18th Century and Earlier Fountains

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...

This antique French limestone central fountain from the 17th century is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. With a square shape and a central style design, it features a pilla...

Hand Carved Stone Container Fountain Trough Basin Planter Antique Farm Sink LA . 18th Century water fountain Basin Jardinière Of Hand Carved Stone container . Color and patina keeps ...

18th century Dutch wall fountain from the hall of a canal house. Made of Carrara marble. Antique wall fountain, with a niche-shaped high back including tap hole, on a curled leg with...

Round Carved Stone Fountain Basin Container Rustic Farm Trough Planter Vessel CA . Exquisite 18th 19th century round hand carved stone water fountain basin. This water trough could be installed with a simple bronze spout or a carved stone fountainhead, we have many options of them, in order to create a charming garden water fountain focal point. A Good size stone container from Provence. The centuries left its marks with a very nice patina. It is a piece of art that holds history and Charm in its proportions. This architectural element is very versatile and it will be the focal point of your landscape or centerpiece in a contemporary design landscape , traditional provincial Italian Spanish Mediterranean French Farm Mid-Century Modern simplistic and Sophisticated etc. Antique dealer California Los Angeles West Hollywood Melrose Ave La Cienega . Install it with a simple spout in the center with water bubbling , as in the example picture attached to the listing , it could be used as a planter box jardinière since it has a good depth for a tree indoor planter Jardinière or cachepot and it can hold a great amount of soil . for an interior water feature...

Stone fountain with a hand-carved surround and a plate decorated with faces. The central part corresponds to the 18th century with the upper plate in Italian Verona marble. The fence...

Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of our 17th-Century Italian White Marble Baptismal Font, a remarkable piece that transports you to the...

Enhance your space with a touch of elegance with our Italian White Veined Carrara Marble Wall Fountain. Handcrafted from the 18th century, this small wall fountain boasts luxurious w...

Hand carved stone container fountain trough basin planter antique farm Sink CA. 18th 19th century small water fountain Basin of hand C. Carved Stone...

Hand Carved Stone Trough Fountain Basin Farm Sink Planter Firepit idea Rustic CA. Exquisite Very Long 18th century water fountain basin of hand c...

Hand carved stone container farm sink fountain trough basin planter antique LA . 18th Century water basin of hand carved stone container. Color and patina keeps changing with the light and the seasons . this trough could be installed with a simple bronze metal spout or a carved stone fountain head , we have many options of them , in order to create a charming garden water fountain for your pets or to have it as a dog bowl . Three holes at the bottom , you could have them filled up and resurfaced , or you could resurface it with metal sheet A nice size stone trough from Provence. The centuries left its marks on this container and a very nice patina. Installed will be the focal point of any landscape design laid on gravel or mounted as a kitchen Farm sink or powder room sink , or in the center of a larger fountain...

This period 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 merit easily f...

Hand carved stone container trough farm sink fountain basin antiques LA Fire pit 18th century exquisite water fountain basin of hand carved stone Lavoir. This trough could be install...

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...

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...

This French pewter cherub birdbath from the early 17th century is the perfect way to attract and encourage wildlife to your outdoor space. Made of luxuri...

Bring timeless beauty and classic French elegance to your outdoor space with this stunning French Limestone Wall Fountain. Crafted from limestone quarried in the Loire Vallee, this f...

A beautifully carved white Carrara marble wall fountain head from 18th Century France with a fluted top, rounded body, with carved leaf border detai...

HALF-MOON STOUP ORIGIN: VENICE, ITALY PERIOD: 13th Century Height: 33 cm Width: 82 cm Depth: 55 cm Nembro marble This hemispherical stoup is powerfully carved with a mascaron w...

Fountain basin and its base in gray marble from the Ardennes. The two elements had to be integrated into the masonry of a facade and surmounted by a niche. gadrooned basin and base c...

This French Limestone Fountain is a stunning addition to any garden. Made with a circular round style trough from 18th century limestone, this fountain naturally captivates with its ...

Ancient fountain tub in pink marble, complete with an artificial stone mask in the shape of a lion's face, the base is not included because it is not orig...

Hand Carved Stone Container Fountain Basin Tub Planter Firepit Trough Antique LA . Exquisite Very Large 18th century water fountain basin of hand ...

Hand Carved Stone Container Jardinière trough basin planter Antique Farm Sink LA . 18th Century water fountain Basin Of Hand Carved Stone container ....

This gorgeous French Limestone Wall Fountain is a perfect addition to any outdoor space. Hand-crafted from sturdy limestone, it showcase...

Large Hand Carved Stone Sink Basin Wall Fountain Bowl & pedestal base Antique CA . A beautiful 18th Century Hand Carved Stone Sink / Wall mount fountain basin . versatile sculpted architectural element for an outdoor Garden or indoor setting. Very Large half moon water basin finely carved in a shell shape sitting on top of a pedestal base . A Statement piece at the front of your home , set in a niche or hedges or simply mount against a garden wall , this water feature will add a touch of elegance and history to your residence . Antique dealer Los Angeles West Hollywood Melrose Ave La Cienega Blvd. Architectural decorative garden elements . to be used as a sink in a powder room bathroom or in combination with any other fountain head or spout . The decades left its marks and a very nice patina that changes with the seasons . This water feature will be the focal point in any landscape design commercial and residential palatial . It is a piece of art , Mounted in a traditional provincial Italian Mediterranean French Spanish context a farm or a winery . Hand crafted Stone basin trough...

This French Limestone Wall Fountain from the 17th century is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. The antique fountain is made out of lime...

Rustic Hand Carved Stone Container Jardinière Trough Basin Planter Antique Farm . 18th Early Century small water fountain Basin Of Hand Car...

Bring the classic beauty of France to any outdoor space with this French Antique Limestone Fountain. Crafted out of hand-selected limestone,...

This rustic, antique French Limestone Fountain from 1890 is an architectural treasure. It adds substantial style to any outdoor space, creati...

This stone piece was once the basin for a corner fountain or used as corner sink on a property in the rugged hills of Provence, France. It features a thick...

Hand Carved Stone Container Fountain Basin Tub Planter Firepit Trough Antique LA . Exquisite 18th century Thick Walls water fountain basin of hand carved stone . This trough could be installed with a simple bronze spout or a carved stone fountain head , we have many options of them, creating a charming garden water fountain . This good large size stone trough from Provence , The centuries left its marks on this container and a very nice patina . Installed will be the focal point of any landscape design . It is a piece of art that holds history and majesty in its proportions . This architectural element is very versatile and it will be the focal point of your landscape or centerpiece in a contemporary modern design landscape , traditional provincial , Italian , Spanish Mediterranean , French in a farm or winery etc . Antique dealer California Los Angeles / West Hollywood La Cienega Blvd and Melrose Ave . Some designers turned them into fire pit , some of them with multiple simple spouts with water bubbling as freestanding water feature or with a wall mount fountain head...

This circular well from the Louis XIV period is entirely carved in stone. The shaft of the well is composed of an eight pieces arrangement forming a "boudin" molding. The curbstone is marked by the patina of time and is thus irregular in shape. The base of the well is surmounted by a stone structure composed of two trapezoidal molded stones that hold a wooden winch and its chain. The whole base is topped by a one piece stone roof, the upper edge of which forms a four slope roof. While on one stone is engraved the date "1830", we believe that this stone well...

Hand carved stone container fountain trough basin planter antique farm sink LA. Late 17th early 18th century small water fountain basin of hand carve...

Square shape marble fountain. Originates from Italy. Circa, 1820's.

Hand carved stone Container Fountain Basin Tub Planter Firepit Trough antiques. Exquisite late 18th Early 19th century water fountain Basin of hand carved st...

Although when most people hear the word “gargoyle”, they probably envision small, winged creatures with grotesque visages. However, the phrase has a deeper meaning, encompassing any carved head (animal or human) that function as waterspouts. From the Early Renaissance (late 1400’s/early 1500’s), our gargoyle fountain spout features a human-like face with pointed ears, possibly representing a centaur or a satyr. The roughly rectangular block of marble was hand-carved in Arezzo, in the Tuscany region of Italy. All sides except the front of the cream-colored stone have a sawed finish, resulting in a rough texture. The back has been excavated, adding to the character of the gargoyle. A 1 ½” diameter hole has been cut all the way through, forming an open mouth of the gargoyle. The gaping mouth was often a symbol used to conjure images of devouring giants and used to remind people that they are susceptible to certain forces. Our 15th/16th century marble...

A great late 18th century water fountain basin of hand carved stone container. This trough could be installed with a simple bronze metal spout or a carved stone fountain head , we ha...

Hand carved stone container fountain basin planter Farm Sink Trough Antique LA. 18th century water fountain basin lavoir of hand carved stone....

18th century Lavabo Wall Fountain Pewter Basin sink on Hand Carved Wood stand Antique . Imposing 18th century Louis XV of the period Lavabo in Hand Carved walnut with original pewter basins...

18th century water fountain Lavoir basin Tub of hand carved stone. This trough could be installed with a simple bronze spout or a carved stone fountain head, we have many options of ...

A magnificent medieval Renaissance period architectural holy water font lavabo. Born in a Christian church in Continental Europe during the middle ages, likely Italian 16th or 17th century, exquisitely hand-crafted by a highly skilled artisan, with exceptional craftsmanship, ornate and finely detailed, the rare and one of a kind forged bronze and brass upper presenting with gothic shaped palm frond back, domed lid with tall finial decorated in relief, the fountain reservoir is decorated with central mounted Star of Bethlehem four pointed pentagram star embellishment as well as other applied ormolu adornments, a narrow elongated spigot with valve dispenses the holy water below. A later gilt brass stoop catches the water, the nicely styled, demilune shaped wall mounted antique...

Urn form with a ball finial with domed cover flanked by scrolled handles, square base with brass spigot.

With a arched back panel with cherub pouring water from an urn surrounded by cattails over a basin with shaped rim and gadrooned underside supported on a carved dolphin form support ...

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...

A very stunning 17th century - Louis XIV period Fountain Head - in the form of a lion. Beautifully crafted in cast iron - now resting on its stand. A striking accent piece for any bo...

A rare early 18th century Italian wall fountain.

A French Louis XV period pewter lavabo on hand-carved walnut stand from the late 18th century, with shell motifs and acanthus leaves. Created in France a...

Beautiful well dating back to the 1600s. Item originates from France.

Entirely hand carved in a solid block of precious white Carrara marble, this antique Italian late 17th century-early 18th century fountain or basin is sculpted with elegant floral and foliate patterns typical of Baroque period of Genoese area. This generously sized half moon basin features a wonderful hand sculpted floral carvings on front, drawing the eye around its satisfyingly smooth arc and its charismatic form, while the back is raw, the ancient hand chisels can still be seen. Even the original iron pins which probably supported a back splash are still visible. It takes a high level of skill to carve such a hard marble into a wonderful demi lune shape such as this. Different shades of white due to varied patina from age allows it to go with practically any color scheme. This antique marble sculptural and architectural piece was originally a garden element, it is now perfect for both indoor or outdoor use. Elevate your interior or your garden to a new level of elegance with this one of a kind piece suitable for both public spaces and private homes. Whether placed in the master bathroom or in a powder room as a wash sink...

Crafted in Normandy, France circa 1780, and mounted on a carved fruit wood door, the antique brass lavabo features the original two-piece lavabo; a demilune basin at the base, and a ...

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...

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...

This elegant, antique fountain was crafted in Lyon, France, circa 1780. In the past, this kind of lavabos was actually used for hand washing. This water fountain is made of pewter with bronze faucets...

Antique 18th century Italian red Verona and white Carrara marble floor fountain.  

Ancient pair of stone stoups, usable in many ways, as stone trays, as fountains, as planters or in a prestigious entrance, hand carved between the 16th and 17th centuries in Italy f...

Carrara marble fountain with its gray Sainte Anne marble base. French. circa 1700 18th century. It works as a source. It has a small restoration as can be seen in the photo. ...

Beautiful French 18th century fountain.