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Antique curiosities

This curated selection of curiosities covers the material culture not covered by other collections. These pieces are interesting because they are rare and have been treasured for a long time and speak to our place in history. You will find a broad assortment of functional and decorative objects from antiquity to early 20th century. Hopeful you will be surprised and amused. 

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  • Early 19th Century Banjo Barometer

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $1,750.00 - Original price $1,750.00
    Original price
    $1,750.00
    $1,750.00 - $1,750.00
    Current price $1,750.00

    This early 19th century banjo barometer is a refined example of scientific instruments becoming elegant domestic furnishings during the late Georgi...

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    Original price $1,750.00 - Original price $1,750.00
    Original price
    $1,750.00
    $1,750.00 - $1,750.00
    Current price $1,750.00
  • Pair of Neoclassical Plaques, Italy circa 1820

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $2,950.00 - Original price $2,950.00
    Original price
    $2,950.00
    $2,950.00 - $2,950.00
    Current price $2,950.00

    A pair of finely detailed plaques depicting classical scenes, likely inspired by the ancient frescoes discovered at Pompeii and Herculaneum. The co...

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    Original price $2,950.00 - Original price $2,950.00
    Original price
    $2,950.00
    $2,950.00 - $2,950.00
    Current price $2,950.00
  • Queen Anne Burl Walnut Long Case Clock by Thomas Perkins

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $8,950.00 - Original price $8,950.00
    Original price
    $8,950.00
    $8,950.00 - $8,950.00
    Current price $8,950.00

    A graceful long case clock by the English maker Thomas Perkins (active early 18th century), featuring the rich, swirling grain of burl walnut that ...

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    Original price $8,950.00 - Original price $8,950.00
    Original price
    $8,950.00
    $8,950.00 - $8,950.00
    Current price $8,950.00
  • Water Urn with Spigot, France circa 1970

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $695.00 - Original price $695.00
    Original price
    $695.00
    $695.00 - $695.00
    Current price $695.00

    A refined French water urn from the late 20th century, featuring a classic tapered body and a functional metal spigot. Its simple, utilitarian form...

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    Original price $695.00 - Original price $695.00
    Original price
    $695.00
    $695.00 - $695.00
    Current price $695.00
  • Pair of Green Hardstone Bowls, Republic Period China

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $1,500.00 - Original price $1,500.00
    Original price
    $1,500.00
    $1,500.00 - $1,500.00
    Current price $1,500.00

    A pair of Chinese Republic Period bowls carved from green hardstone, displaying the elegant simplicity and translucent quality prized in 20th-centu...

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    Original price $1,500.00 - Original price $1,500.00
    Original price
    $1,500.00
    $1,500.00 - $1,500.00
    Current price $1,500.00
  • Pair of Vintage Apothecary Jugs in the 17th Century Style

    Anitque & Art Exchange
    Original price $495.00 - Original price $495.00
    Original price
    $495.00
    $495.00 - $495.00
    Current price $495.00

    A handsome pair of pottery apothecary jugs, each featuring a classic baluster form and elegant spout in the 17th century Italian tradition. These m...

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    Original price $495.00 - Original price $495.00
    Original price
    $495.00
    $495.00 - $495.00
    Current price $495.00
  • French Majolica Sphinx circa 1880

    Anitque & Art Exchange
    Original price $495.00 - Original price $495.00
    Original price
    $495.00
    $495.00 - $495.00
    Current price $495.00

    A charming French majolica sphinx, depicting the mythical creature as a feminine "sphinge" with a composed, watchful expression. Designed as a "vid...

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    Original price $495.00 - Original price $495.00
    Original price
    $495.00
    $495.00 - $495.00
    Current price $495.00
  • Chinese Window Panel, circa 1900

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $495.00 - Original price $495.00
    Original price
    $495.00
    $495.00 - $495.00
    Current price $495.00

    An elegant Chinese window panel, handcrafted during a period when traditional architecture reached a climax of decorative variety and complexity. T...

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    Original price $495.00 - Original price $495.00
    Original price
    $495.00
    $495.00 - $495.00
    Current price $495.00
  • Dutch Silver Plated Serving Tray, circa 1880. Two available

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $350.00 - Original price $350.00
    Original price
    $350.00
    $350.00 - $350.00
    Current price $350.00

    A late 19th century Dutch silver plated serving tray, designed with the refined functionality that defined Northern European domestic life. The cle...

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    Original price $350.00 - Original price $350.00
    Original price
    $350.00
    $350.00 - $350.00
    Current price $350.00
  • Blue & White Chinese Export Oval Tray & Strainer, circa 1900

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $495.00 - Original price $495.00
    Original price
    $495.00
    $495.00 - $495.00
    Current price $495.00

    A classic blue and white Chinese export oval tray and strainer, showcasing the delicate hand-painted motifs that defined the global craze for orien...

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    Original price $495.00 - Original price $495.00
    Original price
    $495.00
    $495.00 - $495.00
    Current price $495.00
  • Set of Three Terracotta Tiles, U.S.A. circa 1920

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $1,750.00 - Original price $1,750.00
    Original price
    $1,750.00
    $1,750.00 - $1,750.00
    Current price $1,750.00

    A set of three terracotta tiles from the United States, displaying the honest, unpretentious character of early 20th-century American masonry. The ...

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    Original price $1,750.00 - Original price $1,750.00
    Original price
    $1,750.00
    $1,750.00 - $1,750.00
    Current price $1,750.00
  • English Mahogany Oval Wine Box or Cellarette with Iron Straps, circa 1820

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $1,750.00 - Original price $1,750.00
    Original price
    $1,750.00
    $1,750.00 - $1,750.00
    Current price $1,750.00

    An English mahogany wine box of oval form, its surface defined by the rhythmic strength of horizontal iron straps and a warm, aged patina. The eleg...

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    Original price $1,750.00 - Original price $1,750.00
    Original price
    $1,750.00
    $1,750.00 - $1,750.00
    Current price $1,750.00
  • Burl Walnut Dressing Box, Victorian England, circa 1870

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $995.00 - Original price $995.00
    Original price
    $995.00
    $995.00 - $995.00
    Current price $995.00

    This Victorian dressing box is a beautiful example of English portable luxury, crafted from burl walnut with a rich, swirling grain that draws the ...

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    Original price $995.00 - Original price $995.00
    Original price
    $995.00
    $995.00 - $995.00
    Current price $995.00
  • Vintage Italian Majolica Charger

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $695.00 - Original price $695.00
    Original price
    $695.00
    $695.00 - $695.00
    Current price $695.00

    A striking Vintage Italian Majolica Charger, an impressive display of the tin-glazed earthenware tradition that flourished during the Italian Renai...

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    Original price $695.00 - Original price $695.00
    Original price
    $695.00
    $695.00 - $695.00
    Current price $695.00
  • Burl Walnut Victorian English Lap Desk, circa 1870

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $995.00 - Original price $995.00
    Original price
    $995.00
    $995.00 - $995.00
    Current price $995.00

    A handsome burl walnut lap desk with brass-trimmed accents, representing the refined portable craftsmanship of late 19th-century England. The rich,...

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    Original price $995.00 - Original price $995.00
    Original price
    $995.00
    $995.00 - $995.00
    Current price $995.00
  • Minton Majolica Fish in Tray, England circa 1870

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $695.00 - Original price $695.00
    Original price
    $695.00
    $695.00 - $695.00
    Current price $695.00

    A striking Minton majolica dish from England, modeled as a resting fish atop a vibrant shell-form tray. The piece showcases the rich, translucent g...

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    Original price $695.00 - Original price $695.00
    Original price
    $695.00
    $695.00 - $695.00
    Current price $695.00
  • Nymphenburg Indian Summer Flowers Oval Platter, Germany circa 1960

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $950.00 - Original price $950.00
    Original price
    $950.00
    $950.00 - $950.00
    Current price $950.00

    A vintage Nymphenburg porcelain oval platter featuring the vibrant Indian Summer pattern, a celebrated floral design from one of Germany’s most pre...

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    Original price $950.00 - Original price $950.00
    Original price
    $950.00
    $950.00 - $950.00
    Current price $950.00
  • Keyaki Wood Japanese Hibachi, Edo Period circa 1820

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $1,950.00 - Original price $1,950.00
    Original price
    $1,950.00
    $1,950.00 - $1,950.00
    Current price $1,950.00

    A handsome keyaki wood Japanese hibachi, featuring a striking natural grain and a traditional form that served as the heart of the Japanese home. P...

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    Original price $1,950.00 - Original price $1,950.00
    Original price
    $1,950.00
    $1,950.00 - $1,950.00
    Current price $1,950.00
  • Set of Fourteen Spode Gloucester Dessert Plates, England circa 1920

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $995.00 - Original price $995.00
    Original price
    $995.00
    $995.00 - $995.00
    Current price $995.00

    A set of fourteen dessert plates by the renowned English maker Spode, featuring the elegant Gloucester pattern with its delicate floral motifs and ...

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    Original price $995.00 - Original price $995.00
    Original price
    $995.00
    $995.00 - $995.00
    Current price $995.00
  • Silver Plate Toast Rack, England circa 1900

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $225.00 - Original price $225.00
    Original price
    $225.00
    $225.00 - $225.00
    Current price $225.00

    An elegant silver plated toast rack designed with six slots to hold crisp bread with grace and ease. This English piece features a charming arched ...

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    Original price $225.00 - Original price $225.00
    Original price
    $225.00
    $225.00 - $225.00
    Current price $225.00
  • Chinese Window Panel, circa 1900

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $595.00 - Original price $595.00
    Original price
    $595.00
    $595.00 - $595.00
    Current price $595.00

    An elegant Chinese window panel, handcrafted during a period when traditional architecture reached a climax of decorative variety and complexity. T...

    View full details
    Original price $595.00 - Original price $595.00
    Original price
    $595.00
    $595.00 - $595.00
    Current price $595.00
  • Pietra Dura Plaque of a Man, Italy, 19th century

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $2,250.00 - Original price $2,250.00
    Original price
    $2,250.00
    $2,250.00 - $2,250.00
    Current price $2,250.00

    A 19th century Italian pietra dura plaque, an exquisite example of the Florentine mosaic technique where colorful semi-precious stones are meticulo...

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    Original price $2,250.00 - Original price $2,250.00
    Original price
    $2,250.00
    $2,250.00 - $2,250.00
    Current price $2,250.00
  • Set of Fourteen Hutschenreuther Dinner Plates, Germany circa 1950

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $1,500.00 - Original price $1,500.00
    Original price
    $1,500.00
    $1,500.00 - $1,500.00
    Current price $1,500.00

    A set of fourteen dinner plates from the renowned German porcelain manufactory Hutschenreuther, showcasing the brand’s long-standing dedication to ...

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    Original price $1,500.00 - Original price $1,500.00
    Original price
    $1,500.00
    $1,500.00 - $1,500.00
    Current price $1,500.00
  • 1920s SF Opera Stage Prop Imitating an 18th-Century Ceramic Stove

    Antique & Art Exchange
    Original price $2,250.00 - Original price $2,250.00
    Original price
    $2,250.00
    $2,250.00 - $2,250.00
    Current price $2,250.00

    A dramatic stage prop from the San Francisco Opera, meticulously crafted to resemble a traditional 18th-century ceramic stove. Once part of the col...

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    Original price $2,250.00 - Original price $2,250.00
    Original price
    $2,250.00
    $2,250.00 - $2,250.00
    Current price $2,250.00

How to Collect and Style Antique Curiosities

Decorating with antique curiosities is about storytelling. Each object — a bronze sculpture, scientific instrument, or framed botanical print — carries its own narrative.

Grouping several pieces together on a console or mantel brings personality and depth to your interior, transforming it into a cabinet of wonders.To balance your collection, pair your curiosities with elegant Antique Furniture or statement pieces from our Large Antique Furniture Collection.

Complement your display with the warm glow of Vintage Lamps or reflections from Vintage Mirrors to enhance the textures and patinas of your chosen objects.Looking to curate smaller treasures? Explore Gifts Under $100 or delve into Antique History Books for fascinating titles that enrich your collection with knowledge and context.

Don’t miss our New Arrivals — constantly updated with rare and unusual pieces waiting to be rediscovered.Each item in AAXSF’s Curiosities Collection is carefully vetted for authenticity and visual impact — objects that spark conversation and elevate any interior with cultural depth.

What qualifies an object as an “antique curiosity”?

An antique curiosity is a rare or unusual item with historical or artistic significance — often collected for its uniqueness rather than practical use.

How should I display my curiosities?

Group objects by theme, color, or material on a shelf, desk, or console. Combine them with mirrors or lamps to highlight textures and create visual rhythm.

Are all curiosities in the collection authentic antiques?

Yes. Each piece is selected by experts at AAXSF for provenance, condition, and originality, ensuring genuine antiques with lasting aesthetic value.