today.

This secret society was responsible for initiations and fought against witchcraft. The wearers of these masks always appeared in large numbers at night lit by torches.

Material: wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Gabon

Tribe: Fang

A unique piece. The items shown in the picture are exactly the items you will receive.

Stunning chef stool hand carved from a single piece of wood

A beautifully carved stool from Mali.

The ancestral figures or nommo are symmetrical and geometric sculpted in relief.

They support the higher seat and should represent ancestors seen as authority figures.

According to Dogon cosmogony, the stool is made up of two discs; one representing the sky and the other the earth.

It shows signs of wear due to aging but remains remarkably solid.

Material: Wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Mali

Tribe: Dogon

A unique piece. The items shown in the picture are exactly the items you will receive.

Superb chef's stool hand carved from a single piece of wood by the Baga tribe of Guinea-Bissau.

Stools are a minor art form for the Baga whose large masks and snake figures are among the largest and most impressive in Africa.

Striking modern pumpkin shape with intricate decorative carvings around the top edge.

It shows signs of wear due to aging but remains remarkably solid.

Material: Wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Guinea Bissau

Tribe: Baga

Two unique pieces. The items shown in the picture are exactly the items you will receive.

Chairs and stools are prestigious objects for the Kota people of Gabon.

You can notice how they use similar characteristics on all of their sculptures and other subjects that they create. L

The seat is decorated with various geometric patterns engraved in what appears to be copper and brass.

It shows signs of wear due to aging but remains remarkably solid.

Material: Wood, Brass and Copper

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Gabon

Tribe: Kota

The unique piece shown in the picture is the exact item you will receive.

Wooden male king (Ndop) figure.

The figure sits cross-legged on a square platform (yiing) carved with a representation of a climbing vine.

Ndop statues are idealized representations of the Nyimi or kings of the Kuba kingdom.

Material: Wood

Age: mid-20th century

Origin: Congo

Tribe: Kuba Bushoong