2021 Sneak Preview – Animalia

September 21, 2021

In anticipation of the 2021 online San Francisco Fall Show which will go live on InCollect on October 15 at 9:00 am PST/noon EST, we wanted to share some sneak previews of our dealer’s wares. In 2016, the Show’s theme was “Animalia – Animals in Art & Antiques”, exploring our fascination with the beauty and mystery of the animal kingdom, as well as its symbolism throughout the ages. Animals have proven to be a never-ending source of inspiration and delight: the 2021 Show offerings include many pairs that would not have looked out of place on Noah’s Ark:

Two ceramic cat figurines sit side by side, glazed in a mottled light brown and cream color with green eyes and pink noses. Both have upright ears, rounded faces, and short tails curled around their bodies. Their expressions appear calm and slightly curious, making them charming representatives of Animalia.
From Bardith: Pair of Chinese Stoneware Cats, 2nd half of the 19th century
A square mirror with a decorative ceramic frame features embossed Animalia motifs—birds, flowers, and sun designs—in blue and brass tones. The frame sits on a wooden surface, offering a sneak preview of the room as it reflects a blurred, out-of-focus lamp stand in the background.
From Stephan Jones: Charming bird motif stoneware tile frame mirror in cobalt blue and seafoam green glaze, France, circa 1950’s
From Il Segno del Tempo: Wiener bronze bulldogs bookends, Austria 1870
A ceramic tile from the 2021 Sneak Preview collection features two blue-black fish facing each other, a green and pink floral motif in the center, two birds flying above, and an ornate brown lattice pattern along the bottom—all inspired by the elegance of Animalia—set against a crisp white background.
From Artistoric: Antique Minton Tile designed by Christopher Dresser, circa 1870
Ornate round mirror with a gold and black frame, topped by two entwined winged dragons, each holding a chain—a magnificent piece inspired by the Animalia collection. The mirror features candle holders shaped like stylized birds and gold decorative elements, set against a sleek black background, making it a standout from the 2021 Sneak Preview.
From Ronald Phillips: A George III giltwood and bronze painted mirror attributed to Peter Bogaert, English, circa 1805

By Vera Vandenbosch