Belle and Beast Emporium specialise in the beautiful, the rare and the unusual. Our passion and hunger for antiques fuels our hunt for pieces from all over the world that will bring you delight and wonder.
Our dedication to complete buyer satisfaction means that Belle and Beast Emporium will fulfil all your antique needs and wants.
So roll up, step inside and prepare to be tempted.
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A truly exceptional 19th century Chinese or Burmese solid wood carved table, with the most...
£125.00
An exquisite, large (46cm) reverse painted glass picture, in its original wooden frame with meander...
£125.00
An exquisite, large (51cm) reverse painted glass picture, in its original painted frame (painted to...
£295.00
A truly beautiful Japanese bronze jardiniere. This is a very large example at 34cm. Unusual...
£295.00
A charming three seater folding bench (141cm x 52cm), which can be folded completely flat...
£365.00
A gorgeous Victorian mahogany pedestal desk. The proportions are great on this example: it is...
£385.00
A very unusual pair of glossy black lacquered, real bamboo armchairs. Each chair is large,...
£120.00
A gorgeous, unusual coiled serpent rug (the final image is in full natural light). This...
£385.00
A very unusual pair of glossy black lacquered, real bamboo armchairs. Each chair is large, elegant and throne-like.
The lines on these pieces are so attractive and stylish. There are so many fine details and flourishes. They are standout pieces and we’ve not seen their like so don’t hesitate. Not to be missed!
Dimensions:
All approximate, overall max
Back height 108cm
Seat height 48cm
Width left to right 56cm
Depth front to back 54cm
Condition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. As seen in the images, but not limited to: surface wear throughout. They are beautifully delicate in design but structurally very stable and sturdy!
Collection only
Please note: This item cannot be shipped but we have an excellent and competitive bespoke courier service. Please email us for more information or a quote. If you wish to collect in person, or to use our courier service, please select "Pick up" at checkout.
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A wonderful, absolutely charming set of Krishnanagar clay figures (*more history below).
A beautifully decorative set and so unusual.
Dimensions:
All approximate
Overall average height 16cm
Bases 5cm x 5cm
Condition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. As seen in the images, but not limited to: scuffs throughout. One missing arm. A chip to one basket.
*Clay modelling has been practised in Krishnanagar (near Calcutta), West Bengal, for over 250 years. Figure modellers were originally brought to Krishnanagar by the higher castes to make stylised idols for religious worship. The introduction of Barawari Puja (community worship) encouraged a new, more naturalistic style of figure modelling.
Krishnanagar figures are created by modelling coils of clay over a metal armature; clay is mixed with cotton wool for the more detailed, finer features of the model. The figures are attached to modelled clay bases, via the metal armature. They are sun-dried and cracks are filled with paper and tamarind seed or glue. The figures are then painted in naturalistic colours, hair (made of sheep's wool or jute) is attached, and they are dressed in fabric clothing. Similar techniques were (and continue to be) used to create the life-size portraits, though the armature is constructed from wood or straw.
Distinguished by animated expressions and forms, Krishnanagar figures are so detailed and lifelike that they could have been modelled on actual people: 'there is considerable delicacy and fineness in their work; the figures are instinct (sic) with life and expression; and their pose and action are excellent'. As evidenced by the life-size portraits in the Peabody Essex Museum collection (in Salem Massachusets), Calcutta modellers were very capable sculptors of the human form. The realism of their output was further enhanced by the involvement of specialist tradesmen in some of their creations. For example, on the complex model of an Indigo Factory, created for the 1886 Colonial and India Exhibition (now in Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens collection), skilled craftsmen were commissioned to create parts of the model, such as the thatching on the roof.
Renowned figure modellers during the second half of the 19th century and early 20th century, the zenith of figure modelling in Krishnanagar, were Jadunath Pal (1821-1920), Ramlal Pal, Bakkeswar Pal (1875-1924), Rakhaldas Pal and Candrabhushan Pal. Collectively these modellers created a variety of models for sale, exhibition and commission and their models were shown and awarded prizes at most of the International Exhibitions after 1851. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries several Krishnanagar modelers attended exhibitions, creating models and other items on request; it is reputed that at an exhibition in London in 1924, the Duke of Connaught was so impressed by the life-like appearance of the models he urged the Indian sculptor to model his portrait; the sculptor readily obliged, and the bust was made in less than five minutes.
The Krishnanagar clay figures at the 1880 Glasgow International Exhibition ranged in price from R1,200 for a Tea Garden scene; R150 for a Landlord's court scene; R40 for Theological discussion of Brahmans; R40 for the life-size ethnographic aboriginal Indian figures; and R9 to R12 a dozen for individual miniature figures.
*Text Source: https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2796
£365.00
A gorgeous Victorian mahogany pedestal desk. The proportions are great on this example: it is a very useable, neat size at 120cm x 60cm.
For us, this piece has the perfect patina with the right amount of age related wear. It’s in good overall condition. The back is also in good order and finished well so it can stand freely in the middle of a room rather than having to go against a wall.
The curved lines of this desk are a wonderful addition.
The two pedestals are raised on their original brass castors.
Black faux leather pad (a newer addition so with lots of life).
A very useable, stylish piece.
PLEASE NOTE: This desk separates into three pieces- so it is easy to transport and manoeuvre into place in any spot.
Dimensions:
All approximate
Height 73cm
Length 120cm
Depth 60cm
Kneehole
Height 57cm
Width 54cm
Gent seen is 6ft for scale
Condition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. As seen in the images, but not limited to: plenty of wear throughout. There are knocks to the wood and a couple of very minor losses. Missing one lock mechanism to one drawer (only visible internally). No keys. Some drawers slide too far back into the pedestal- top tip: this is easily remedied by sticking a lollipop stick or coffee stirrer to the inner lip of the drawer frame! Some repaired handles. Displays well. Structurally sound. Priced to reflect these quirks!
Collection only
Please note: This item cannot be shipped but we have an excellent and competitive bespoke courier service. Please email us for more information or a quote. If you wish to collect in person, or to use our courier service, please select "Pick up" at checkout.
£295.00
An absolutely beautiful ebonised display cabinet (possibly once a music cabinet) with a glass door.
Victorian in date. Very attractive Aesthetic design to the top and sides. We really love the columns flanking the door.
Fully locking with key present.
Original rippled glass.
Blue velvet interior.
Superbly stylish and highly usable. So striking.
Dimensions:
All approximate
Height max 91cm
Width max 61cm
Depth max 42cm
Condition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. As seen in the images, but not limited to: surface scratches, knocks and scuffs to the body, especially the top right portion. Worn velvet interior. Felt shelves. Sturdy and stable.
Collection only
Please note: This item cannot be shipped but we have an excellent and competitive bespoke courier service. Please email us for more information or a quote. If you wish to collect in person, or to use our courier service, please select "Pick up" at checkout.
£275.00
A wonderful collector’s set of five glass apothecary bottles with beautifully faceted stoppers.
These late 20th century examples were produced by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (each has the crest on the neck) as direct copies of 19th century originals and have such wonderful pear shaped bodies.
In the set are two clear frosted examples, and three black frosted examples, each with a different gold leaf label.
Excellent decorative pieces which look stunning displayed together or equally beautiful split up across any interior. Sold only as a complete set of five.
One of several different apothecary pieces we currently have on offer.
Dimensions:
All approximate
Height Inc stopper 23.5cm each
Max width (at belly) 13cm each
Condition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. As seen in the images, but not limited to: all bottles are handmade so some stoppers are tighter than others but all fit/remove. One stopper has a loss to the bottom as seen in the final image but this is unseen when the stopper is in the bottle.
£275.00
A gorgeous set of pigeonholes with 48 wee cubbyholes.
This old piece is freestanding on lovely square splayed feet, together with a galleried top.
A beautiful and useful piece.
Dimensions:
All approximate maximums
Length left to right 107cm
Depth front to back 34cm
Height 42cm
Each cubbyhole W 7cm x H 7cm x D 31cm (to the nearest whole cm)
Metal skull is life sized for scale
Condition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. As seen in the images, but not limited to: knocks, scratches and wear to the surface. One side has a historic split to the wood (see images) - no movement/stable. Structurally sound.
Collection only
Please note: This item cannot be shipped but we have an excellent and competitive bespoke courier service. Please email us for more information or a quote. If you wish to collect in person, or to use our courier service, please select "Pick up" at checkout.
£225.00
A wonderful, original late Victorian black toleware tea canister. There is a special place in our hearts for these pieces!
Perfect wear to our eye, the gilt Chinese characters are so striking on the ink-black body. Complete with its lid.
Dimensions:
All approximate
Height 43cm
Gent seen is 6ft for scale
Condition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. Please note: knocks, dents and losses/scratches (the No12 canister has sold).
