Hand-Carved Fireplaces and Mantels

Minimalistic modern chic fireplace surround. Original French 19th century period fireplace surround from the region around Beaune. Authentic marble stone with pink and ivory teint. A...

Fine original antique stone fireplace surround in the bespoke Rose Liseron hard stone/marble. Elegant and timeless Louis XIV style fr...

French castle fireplace surround in colourful hard-stone. This kind of stone was also used in the hotel Château de Gilly, near Dijon. Elegant and original French decorative object fo...

21st Century Black Marble Fireplace Mantlepiece. Made From Nero Marquina Marble. Hand Carved And Lightly Polished. Simple Georgian Classic Desi...

The Marble French Style Designer Fireplace Mantel is a masterpiece of refined elegance, handcrafted from premium marble to reflect the grandeur of traditional French design. With its...

21st Century Nero Potoro Marble Fireplace Mantlepiece. This Luxury Marble Fireplace Mantlepiece Is Hand Carved From Natural Nero Portoro Marble. It Has B...

Beige stone fireplace surround to create a timeless interior. The kind of fireplace mantle that also works perfect in a hygge kind interior design. Measurements: 1112,5 cm Exterior W...

An attractive Louis XV style 3 shell Carrara marble fireplace from the mid 19th century. The panelled legs with carved shell end blocks, the serpentine frieze again panelled with cen...

A large Georgian style antique 19th century fireplace mantel of simple yet elegant design in Antico Verde and Pencil Vein Carrara marble. The jambs in Carrara with Pilaster Antico ve...

Stunning firescreen with a famous earth angle, two famous saint paintings and more. With meaningful 'religious art' from centuries-past being one of our specialities we were amazed, not only to find this rare and marvelous fire screen, but also because of its excellent condition. But then again, we think we see that more often, because true beauty, quality and meaningful antiques radiate something that was already there when it was created. This 'something' commands respect and this is why most people take very good care of very special pieces. Since much of what we know now about Christianity and about monastic life in its various 'forms' was given shape since the life of Christ, but possibly mostly so in Gothic / Medieval times, much of this is expressed in European Gothic Art of the past circa 8 centuries. This rare and beautiful fire screen from the early 1800s, which can also be used as a small room divider or a unique work of (decorative) art, is one of those unique Gothic antiques. The hand-carved knight sculptures are 'fun' and meaningful at the same time, because one of them looks a little desperate and the other looks more at piece and in prayer. The hand-carved winged angel in the middle/ on top seems to be overlooking this 'Gesamtkunstwerk'. What makes this antique really stand out and what also makes it complete are the three hand-painted panels inside this screen. Each of the figures portrayed here have dedicated their lifes to doing good, giving love and hope and thus healing people. In the centre is a glorious painting (in medieval style) of Earth Angel St. Raphael and the boy Tobias. The lady Saint on the right, we feel, is Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) and the Saint on the left, we feel, is either Francis de Sales...

Step back in time with our Antique French Carrara Marble Fireplace, a true gem that reflects the elegance of days gone by. The Carrara marble gives this fireplace a timeless splendor, and the beautiful cast iron insert adds a chic detail that enhances the classic look. This fireplace is not only a functional element for warmth, but also a stylish addition to any interior. Every detail is carefully crafted to ensure a sophisticated look. Add a touch of French charm to your space with this antique fireplace, where classic design and timeless beauty come together in perfect harmony. fireplace The antique fireplaces on my website have been fully restored and are available from stock. Transport and installation is made easier because the chimneys are already pre-assembled. Antique fireplaces are cleaned and re-waxed in marble, this ensures that the fireplace regains its original deep luster. This maintenance-free marble wax also provides the fireplace with a dirt and water-repellent layer. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Renzo van...

19th century fireplace frame of Carrara marble with unusual beautiful side panels. An ornamental fireplace in perfect condition with extremely fine sculptural work. This is an exampl...

This unusual high-end antique fireplace surround in Campan Vert, Rouge Griotte marble or called Ribboned Campan is from the French Regency period, 18th century. Amazing marble design...

A carved giltwood and marble chimneypiece in the style of Thomas Johnson (1714–1778), an English designer and master carver. With foliate c-scrolls, lozenges and a scored ground, the...

Original 19th century French petite bourguignon antique fireplace mantel in a Burgundy marble hard stone. It is waxed and has a very nice patina. A small decorative piece fit for dif...

Monumental figures fireplace Neo-Renaissance 19th century walnut -hight 111 inch. Solid walnut body flanked by a fully plastic male figures / atla...

A Regency style fireplace from the mid 19th century executed in Italian Statuary white and Siena marbles. The jambs with inset Siena panels supported on foot blocks, terminating with...

Fabulous, rich in color, Royal Brêche Violet Marble chimney piece. It is a exceptional Regency style, 19th century. Unique historic fireplace mantel for a signature interior. This or...

French country bicolor hard Stone Fireplace Surrounds, limestone fireplace surround from the Louis XIV period, 17th century. The jambs are original. It is a perfect home upscale elem...

A large and impressive Louis XVI style fireplace mantel in Italian Carrara marble. The scrolled console legs, with decorative carved ribbon twist, carved acanthus to top, carved scro...

This is a fine original antique fireplace surround from the first half of the 18th century. Louis XIV period. The Saracolin marble and the fine carved center is of exceptional qualit...

Exceptional antique fire-place mantle with rare and marvelous deep carvings. If you are a collector of rare and great looking architectural antiques then this good size and great c...

This is very small French country limestone fireplace surround from the Louis XV period. A delicate surround with great authentic patina and which was installed in a wood pannel...

A original fine French Carrara marble vintage fireplace mantle which has no restoration. The Pompadour style was the perfect bedroom style in ...

This magnificent reissue of fireplace with his overmantel due to its manufacturing and moulded work intricately carved by hand, also the surface ageing process of the stone make it...

A Highly Important Empire Period Rosso Antico Chimneypiece Inset with Specimen Marble Portrait Reliefs of Roman Emperors The carved and veneered surround comprising a moulded shelf supported by a bold dentil cornice, above an inverted breakfront frieze carved with a central triglyph panel, flanked by a pair of rosettes carved in shallow relief, the frieze mounted with six carved hardstone profile portrait medallions of Roman Emperors, the stop-fluted jambs raised on moulded footblocks; in excellent condition with small restorations commensurate with age and use; the pale inclusions in the stone naturally formed. This spectacular neoclassical marble chimneypiece is carved from Rosso antico, the frieze inset with six portrait reliefs of Roman Emperors, each carved in marmo giallo on a bardiglio background, five variously incised: VESPASIANUS, TIBERIVS, OTHO, JULIUS CAESAR, TITUS. Rosso antico (marmor taenarium) is first recorded as being quarried in 1700 BC at Akra Tainaron (Cape Matapan), Greece.¹ The majority of this stone, however, was extracted throughout the Roman period, when it was one of the most coveted materials for carving due to its rich red colouring and association with highly prized Egyptian ‘Imperial’ Porphyry.² Rosso antico was chosen in antiquity for portrait busts, notably depicting Bacchic subjects such as Dionysus and satyrs due to its rich red wine colour which symbolised conviviality whilst conveying the education and cultivated taste of the owner.³ In the Renaissance, Rosso antico was also used for architectural detail on important buildings, such as the steps leading up to the choir in the medieval church of S. Prassede, and the large columns at the entrance to the Camera dell'Aurora.⁴ In 121 AD, G. Suetonius Tranquillus, secretary to Emperor Hadrian, wrote a biographical history of the first twelve emperors of Rome entitled De vita Caesarum (The Twelve Caesars). A Renaissance edition of Tranquillus’ work was published in 1470, followed by further reprints and translations into all the main European languages. Many of these were illustrated with prints of emperors taken from coins and statues, or imagined by the artist based on Tranquillus’ accounts. These interpretations were copied, in turn, by Renaissance designers for medals, Limoges enamels, and busts, as well as paintings such as the Eleven Caesars, a series of eleven half-length portraits of Roman emperors made by Titian in 1536–40 for Federico II, Duke of Mantua.⁵ These paintings were later given to King Charles I, before being passed in the Commonwealth to the Kings of Spain. Unfortunately, the series was destroyed in the catastrophic fire of 1734 at the Royal Alcazar of Madrid, and is now only known through copies and engravings.⁶ From the middle of the 17th century until the end of the 18th century, there was an insatiable demand for marble carvings, often sold as Roman or assembled from ancient fragments, thus perpetuating the reverence for antiquity that was the quintessence of the Grand Tour. Rosso antico was in extremely short supply, even after the ancient quarries at Skutari were rediscovered in 1830, and remained one of the most highly valued of all stones. Described in 1776 as ‘dark red; scarce and dear’, it was mostly used for small objects such as Grand Tour desk ornaments, inevitably using material re-cut from classical fragments, due to its rarity, as was the case with porphyry.⁷ The portrait roundels on this chimneypiece are typical of those produced in Rome and Florence in hardstones, semi-precious stones, gold, silver, bronze, and mother-of-pearl, which, being easily transportable, would be taken home from the Grand Tour to be mounted within wooden, gilded or brass frames, as fashion dictated.⁸ A group of gold portraits of Caesars, dating from around 1660, are in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. Images of Roman emperors were not limited to Italy, England and France, however, as examples executed in Deshima for the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie) show. Medallions depicting Roman emperors, invariably made of black and gold Japanese hiramakie or takamakie lacquer on copper, were produced for the Dutch market at the end of the 18th century. Examples can be found in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.⁹ There are two possible sources for the Imperial profiles on the chimneypiece: the engravings of The Twelve Caesars by Marcantonio Raimondi, or the Imperatorum Imagines by Hubert Golz.¹⁰ The portrait medallions also bear remarkable resemblance to a set of eighteen carved portrait reliefs of Roman Emperors, also of marmo giallo, almost certainly bought by David Ker (1742–1811) of Portavo, Co. Down, on his Grand Tour between 1792–4 in either Florence or Rome. Ker’s diary entry for 17th October 1793 is interesting as it reveals that he was offering his brother a choice of chimneypiece designs, which further supports a Roman origin for the offered example.¹¹ Indeed, fire surrounds incorporating antique fragments had been promoted from the late 1760s by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–78), encouraged by Rome-trained architects including Robert Adam (d.1792). One such example, inset with mythological tablets carved from Rosso antico, was acquired by the 9th Earl of Exeter from Piranesi himself for Burghley House.¹² Another can be found at Islington House, Dorset.¹³ A third, inset with giallo antico and Rosso antico, follows Piranesi’s engraved design dated 1769 for a fire surround mounted with three marble portrait reliefs.¹⁴ It should be re-emphasised that Rosso antico was so precious that it was only ever used for small tablets or details rather than an entire chimneypiece, as with the offered example; likewise, while portrait reliefs are occasionally seen on the jambs of Italian surrounds, it is exceptionally rare to see the frieze mounted with a group, especially of this scale: the combination indicates an architectural commission by an extremely wealthy patron. The sophisticated lines of this chimneypiece epitomise the French Empire influence on the Italian states at the turn of the 18th century. This idiosyncratic ‘Roman’ taste is encapsulated by that of Napoleon, who identified with Rome’s Imperial past. Napoleon’s desire to establish a visual link between himself and Roman emperors is demonstrated by the portraits of his court painter, Jacques-Louis David, inspired by portraits of Emperor Augustus. This Imperial taste extended to architecture, furniture and porcelain, the latter two of which are combined in a group of magnificent ormolu-mounted guéridons commissioned in Sèvres between 1803–11, made to immortalise Napoleon’s reign.¹⁵ The second guéridon in the series, the Table des Grands Capitaines (Table of the Great Commanders of Antiquity), commissioned in 1806, is made almost entirely of hard-paste Sèvres porcelain. The top, painted in imitation of sardonyx, is centred by a portrait cameo of Alexander the Great, surrounded by twelve smaller heads of commanders and philosophers from antiquity: Pericles, Scipio Africanus, Pompey, Augustus, Septimus Severus, Constantine, Trajan, Caesar, Mithridates, Hannibal, Themistocles and Miltiades.¹⁶ Louis XVIII presented the table to the Prince Regent (later King George IV) in 1817 as a token of appreciation for Napoleon’s defeat two years earlier, and George IV treasured it so highly that it became part of the ceremonial backdrop for all his state portraits. The table remains in the Royal Collection.¹⁷ This chimneypiece remained, until recently, in the possession of a noble Dutch family, who acquired it from the owners of a bombed Knightsbridge house in the 1940s; unfortunately, its provenance prior to this has been lost. The use of Rosso antico on this scale, inset with these splendid Imperial profile medallions, appears unparalleled. 1. J. B. Grossman, 'Looking at Greek and Roman Sculpture in Stone' (Los Angeles, 2003). Grossman states that this material was ‘...quarried in three places during antiquity: on Cape Tainaron present day Matapan on the Peloponnese of Greece; on Crete; and at the site of Iasos in Asia Minor. 2. L. Lazzarini, ‘Rosso antico and other red marbles used in antiquity: a characterization study’, Marble, Art Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Ancient Sculpture’ (1990), 237–252. C. Gorgoni, L. Lazzarini, P. Pallante, ‘New archaeometric data on Rosso antico and other red marbles used in antiquity, ASMOSIA VI, Interdisciplinary Studies on Ancient Stone’ (2002), pp. 199–206. J. Deér, trans. G.A. Gilhoff, The Dynastic Porphyry Tombs of the Norman Period in Sicily (Cambridge, 1959), p. 144. R. Gnoli, Marmora Romana (Rome, 1988), pp. 187–191. 3. A notable example is a satyr from the Emperor Hadrian's villa at Tivoli, now in the Capitoline Museum, Rome. Another is the head of a satyr in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, accession no. 2006.110. See T. Opper, Hadrian. Empire and Conflict (London, 2008), p. 165, fig. 149. 4. De Luca, Marmi antichi (Rome, 1998), p. 126. Faustino Corsi, Catalogo ragionato d’una collezione di pietre di decorazione (Rome, 1833), p. 93. 5. For related Limoges medallions, see set of ten circular Limoges enamel medallions depicting Roman emperors, en grisaille with gilding, from the workshop of Jacques I Laudin, sold Christie’s London, Fine Renaissance Bronzes and Works of Art, 19 December, 1977, lot 95. 6. See set of drawings sold Sotheby’s London, Of Royal and Noble Descent, 24 February, 2015, lot 184. 7. J. J. Ferber, Raspe’s Travels through Italy in the Years 1771–1772 (London, 1776), p. 218. 8. See Sotheby’s London, Pelham, the Public and the Private, 8 March 2016, lot 75: ‘A set of twelve mother-of-pearl cameos of Roman Emperors, Southern Italian, early 19th century’ 9. Oliver Impey, Christiaan J.A. Jörg, Cynthia Viallé, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580–1850 (Amsterdam, 2005) pp. 48–57, no. 56 & 57. 10. For a further reference, see the candlesticks by Jacques I Laudin in the Waters Art Gallery, illustrated in P. Verdier, Catalogue of the Painted Enamels of the Renaissance (Baltimore, 1967), p. 389, nos. 207 & 208. 11. John Ingamells, A Dictionary of British and Irish travellers in Italy 1701–1800 (London, 1997), pp. 572–3. 12. Oliver Impey, Four Centuries of Decorative Arts from Burghley House (Virginia, 1998), p. 53, fig. 23. 13. Country Life, 12 June, 1997, p. 162, figs. 9–11. 14. A. González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, Roma e il Regno delle due Sicilie, Vol. II (Milan, 1984), pp. 592–93, p. 260. 15. S. Grandjean, 'Napoleonic Tables...

Antique fireplace surround in French Bleu-Green stone with a restoration on the front piece. This original French reclaimed 18th century period fireplace is available for a good pric...

This is a original Art Nouveau French mantel in limestone. It has a silky touch and reflects the light in the room. This fine European antique fireplace surround carries a nice patin...

Ancient Italian fireplace in white Carrara marble but veined gray, with carved mask and friezes on the uprights, very rich and with many moves, from movement to the room and heat, be...

Royal Breccia Vimines marble from the High-Alpes, France, is rare to find in a fine chimney piece of the Regency period, 1st half of the 18th century. It is reclaimed from a grand ci...

Antique fireplace mantle, hand-carved in gray stone, with the typical shape of the pink Salvator fireplaces, taking up the frame of the famous painter, original fireplace from the 16...

Beige limestone fireplace mantel in great condition and with some artempo details. Unique architectural element from French provincial interior. Louis XVI period, 18th century. Meas...

This original vintage marble fireplace surround is one of a collection of 4 that was reclaimed out of a Brussels great Maison de Mait...

Antique fireplace mantel, In refined gray stone, in excellent conservative condition, the star-shaped decorations on the pediment are very beautiful above the hole for the chimney, i...

Fine LXVI period French fireplace mantle in bicolor hard stone. Authentic fireplace surround for bespoke interior design. Perfect imperfection...

A late Regency style fireplace made from Italian Statuary Carrara marble. handcrafted in our Northern Irish workshop from imported Italian Statuary Carrara marble, faithfully copied ...

Unusual exceptional French limestone fireplace surround from the Louis XVI period. 18th century building element with some exceptional Artempo wear. This decorative element is the pr...

Ancient fireplace mantle, sculpted with a geometric shape in red "breccia pernice" marble, built in Italy in the 19th century, excellent for contained size and beautiful presence, ...

Unusual, one of a kind, French country fireplace surround in limestone. The jambs are deep and round in one block with remains from the original paints and patina. The extremes of th...

Elegant Louis XIII French style fireplace surround. The hard limestone reflects the light in the room and works perfectly with a timeless minimalistic interior design. This decorativ...

This English Regency style carrara white marble mantel is adorned with graceful gray veining that adds a touch of timeless elegance. An intricate decorative brown leaf detail graces ...

Antique 18th C. Hand Carved Stone Fireplace Mantle Chimney Mantelpiece Surround . Gorgeous antique Hand Carved limestone fireplace from Provence. 18th century Louis XIV cheminee trumeau mantle...

This stone mantel from the Louis XV period is distinguished by its rich decoration, borrowing from the ornamental vocabulary of the Rocaille style. The mantel's trumeau is also very ...

This is a unusual petite French vintage fireplace mantel in bicolor hard stone in Louis XVI style. The straight lines and small makes it easy ...

A late 18th century George III period Irish Chimneypiece executed in Statuary white and Convent Siena marbles. The shelf with a typically Irish moulded edge. The frieze having a carv...

This is a beautiful tall mantle. It is two pieces making it easy to ship. The top part has tapestry but could be replaced with a large mirror or family portrait. The center piece ...

Stunning stone fireplace surround of 19th-century French minimalistic Louis philip design. Sculpted in bicolor hard stone, it showcases natural variations in earthy tones that enhanc...

Grand neoclassical black and green marble antique fireplace surround. The quality of the marble on this fireplace is exceptional. The Noir de Mazy black marble has a shine that is not common. The deep shine gives this piece an exceptional appearance. This fantastic fireplace is a special piece in our collection. The Noir de Mazy black marble combined with marble Verde. The details continue from the skirting...

A Rare English Gothic Style Highly Carved Walnut & Polychromed Fire-Place Carved with precision by the most gifted carpenters in the 19th century. This fire place was made for the ...

This original French country fireplace surround is perfect for a more country, rustic kind house decor. The left jamb had some restoration The front with the shelf has a vain. It ori...

Antique fireplace mantle in white Carrara marble, richly carved both in the pediment and on the sides, built and sculpted by hand in the 19th century for an important building in nor...

This impressive fireplace made in walnut wood during the second half of the 19th century shows a very rich and eclectic decoration typical of the Second Empire's taste. Its rolled ja...

This old mantel was intricately hand carved by Italian master carvers and installed on site anywhere between circa(1782-1805). It has been well preserved throughout the years. It was...

21st Century Black Marble Mantlepiece. This English Made Unique Fireplace Mantelpiece Is Made From Deep Italian Nero Marquino Marble With a Polished Finish. The Design Is Based On A ...

American hardwood fire surround is nicely carved, with floral decor, raised relief and a pair of fluted ionic columns on each side beneath the mantel. The finish has been "marbelized...

French 19th century period stone fireplace mantel in great condition. This small fireplace mantel is the perfect eye-cather in a chic timeless d...

Ancient fireplace, mantle in precious white Carrara marble, hand-sculpted with central shell and wavy legs, built in France in the middle of the 18th...

True classic fireplace surround reflecting the timeless elegance of French design. Sculpted in the early minimalistic 19th-century period, it hails from the picturesque region around...