Silver has been widely used in Chinese decorative objects, from boxes to bowls, since the 7th century. During the time of the Tang Dynasty, silver alloys of lead or tin were cast and hammered into countless shapes, and engraved floral patterns began to emerge in the Yuan dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, which ruled China…
Worcester Porcelain was established in 1751, and is believed to be the oldest porcelain brand in England.The factory was established by Dr John Wall, a physician who worked in conjunction with apothecary William Davis to develop an entirely new method of porcelain production. Wall was inspired by the beautiful porcelain that had been created in…
Donald McIntyre was born in Leeds in 1923 but spent his childhood in northwest Scotland in the small town of Garelochhead. The surrounding dramatic landscape and a local group of artists that he encountered influenced him throughout his career, guiding him in developing a palette and painterly approach similar to that of the Scottish colourist…
The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. When discovered, diamonds were valued because of their strength and beauty, and for their ability to refract light and engrave metal. Historically, diamonds were worn as adornments, used as cutting tools and…
An icon of French glass making, Lalique is inextricably linked to the Art Nouveau era with its organic sensibilities and Art Deco’s stylised geometric elements. René Lalique: hair ornament and brooch - Enamel, glass, and topaz hair ornament and brooch by René Lalique, 1900; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The creator, René Lalique,…
The History of Chinese ceramics shows a continuous development since pre-dynastic times and this pottery is one of the most significant forms of Chinese art and ceramics globally. There are two primary categories of Chinese ceramics, low-temperature-fired pottery or táo (陶, about 950–1200 ℃) and high-temperature-fired porcelain or cí (瓷, about 1250–1400 ℃). Chinese ceramics…
It was during Henry VII’s reign that the very first gold Sovereign was created on 28th October 1489. Though this wasn’t the first gold coin to be minted in Britain, as they had been in circulation for hundreds of years, it was the most valuable and largest of its time. Sold for £320 at Anthemion…
