M.S. Rau Antiques, which first opened in 1912,
is setting people apart in the New Orleans area and the world over with their unique luxury antiques. The quality antiques include masterpieces by Van Gogh, Renoir, and the Father of Impressionism, Camille Pissarro. Flawless Golkonda diamonds (mined from the same region in India that produced the Hope diamond, Idol's Eye, the Koh-i-Noor and Darya-i-Noor) as well as silver work from Hester Bateman and Paul Revere are also a part of M.S. Rau Antiques’ impressive collection.
The shop regularly offers exceptional items such as an Ottoman noble’s lock and key, dating back to the 1800’s. What once secured the door to the nobleman’s harem, the ornate piece is inscribed with a passage from the Quran warning any intruder from entering the sacred space. The mechanism has to be opened like a puzzle, in a specific way. Similarly crafted locks seal the doors of the sacred mosque, Ka’aba, in the city of Mecca—a testament to the harem lock’s exclusivity and significance. Whether the precious piece is going to keep your diary a secret or your gun collection safe, there are very few locks that combine the artistic intricacy and mechanical complexity of this deeply symbolic gift.
Another exceptionally rare commodity M.S. Rau has acquired is a painting by Sir William Churchill. The statesman painted around 500 paintings during the second half of his life, using his art as an outlet from the strain of his work. The painting is titled Pont du Gard, Nimes and is a vibrant depiction of the famed Roman aqueduct in the south of France. Sharing the gallery is a painting entitled Le Moulin, by Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. Despite his current fame, the troubled artist sold only one of his works before he passed away at the age of 37. The watercolor depicts a detailed scene, including a historic windmill in the Dutch countryside where van Gogh resided.
M.S. Rau’s special collection also regularly attracts celebrities. Actor Nicolas Cage, a man who famously hoards unique and expensive things, stated, “If you have an interest in exceptional works of art and stunning antiques, look no further than M.S. Rau Antiques. Owner Bill Rau and the Rau family have created what I consider to be nothing less than the finest antiques gallery in the world.” M.S. Rau backs each purchase with 125% guarantee. The promise ensures you can receive up to 25% interest on the value of any piece you exchange for another in-store item. The store’s location in the trendy French Quarter of New Orleans makes it a convenient spot for both vacationers and locals alike to stop for rare luxury gifts and home décor. If you pride yourself on collecting the once-loved treasures of royalty or displaying the works of the world’s most honored artists then M.S. Rau is a one-stop-shop.
