The work of Arthur Court is a constant delight to his fans. The San Francisco based designer created a wide range of sophisticated yet cheerful furnishings and bijoux based on natural forms that included flowers, cacti, antlers and animals.
Court’s designs drew on his rich and diverse experiences. He grew up in Minnesota, and his childhood rambles in the woods made him a lifelong naturalist. Navy service in the Pacific during World War II exposed Court to Asian cultures, and later in life Court was fond of taking African safaris. Upon his return from the war, Court moved to San Francisco and opened an interior design business — attracting such high-profile Hollywood clients as Shirley Temple Black and the Andrews Sisters. In 1966, he opened a store that offered smaller furniture pieces, tabletop wares and decorative sculptures. These included glass-topped tables with bases shaped like lilies or palm trees; whimsical monkey candlesticks and ice buckets in the form of rabbits and whales; or cast-aluminum tortoise shell-shaped lamps.
As you will see from the offerings on these pages, Arthur Court appealed to anyone with a sense of joie de vivre. Take a look: it’s serious fun!
Pal-Bell Bronze Whale Ashtray
By Pal-Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze ashtray in the shape of a whale, with a curved tail and three grooves at the front of the piece. It has a hammered interior and a slight verdigris patina. An embossed stamp on...
Bronze
Arthur Court Sea Lion Cooler - Vintage Aluminum Ice Bucket, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large sea lion cooler that opens at the head & tail to hold two bottles.
Aluminum
$730
H 6 in W 20 in D 10.5 in
20th C. Italian Pewter and Brass Shell Centerpiece Bowl with Koi & Dolphin Motif
By Arthur Court
Located in Morristown, NJ
Italian Pewter and Brass Shell Centerpiece Bowl with Koi and Dolphin Motif, Stamped “Italy”, 20th Century A whimsical and sculptural Italian centerpiece bowl in the manner of Arthur...
Brass, Pewter
Fish-shaped Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Fish-shaped Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. * Fish-shaped pewter vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1389 * Year: 1929-1933 * Condition: Good vintage ...
Pewter
Silver Plate Dolphin Pedestal Bowl with Fluted Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning silver plate dish with dolphin pedestal. the round top has a fluted and indented unique design. The dish is in good condition and very decorative. The piece can be us...
Silver Plate
$350
H 8 in W 12.5 in D 11 in
Vintage Eaton Silver Co Regency Silver Plated Clam Shell Warmer w Dolphin Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Eaton Silver Co Regency Style Silver Plated Electric Footed Clam Shell Hinged Warmer w / Dolphin Handle. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 12.5" W x 11" D.
Silver Plate
$475
H 3.75 in W 20 in D 9.25 in
Vintage Sculptural Donald Drumm Mid-Century Modern Aluminum Dish Tureen
By Donald Drumm
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly sculptural vintage Mid-Century casserole dish by Donald Drumm. Full of detail, this piece evokes brutalist notes that will provide impact and style to your decor. Unique...
Aluminum
A Chinese Pewter Koi Fish Tureen, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A Chinese pewter koi fish tureen or covered serving dish, 19th century. Marked underside of lid. 15 ¼ inches wide by 7 inches deep by 4 ½ inches tall
Pewter
$633Sale Price|50% Off
H 2.56 in W 3.55 in D 2.37 in
Elkington & Co Silver Plated Dolphin & Shell Salt Cellar with Silver Gilt lining
By Elkington & Co.
Located in London, GB
A stunning Elkington & Co, 19th century silver plated and silver gilt Dolphin & Clam Shell Open Salt cellar Dating to the latter part of the 19th century. This is a really fine examp...
Silver Plate
$464
H 3.35 in W 5.71 in D 4.34 in
Silver Plated Bowl / Vide Poche in a Shell Shape Raised On a Triton Dolphin
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering for sale a small bowl with a stand equipped with a handle, perfect as it has rarely been seen on an antique chest of drawers or on a dressing table, or as a precious so...
Silver Plate, Brass
Large English Hand-Hammered Brass Repoussé Round Planter/Jardinière
Located in San Francisco, CA
the large hand-hammered vessel with exaggerated everted neck above a tapering lobed body with diaper pattern at the shoulder
Brass
A Large Vintage Rosenthal Gray Glass Battuto Style Bullet-form Vase
By Rosenthal
Located in San Francisco, CA
the bullet-form vase in gray glass with oculus opening above a frosted upper section over a carved faceted lower portion tapering to the base; this chiseled glass method is similar t...
Cut Glass
Assembled Group of Three Gladding McBean Style Koi Fish Vessels/Planters
By Gladding, McBean
Located in San Francisco, CA
each well-rendered expressive fish with gaping mouth above a reticulated body with upturned tail; each having a rich turquoise tonal glaze and drainage hole; one with mottled glazed ...
Pottery
An Unusual English Ebonized Painted Metal Coal Bin with Chinoiserie Decoration
By Coalbrookdale Foundry
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare and unusual English ebonized painted metal octagonal covered coal bin with chinoiserie decoration; by the Coalbrookdale Foundry, Telford, England; the octagonal hinged lid wit...
Large French Hand-Hammered Copper Milk Jug/Pitcher
Located in San Francisco, CA
The portly jug fitted with two handles below a large pouring spout.
Copper
Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany & Satinwood Serving/Butler's Tray with Conch Shell Mo
Located in San Francisco, CA
the shaped rectangular tray centering an inlaid conch medallion all within a conforming gallery of alternating mahogany and satinwood; the whole flanked by brass handles; with later ...
Mahogany
