Italian Fountains

A large size Northern Italian carved stone fountain from the mid-19th century. This exquisite garden fountain was born in the 1850s in the city of...

Transform your garden into a timeless European oasis with this magnificent vintage cast stone fountain. Drawing inspiration from Neoclassical and Italianate design, this water featur...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artistic me...

Our Ancient Surfaces team recently reclaimed this extremely rare statuary fountain. The story behind this masterpiece is that a team of Italian master carvers were tasked to create an exceptionally phenomenal limestone fountain for a noble Milano family estate. After 8 months of hand-carving they completed the job by creating a very unique and large pool fountain...

A stunning and most elegant Italian 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble birdbath/planter. This impressive birdbath/planter is raised by a circular mottled edge base which...

An extraordinary 17/18th century Italian large scale Medieval st. square Rosso Verona marble hand carved fountain. The fountain with its grand scale one piece basin has a mottled bas...

This monumental finely carved limestone fountain is composed a three levels. The first tiered with three amazing horse statues, the others adorned with lion heads ending with a putt...

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

A very rare 1950's Murano Indoor Aqua Fountain by Barbini. The base measures 11.75 inches. The widest area measures 28 inches.

A late 19th Century, antique Italian garden wall fountain hand carved in Istrian marble, in good condition. The basin has a finely worked cluster of grapes and the arched backsplash ...

An impressive and most unique Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. Rouge de Verone, Valence Pink marble and Patinated Bronze fountain. This exceptional fountain is raised by a soli...

As tradition this timeless Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, the designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artistic m...

An impressive and large scale Italian 19th century white Carrara marble and patinated Bronze fountain. This stunning fountain is raised by a square base with carved paws at each corn...

A stunning and most important large scale Italian 19th century white Carrara marble fountain. The extremely high quality wall mounte...

A vintage Italian Blanc De Chine fountain of a beautiful putti sitting atop a lion's bust bowl. This piece is a wonderful decorative centerpiece on its own.

Wall Mounted Fountain spout of a Lagotto Romagnolo Dog. Extraordinary detail to the carving. Mounted on a laurel wreath. Marble. Circa 1900. Northern Italy. From the covered exterior...

Copied off this original piece pictured; we are now manufacturing this sink to order, so custom sizing available. Carrara Marble with a Honed Finish. This timeless beautiful Italian ...

White Carrara marble wall fountain with projecting lion face. ▪ Made in Italy dimensions 51 h x 43 x 24 cm weight 26 kg italian manufacturing certified by the Lazio region The sculp...

Limited edition Murano glass fountain by Gino Cenedese, with original sticker, circa 1940s. Please see attached sticker that shows this piece was number 9, a very rare and limited edition. Usually fountains were custom ordered and never made the same. Dimensions: Height 63" and diameter 27", each figure is approximately 9" high. The fountain depicts Bacchus (the Roman god of wine) at the top, and 4 Putti (angels) all made in iridescent glass, which is a rare type of Murano glass. The flowers (where the water flows from, a new pump required) are made in pâte de verre (pâte de verre involves making a paste of glass that is applied to the surface of the mold, then it is fired. The big advantage to pâte de verre is that it allows for precise placement of particular glass colors in the mold. pâte de verre dates back to the ancient Egyptians, but it really came into its own about a century ago when it was revived by a group of French artists who gave this warm glass technique its current name.) The pink top cup is pink transparent opaline glass. The lower inverted cup is silk with 24-karat gold infused. This is where the lights are located, rewiring required. 24-karat gold is also used on the main Bacchus figurine...

This mesmerizing rock crystal fountain is a true marvel of natural beauty and craftsmanship. Crafted from genuine rock crystal, each translucent piece is carefully shaped and polishe...

This monumental Italian wall fountain was hand-carved in verona rossa marble in the early 1900’s. Truly the work of a master mason, the fountain is comprised of four thick pieces of richly carved marble, with each piece weighing several hundred pounds. The marble has lovely salmon color with cream inclusions that has developed a soft patina. The 3 ¼” deep back wall is adorned with a repetitive C-scroll border. A winged lion mascaron hovers above a geometric panel filled with nondescript interlaced carvings. Below the panel is a scalloped shell with sprawling barbed rinceaux that flows between a pair of volute scrolls on the edge of the wall. The shell has a small, incised circle where a spout or tap can be placed, depending on the desired use. Beneath the vertical wall is an 8 ½” thick sinuous bowl embellished with thick quarter round molding. The front façade has a stylized coat of arms consisting of a shaped shield emblazoned with a fleur de lys. Inside the basin, the back wall has been carved with a pair of volute C-scrolls surrounding bundled leaves. At the base of the leaves is a small drainage hole. Three volutes highlight the luxurious column that sits on a rectangular plinth with two canted corners. All three volutes are in the traditional S-shape, with two of them flanking the larger channeled scroll. A small fleur de lys graces the front of the plinth, which has gently sloped top edges. There is a thin grooved molding near the base. A natural conversation piece for any courtyard or garden setting, the Renaissance style Italian wall fountain can be used indoors or outside. It could also be used as a large sink...

An unquestionable masterpiece of Venetian glass artistry, this incredible glass fountain is the rarest and most fascinating form of Murano glass ever created. Masterpieces requiring ...

Vintage garden fountain, in artificial stone or concrete, carved with putto, basin and pedestal, built in the 1900s in Italy tub circumference measures 60 cm x H 135, base 40 cm

A stunning Italian early 19th century white carrara marble fountain head signed HVGOR. This most impressive and masterfully sculpted fountain head...

Large wall fountain made of Giallo d'Istria with profiled basin rim and architrave as rear finish. Height of the edge of the basin: 72 cm.

Hand-carved in Northern Italy in the Neoclassical style, this limestone wall fountain features a triangular pediment adorned with thick dentils. Comprised of 26 pieces of stone, the ...

A Charming Whimsical Italian 19th/20th Century Carved Marble Figural Fountain depicting three playful Putti riding a Koi Fish. Circa: Florence 1900. Step into a realm of enchantment...

Very early Italian marble font or fountain or birdbath, 17th Century, possibly earlier. The thick carved bowl supported by a leaf-carved column having a base with further carved deta...

Marble wall fountain.

Whimsical ceramic fountain sculpture depicting a pantless man.

A spectacular and high quality Italian 19th century Renaissance st. white Carrara marble fountain. This wonderful fountain is raised by a rectangular plinth supporting a top rolled c...

A most impressive and extremely decorative Italian 18th-century Baroque period marble fountain. The marble fountain is raised by a white Carrara marble and Vert De Patricia marble ba...

A striking and most elegant Italian 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble bird bath/planter. The planter is raised by a square base with ha...

Wonderful gargoyle, handmade in Italy, a stone carving of pink and white marble, early 20th century. A wonderful gargoyle, handcrafted in Italy, a stone carving of pink and white ma...

This exceptional Carrara marble fountain is a rare and elegant piece, featuring a beautifully preserved eight-pointed star-shaped drainage stone, known as the Star of Ishtar or Inann...

Wonderful Terracotta Bird Fountain. The fountain is in 3 pieces and the center column houses the pump and supports the bowl with the decorative birds

This large antique two-piece marble stand with a bowl, crafted in Italy circa 1920, showcases a timeless classical Roman design. The jardinière features a large, rounded swivel basin...

The magnificent and large fountain is composed entirely of hand-blown Murano glass, featuring a tiered structure with a broad, fluted circular base that supports the central stem. Th...

Early 19th century Italian hand-carved marble fountain in a form of a putto.

Renaissance Wellhead Hand Carved Marble Container Planter Basin Water Fountain . A rare and impressive Historic Italian 15th century Renaissance hand carved marble well head square shape with scrolls to the corners. Decorated with 3-dimensional vessels and armorial with a rampant lion with raised forelegs as if to strike and ready for battle. To be used as an interior planter stone container, focal point, water feature fountain...

A spectacular and monumentally scaled Italian 19th century Terra Cotta fountain. The most impressive fountain is raised by an elegant octagonal ba...

RARE ITALIAN VERTICAL WALL FOUNTAIN FROM THE EARLY 1900'S IN LIMESTONE Beautiful "vertical" wall fountain of 2 m height, made of limestone in the early 1900's. Produced between the...

Extraordinary Lavabo depicting urn ornated with garlands & dolphins. Having a pewter basin and the cabinet complete with faux marble grey. The two sides a...

Beautiful refined garden fountain with statue in neoclassical style, circa 1930s main material mixed with grit marble dust and cement. This beautiful and majestic fountain is made up...

A high quality and most decorative Italian 19th century Baroque st. specimen marble birdbath/fountain. This exceptional fountain is raised by a detailed marble support with scrolling...

This marble fountain sculpture in the style of Tulio Lombardo embodies the glory of Renaissance sculpture. Reminiscent of classical portrait busts, a bearded man's face serves as the...

A magnificent Italian 19th century white Carrara marble fountain of Cupid with a Dolphin. The fountain is raised on a double square base below a tapering socle. Above is the baluster...

A sensational and large scale Italian early 18th century white Carrara marble and Stone fountain. This stunning fountain is raised on a rectangular Stone block below a square Carrara...

An attractive Italian 19th century Neo-Classical st. white Carrara marble bird bath/ sink.

Murano Glass Fountain with a Central Vase encircled by 4 Mermaids, 1950s

Ancient and important wall fountain, richly carved in gray stone, with iron filler, ashlar basin and wall pillar, built for a garden in Italy, in the 19th century, from southern Ital...

Industrial two tier fountain / bowl with an enamel coating. Great for your wine or beer.

Made out of concrete, this decoration from 20th-century Italy takes influences from Gothic architecture. With its face covered in vine leaves, this mascaron...

Cordovan wall fountain of the 18th century made of stone, with marble incristations making shapes of rhombuses and circles, with a marble mask of reddish v...

Large and impressive 19th century Continental iron and parcel gilt fountain or birdbath. Beautiful detail and quality.

Fontana a muro in cemento, pietra artificiale scolpita con volto di Bacco e decorazioni semplici del periodo, originale di Epoca inizio '900. Misure massime cm w 63 x P 40 x H 125 (...

Wall fountain made of light Giallo d’Istria limestone with a stained basin rim. The back panel features a simple floral rosette and a gently curved contour.

Stunning, solid white, Carrara marble lions head from a fountain in Florence featuring a flowing main and a fabulous patina. Mounted on a custom, iron base. The piece hails from the ...

A life-sized antique bronze fountain-head modeled as a boy holding a duck. The water spouts out of the ducks mouth. It would work well simply a...

A lovely Italian 19th century Louis XVI st. white Carrara marble fountain. The fountain displays a charming half round basin with a finely sculpted foliate...