Hand-Carved Fireplaces and Mantels

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...

A large Victorian arched fireplace in pencil statuary marble. The fireplace features a wide moulded shelf over an arched opening carved with panelled spandrels. The boldly carved acanthus corbels...

Bicolor beige timeless stone fireplace surround from France. Original vintage decorative element for authentic interior design. Rare elegancy with round corners and beautiful movemen...

Very unusual hard stone chimney piece. Fronton in arbalette. This fireplace surround is definitely a statement objet for the connoisseur. Amor central motif, made on special request....

One of a kind feudal fireplace surround in limestone. The insides of the jambs are getting closer to each other by depth. Great for a minimalistic chique designed room with lots of l...

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...

Petite French stone fireplace surround with elegant jambs. The bleu-grey stone gives it an extra dimension in the room. This French rec...

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 large carved corbel Victorian fireplace in Statuary white Italian marble circa 1860. The wide and generous shelf with an ogee moulding to the edge, sitting above a frieze with plai...

Very beautiful antique Louis XV style opulent fireplace made out of Fleur de Pêcher marble. This imposing antique Louis XV style fireplace was made out of Fleur de Pêcher marble dur...

Rare French hard limestone fireplace surround. The surface has an unusual beautiful texture. 18th century period for contemporary timeless living with a French touch. Dimensions: 158...

Beige forever stone fireplace surround with authentic surface structure. Measurements: 135,5 cm Exterior Width 53,35 Inch 111 cm Exterior Height 43,70 Inch 108 cm Interior Width 42,5...

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 ...

A Superb and Rare George III, Neoclassical Siena and Statuary Marble and Painted Pine Fireplace with Porphyry and Antico Verde Faux Marbles Circa 1785–95. Inset with painted polychr...

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

Beautiful 18th Century Georgian Period Pickled Pine Fireplace Mantle The firebox is 38" wide x 36" Tall

French limestone fireplace surround in limestone for contemporary living. This is a grand and elegant fireplace element in great condition. Measurements: 184 cm Exterior Width 72,44 ...

This original antique fireplace surround is made in the famous Burgundy Comblanchien hard marble stone. Comblanchien is used in many historical landmarks from Europe to the USA the m...

A Statuary white and Portoro marble fireplace from the early 19th century English Regency period. The jambs with inlaid panels of Italian black and gold Portoro marble, stood on sepa...

This bicolor burgundy limestone or hard-stone antique fireplace mantel is tailler and hammered. The small restorations on the jambs fits perfect for a French country style interior d...

One of a kind, bespoke antique Belgian fireplace surround with a history in Grey St-Anne marble. The mantel was installed in the Chateau de Neerijse of the Family de Béthune de Overs...

A beautiful French Louis XIV period, 18th century, original mantle piece in Rouge Griotte marble. The marble was used in lots of historical landmarks in...

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...

American White Pine fire place mantel with carved molded edges, one board back, and rectangular carved vertical legs with squared plinths . Early 19th Century . Fire Box Dim. 40" Tall / 40.5" Wide...

Rare brutalist ensemble of hard limestone blocks for a bespoke wabi fireplace wall. The blocks can be cut to measure. It is rare to find raw blocks in t...

Small antique stone fireplace for BBQ built-in in a kitchen or square firebox. The mantel is carved from a beautiful textured French hard stone with some fossil details, giving it a ...

Ascolano Travertine Fireplace Surround The subtly moulded scrolled uprights supported by a fine mantel carved head with detailed floral p...

Travertine mantel that is carved by hand; each side is gracefully curved and has a carved cartouche at the center front. This may be viewed in the Gallery and is ready to ship or b...

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

Fabulous 18th century Belgian antique fireplace surround. A small Black Belgian marble and Belgian Ardenne marble jewel in great condition. One of a kind original fireplace surround ...

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...

Fire original antique fireplace surround with a nice patina in red color hard stone of the 19th century. This is a perfect decorative element for a rustic, cosy room. Measures: 140 c...

21st Century Black Granite Fireplace Mantlepiece The Cool Beauty Of This Hand Carved Stone Fireplace, A Versatile Choice For Period Or Modern Settings. Georgian-influenced, It Has ...

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 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...

An impressive, large scale George III carved wooden chimneypiece, circa 1800. This spectacular antique fire surround is beautifully handcarved throughout, featuring acanthus leaf and...

Antique fireplace in gray stone, hand carved with various figures of birds, flowers and putti, very rich in decorations, with shields and lilies in the corners, it comes from an anci...

No doubt originally intended for a palatial interior, this elegant chimneypiece is carved in three different specimens of prized coloured marbles: yellow Marmo Giallo Siena, a favour...

This is a French Country side LXIII period limestone antique fireplace mantel. This piece was standing against a doorway on the right side. Shelf can be added on demand. It still ha...

A very Fine and rare French 19th century Louis XV style giltwood carved Vernis Martin Stylefl fireplace screen. The rectangular carved giltwood panel surmounted with four circular oil paintings...

Antique 19th century Louis XVI French Rouge and Carrara marble fireplace mantel. Beautifully veined marble fireplace mantel creates a f...

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...

Rare Gothic Castle Limestone Chimney Mantle Chateau Fireplace Hand Carved Stone . A real museum / Chateau Manor mantel fireplace piece. Perfect for a R...

An Irish antique fireplace from the Regency period in Italian Carrara and Siena marbles. The jambs with demi lune reeded panels on book matched...

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

A fine 19th century French petite Bourguignon original hard stone/limestone fireplace surround. Elegant and small for a timeless minimalistic interior with a smooth surface. Measur...

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 Victorian Carved Corbel Marble Fireplace Mantlepiece. Hand Carved From Italian Statuary White Marble Made In England. Based On A Late Victorian Early Edwardian Design. S...

This is a extra fine sculpted chimney piece of the French regency period, 1st half of the 18th century. The Royal Saracolin marble was used in many luxury decors of that time period....

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...

Medieval stone fireplace from the south of France. Unique fireplace surround for timeless authentic slow-living interior design project. Exceptional artempo wear and condition. This ...

Very impressive moulded bolection fireplace in French limestone. This limestone is called "Buxy" and comes from the area of Beaune in France. The moulding, dimensions and ratio are ...

A Noir de Mazy en Onyx marble combination vintage fireplace surround from the Louis Phillipe period, 19th century. Measures: 130 cm exterior width 51.18 inch 105 cm exterior heigh...

Antique monumental fireplace, of great value and great size, in beige stone carved entirely by hand, wavy legs and protruding hat with large molure, built in the late 1500s / early 1...

Naif French country original antique chimney piece with Royal proportions that was built in the Regency period,18th century. It can be built with an upper ...

Very unique antique fireplace surround in Campan Vert and Rouge Griotte marble from the Louis XIV period, 18th century. This kind of marble was exported a ...

Large Double-Slip Georgian Style Fireplace Surround in finest quality Italian Violette Brescia Marble. Measures: Depth: 8” – 20.3 cm External Height...

French Art Nouveau white carrara marble mantelpiece. Depth: 16? – 40.6 cm External height: 43 1/2” – 110.4 cm External width: 60? – 152.4 cm In...