Nature Science

10 MAGNIFICENT GIFTS FOR NATURE & SCIENCE LOVERS NOW

Courtesy of 1st Dibs. BOTANICAL OBJET D’ART PORCELAINS.

If you have nature and science enthusiasts on your gift list, we’ve gathered some of the most beautiful gift ideas for you. These harken back to times when scientific instruments, botanical replicas, exemplary natural specimens, and perfectly preserved taxidermies were popular works of art, found in the 19th century studies, libraries, and sitting rooms of aesthetically-minded intelligentsia.

All are currently available for sale at 1st Dibs.

1. BOTANICAL OBJET D’ART PORCELAINS - KATHERINE HOUSTON

These magnificent botanical porcelains, designed by Katherine Houston, a modern day artist are beautifully crafted in 18th century tradition with 21st century twists.

The large Asian inspired sang de boeuf melon is rich in deep ruby overglazes, enhanced with 124 karat gold stem and vines.

The apple and pear are brilliant with their gorgeous complex green glazes and delicate pink blossoms.

All are hand sculpted of hard paste porcelain, directly influenced by ancient Imperial and Chinese and 18th century Meissen and Sèvres styles.

They boast an exceptional attention to detail. Imagine how exquisite these would look in your friend’s dining room.

Melon and Fruit Pair are both available at 1st Dibs.

2. MÄRKLIN COMPANY TOY STEAM ENGINE

Why give an ordinary toy train as a gift this holiday, when you can present this beauty?

This beautiful toy steam engine was made in Germany by the German Märklin Company in the 19th century. Made of cast iron, brass, and blued steel, it makes for a striking tabletop objet.

This toy was also originally used as a teaching tool for public schools and universities, instructing students on the thermal applications of steam engines.

Available at 1st Dibs.

3. WUNDERKAMMER NATURALIA AGATE SPECIMEN

This 19th century Wunderkammer Naturalia agate specimen looks especially beautiful as it sits on a green wooden base. The striking contrast between the intense color of the silica specimen with natural wood of the green base add to the piece’s allure. This Italian-made ornament makes a wonderful decoration for home furnishings like tables, countertops, and nightstands.

Available at 1st Dibs.

4. DERBY PORCELAIN SPECIMEN PLATES

This immaculate set of Derby Porcelain Specimen Plates dates back to around 1815 when British watercolorist John Brewer sought a different sort of canvas for his paintings of flowers and plants. He decided to apply his art to porcelain plates.

The result was awe-inspiring. The finely painted plates are colored with botantical specimens, accented with red script. The borders are gilded with swans and stylized flower-heads, all against a rich salmon ground. These plates can be used for fine dining occasions or as decorative pieces on walls and tables.

Available at 1st Dibs.

5. 18TH CENTURY GILTWOOD BAROMETER

This exceptional barometer dates back to the 18th century. It was crafted from giltwood in France.

The Allegory of Science, at the top, represents knowledge and perfection through the pursuit of geography and mathematics. This would make a beautiful gift for your friend’s home office desktop or mantlepiece.

Available at 1st Dibs.

6. 19th CENTURY BUFF AND BERGER BRASS COMPASS

This gorgeous 19th century brass compass from Buff and Berger Manufacturing Company is a truly special scientific instrument.

It is an American Transiting theodolite, one of America’s finest 19th century inventions. It was built by George Buff, who improved upon the original European theodolite design, improving the accuracy by adding a transiting telescope, as well as a central compass, double horizontal verniers and a vertical vernier.

This instrument reigned supreme for surveying precision until the advent of digital technology in the 1970s. If you have a friend who needs a bit of direction, this gift will set them straight with style.

Available at 1st Dibs.

7. WUNDERKAMMER SPECIMEN OF 5 BUTTERFLIES

This butterfly showcase is a gem from late 19th century Italy. It holds five spectacular butterfly specimens.

The case and stand are made of distressed painted wood. It would make a lovely gift for butterfly lovers and general nature enthusiasts.

Available at 1st Dibs.

8. CENTIGRADE AND REAUMUR SCALE MERCURY THERMOMETER

This elaborately framed mercury thermometer was made in Germany in the early 1900’s. It features both Centigrade and Reaumur temperature scales, mounted on beautiful blue opaline. The orange outlined numbers really stand out against the light blue background.

Its wooden and plaster frame is wonderfully accented with floral motifs that give a botanical charm to this scientific antique. This thermometer would look great hanging on a kitchen or office wall.

Available at 1st Dibs.

9. NAUTILUS POMPILIUS NATURAL SPECIMEN

This gorgeous Nautilus Pompilius Specimen was crafted in Italy around 1880. The lustrous shell displays a breath-taking equiangular spiral of brown and white. The color combination is reminiscent of tiger stripes.

The specimen is mounted on a tall painted wooden column adorned with miniature shells. What a great gift for your beach house host.

Available at 1st Dibs.

10. BLACK GROUSE NATURAL SPECIMEN

This extraordinary Black Grouse Wunderkammer Specimen was made in Italy in the 1880’s. It comes mounted on an embellished wooden base, inscribed with the bird’s binomial nomenclature, “Lyrurus Tetrix.”

It’s an elegant gift for your ornithology enthusiast friend.

Available at 1st Dibs.

Read more about Beautiful Gifts, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink,Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including 10 Beautiful Books for Giving Now.

Enter your own images and ideas about Beautiful Gifts in this week’s creative Photo Competition. Open for entries now until 11:59 p.m. PT on 12.28.2014. If you are reading this after that date, check out the current BN Creative Competition, and enter!