{"title":"Cabinet of Curiosities","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover a curated selection of unusual antique and vintage objects chosen for their history, craftsmanship, patina and singular character. From ethnographic pieces and traditional objects to antique tools, folk art and intriguing decorative curiosities, each item has been selected for its ability to tell a story and inspire curiosity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEscritorie’s Cabinet of Curiosities brings together rare and evocative objects for collectors, distinctive interiors and lovers of material history.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"yoruba-ere-ibeji-cowrie-shell-cloak-nigeria","title":"Yoruba Female Ere Ibeji Figure with Cowrie Shell Cloak – Nigeria, 20th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA remarkable Yoruba female Ere Ibeji figure from Nigeria, preserved with an old textile cloak densely adorned with cowrie shells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarved in wood and standing on an integral circular base, the figure displays a tall, elaborately incised coiffure, large stylised eyes, finely carved facial details and a deeply aged dark-brown patina.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sculpture is accompanied by an impressive old textile garment entirely covered with rows of natural cowrie shells. The cloak gives the piece an extraordinary sculptural presence while concealing most of the carved body beneath. When removed, the complete female figure is revealed, with carved breasts, elongated arms, legs and feet resting on the original base.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditionally known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEre Ibeji\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, these carved figures belong to Yoruba culture in Nigeria and are associated with the remembrance and continued care of twins. Cowrie shells were historically valued as objects of wealth and status and were also used as adornments on important personal and ritual objects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe stylistic features of this figure are consistent with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOyo region of Yoruba artistic production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The exact workshop or locality cannot be confirmed, but the piece is stylistically related to figures from the wider Oyo tradition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wear visible on the wood, textile and shells forms an important part of the object's character. The carving retains a rich surface with abrasions, losses and traces of long handling, while the old textile cloak shows irregular stitching, worn areas and natural variations among the cowrie shells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking ethnographic object for a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecabinet of curiosities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, African art collection or carefully curated interior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical context\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEre Ibeji\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e figures were traditionally carved by Yoruba artists to represent a deceased twin and were cared for within the family as a continuing presence. They could be washed, dressed, fed symbolically and adorned with beads, textiles or cowrie shells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Yoruba people have one of the world's highest recorded rates of twin births, and twins have historically held a special cultural and spiritual significance in Yoruba society.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCowrie shells, once used as currency in parts of West Africa, were associated with wealth, value and prestige. Their use on an Ibeji garment therefore adds both visual and symbolic importance to the piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Yoruba, Nigeria\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Oyo region, attribution based on style\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObject type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Female Ere Ibeji \/ twin memorial figure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20th century, probably first half\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Carved wood, textile, natural cowrie shells\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 26 cm \/ approx. 10.2 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth with cloak:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 19 cm \/ approx. 7.5 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e approx. 650 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Carved wooden figure with removable textile cloak sewn with cowrie shells\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollection:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cabinet of Curiosities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood antique condition consistent with age and use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wooden figure shows visible surface wear, abrasions, age-related cracks, small losses and areas of lighter exposed wood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe textile cloak is worn and aged, with irregular stitching and areas of visible fabric. Several cowrie shells show chips, losses, cracks, discoloration and natural wear; some shells may be missing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe eyes and carved details also show age-related wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo attempt has been made to conceal or artificially restore these characteristics, which form part of the history and authenticity of the object.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully, including the images showing the sculpture without its cowrie-shell cloak.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Escritorie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256122429787,"sku":"CAB-0001","price":875.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7935\/3435\/files\/Statuetteafricaineauxcoquillagesanciens_1.png?v=1791263799"},{"product_id":"tiara-of-saitaphernes-gold-embossed-postcard-1903","title":"Antique Gold Embossed Postcard – Tiara of Saitaphernes – 1903","description":"\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Tiara of Saitaphernes – A Remarkable Postcard from the 1903 Louvre Scandal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn authentic antique French postcard dating from June 1903, featuring an elegant gold-embossed illustration of the famous Tiara of Saitaphernes, one of the most extraordinary archaeological forgery scandals in French museum history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis charming Belle Époque postcard combines beautiful period decoration, raised gold embossing, elegant handwritten correspondence and a fascinating historical subject.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike ordinary printed postcards, the illustration of the tiara features a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eraised, gold-coloured embossed design\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, giving the ancient-looking crown a distinctive decorative texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe postcard was sent to Mademoiselle Marguerite Rey in Paris and retains its original French postage stamp and postal cancellation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Extraordinary History of the Tiara of Saitaphernes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1896, the Louvre Museum in Paris purchased what was believed to be an extraordinary ancient gold tiara belonging to the Scythian king Saitaphernes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe museum paid the remarkable sum of 200,000 French francs for this supposed archaeological treasure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, doubts soon emerged concerning the authenticity of the object.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1903, the truth was finally established: the celebrated tiara was not an ancient masterpiece but a modern creation made by the talented goldsmith Israel Rouchomovsky in Odessa.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe revelation caused an enormous scandal in France and became a favourite subject of newspapers, caricatures and humorous postcards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis original postcard was written in June 1903, at the very time when the affair was attracting widespread public attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is therefore not merely a decorative antique postcard, but also a fascinating contemporary souvenir of a famous episode in the history of art and archaeology.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn Elegant Embossed Gold Illustration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe front features a delicate gold-coloured representation of the Tiara of Saitaphernes, including its intricate decorative scenes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe design is embossed, creating a raised surface that catches the light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbove the illustration appears the original French inscription:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“TIARE DE SAÏTAPHARNÈS”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe remaining space is occupied by beautiful handwritten correspondence, dated June 7, 1903.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reverse preserves an elegant handwritten address to Mademoiselle Marguerite Rey in Paris, together with a French 10-centime postage stamp and postal cancellation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tiara of Saitaphernes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObject:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original antique embossed postcard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e June 7, 1903 (handwritten date)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e French Belle Époque, early 20th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e France\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnique:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Printed postcard with raised gold-coloured embossing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Antique cream paper with gold decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePostal history:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Postally used, with original stamp and cancellation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorrespondence:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original handwritten French message and address\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 9 × 14 cm (3.5 × 5.5 inches)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e BG-17\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e One original antique postcard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSold as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The exact postcard shown in the photographs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthentic antique condition, consistent with age and postal use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe postcard displays natural age-related yellowing, light foxing, minor surface marks and some wear along the edges and corners.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe embossed gold design remains an attractive feature of the composition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original handwriting, postage stamp and postal cancellation have been preserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe postcard has not been restored.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Unique Piece of French Art History\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis unusual postcard will appeal to collectors of antique French postcards, archaeological history, museum memorabilia, historical scandals, early 20th-century ephemera and gold-embossed paper collectibles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt would also make a beautiful addition to a historical paper collection, antique writing desk or cabinet of curiosities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou will receive the original antique embossed postcard shown in the photographs, not a reproduction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Escritorie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54363616739675,"sku":"BG-17","price":24.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7935\/3435\/files\/001-img222-bordure_437dc7ff-cbef-4a9b-a057-b35be8a9f903.jpg?v=1792041927"},{"product_id":"vintage-panzer-cuirass-hurricane-lantern","title":"Vintage Panzer “Cuirass” Hurricane Lantern – Embossed Glass, 41 cm","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA light from another time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis vintage Panzer “Cuirass” hurricane lantern combines a substantial metal frame with a beautifully embossed glass globe. The raised cuirass emblem and “Cuirass Panzer” lettering give the glass a distinctive decorative character, complemented by the weathered metal and its traces of use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStanding 41 cm high without the handle, it makes a striking addition to a cabinet of curiosities, a rustic interior or a collection of historical lighting. Displayed beside old books and handwritten documents, it brings texture and character to a quiet corner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; period\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProbably Germany, first half of the 20th century. Associated with the Panzer\/Cuirass lantern range produced by Kaestner \u0026amp; Toebelmann and subsequently continued by HASAG. The exact manufacturer and production date of this example have not been confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Markings: “Cuirass” and “Panzer” on the glass, with a raised cuirass emblem.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Materials: metal and clear glass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Height without handle: 41 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Height with handle raised: 48 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Width: 19 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Weight: 1.283 kg, excluding packaging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreviously used, with age-related wear, pronounced oxidation and rust, including on the underside. An irregular seam around the reservoir may indicate an old solder repair; this has not been confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe glass is free from cracks and chips. Surface dirt and deposits are visible in the photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe lantern has not been tested, and the reservoir’s watertightness has not been checked. Offered as a decorative and collectible piece, with no guarantee of working condition. Inspection by a competent person would be required before any use with fuel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sale is for the lantern only. Any styling accessories shown are not included.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Escritorie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54502996574555,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7935\/3435\/files\/LanternePanzeranciennesurfondcreme-1.png?v=1792928719"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7935\/3435\/collections\/Cabinet_de_curiosites_ancien_et_chaleureux.png?v=1791263604","url":"https:\/\/escritorie.com\/collections\/cabinet-of-curiosities.oembed","provider":"Escritorie","version":"1.0","type":"link"}