Tall 19th Century Architectural Painted Wood Finial

A majestic pair of antique architectural salvaged Chinese temple corbels, now mounted as one-of-a-kind wooden sculptures on custom floor standing display pedestal stands. Originally commissioned for an important religious temple in China, the impressive large scale wall bracket corbels were notoriously difficult as they had to serve as both highly decorative temple ornaments and structural building elements used to support the weight of a wall. Hand-crafted in the early 19th century, smilarly styled design, each exceptionally hand carved, sculpted, and painted by highly trained artisans. Profusely carved and decorated, featuring very fine quality high relief work throughout, extensive bas relief, pierced openwork, rich carvings and intricate incised detailing, depicting various Chinese folk religion figures and imagery. Rising on bespoke handmade stands, consistenting of sturdy rectangular shaped thick plank plinth base embellished with foliate carvings, held upright by turned column single support. Rich in culture and history, interesting, unusual, highly decorative, whimsical and artistic, sure to add sophisticated elegance, rustic character, color, space, texture and lots of visual interest. Dimensions, largest (approx): Each: 32.5" H, 19" W, 7.25" D. Please note, the objects were sourced and transported both legally and ethically, retaining partial original red wax export seal to top. Display the three Sanxing, in their iconic representation as three, old, bearded, wise men, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, when the Gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. One panel having two monumental smiling figures with hand painted eyes and tongue, the other fragment depicting four figures, seated and standing, likely Immortals, Gods, Shen deity, and other characters from ancient Chinese mythology and folklore. Both pieces with elaborate lotus and pine tree motif, a powerful symbol of wisdom and longevity. Sanxing figures are an important part of Asian culture. Statues of these three Gods...

An early 19th century pair of Baroque hand carved and painted wooden architectural salvaged exterior building elements, now repurposed and fashioned for use as one-of-a-kind pedestal tables. Intricately detailed, whimsical sulptural design, executed in classical corinthian column capital form, having spiral scroll volutes, acanthus leaf carvings, figural ancient mask...

A rare and important hand painted plaster decorative molding fragment, by Louis H. Sullivan (American, 1856-1924), from the interior of the Chicago Stock Exchange, circa 1893-1894. ...

An impressive English Victorian Gothic Revival cast iron rainwater hopper, the architectural salvaged building element originating from a late 19th ce...

This French carved wood architectural base or plinth is a testament to the refined craftsmanship of its time. The robust and textured form, characterized by its substantial geometric...

19th century carved weathered finial from a French building. Wonderful shape and proportions.

An English Victorian period painted metal obelisk finial from the 19th century with turquoise, blue and light green painted accents and weathered appearance. This English Victorian p...

Beautiful architectural niche, having carved wood and greyish white milk paint. A special 3 dimensional curiosity for a console or special point of interest.