Carved Fountains

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...

Hand Carved Stone Fountain Head Spout Backsplash Antiques Rustic Wall Mount CA . Nicely carved stone wall mount fountain spout sculpted figure of a woman with metal spout. A beauti...

This corner fountain has an architecture and decoration in Carrara marble, and in Statuary Carrara for the central figure of the young child. It offers...

A fine Italian carved limestone and wrought iron wishing well head from the Veneto area. Great decoration for your garden. It may also be used as a...

Hand Carved Stone Wellhead center Fountain Basin Antique Fire Pit planter LA CA . A nice hand carved Stone 17th/18th Century well head Octagon shape ...

This period Italian classical shell 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 ea...

Hand-carved in 11 sections of Estaillade limestone from Provence, France, this single-pillar wall fountain has a wonderful cream patina. A pair of iron bars extend from the front wal...

This 61-inch-tall wall fountain with rosace surround has a relatively small footprint, making it an attractive option for areas where space is at a premium, such as a courtyard, entr...

This old French Limestone fountain was hand carved in the mid 17th century and installed in a French countryside home. The piece has been well preserved throughout the years and was ...

This beautiful antique 19th century limestone wall fountain is a great addition to any Mediterranean, Tuscan, rustic, or other custom style home. The naturally aged color and distres...

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...

Classical Serpentine Marble Stone Sink Basin This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek a...

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...

Fountain made of hand-chiseled, antique-patinated natural stone with two stacked bowls. The central section is decorated all around with lion head motifs.

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

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...

Hand-carved in Italy, this limestone fountain spout depicts the Roman God of war and courage, Mars. As seen here, Mars is often depicted in art wearing a crested helmet. The helmet i...

Hand-carved in the Gard region (a department in the South of France) during the 1900’s, this fountain mascaron spout depicts a heavily bearded man. The face, which has been carved in...

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 ...

Huge Carved Stone Center Water Fountain Basin Architectural Element Antique CA. Exquisite Hand Carved Very Large water fountain Basin is car...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, it has its own upstand with the base of split turned design set on molded plynth blocks, ...

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...

Large antique stone trough. Dimensions: Approx - 32”D x 54.50”W x 31.5”H. Beautiful texture and patina.

A very fine large, rare and charming, French, 19th century. Belle Époque carved white marble whimsical figural urn fountain depicting children climbing on an urn with flowers and garlands, influenced in the Louis XV style, by Joseph Reynés I Gurgui (Barcelona, 1850-1926). Signed: Reynes. Barcelona, circa 1890. An almost identical Carrara marble fountain also by Josep Reynés carved in 1893 currently at the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Spain. Measures: Overall height: 55 inches (140 cm) Marble height: 49 inches (124.5 cm) width: 37 inches (94 cm) depth: 30 inches (76.3 cm) Joseph Reynes Gurguí (Barcelona, 1850 - 1926) is a Catalan sculptor, also known as Reynesy-Gurgui, Spanish school. He studied at the Ecole de la Llotja, studied for a time in Paris, in the workshops of the great French sculptors Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875) and Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887). He devoted himself mainly to interior decoration. His works were profoundly marked by a French influence. He exhibited in Paris in 1895 where he received an honorable mention. In 1890 he obtained the first medal in Madrid for "The Violinist". Literature: E. Benezit Dictionaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Graveurs by Grund - Nouvelle Edition, 1976 - Volume 8, Page 714. Cristina Mensoza, Ramon Casas...

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

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

Classical Carved Carrara Bianco Marble Stone Sink Basin This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of Carrara marble, these designs have not changed...

Antique Stone Basin overall dimensions: APPROX - 31.5"W x 23.25”D x 16.75”H Beautiful texture and patina.

A Whimsical English 19th-20th century white marble figural fountain with dogs fountain. The Baroque Revival six-sided tripod marble base surmounted with three upright seated Yorkshire Terriers resting on a leaf and acanthus center stem, topped with a semi-circular scalloped carved basin...

Hand-carved in limestone in Provence, this French wall fountain features an arched back with a similar en chapeau shaped basin. Each of the 19 pieces of Estaillade limestone has a cr...

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

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

Stone Trough overall dimensions: APPROX - 47”W x 28”D x 22.25”H Beautiful texture and patina.

Hand Carved Round White Marble Water Fountai . Large 19th Century Charming hand sculpted White Marble water fountain Basin, with a paired Lead fi...

Hand Carved Stone Trough Fountain Basin Tub Planter Firepit Container Antique LA . 18th century water Fountain Lavoir wash basin Tub of hand carv...

Hand carved stone container fountain basin trough planter sink Antiques LA CA . Large, exquisite 18th century water fountain basin of hand carved stone. t...

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...

Huge Carved Stone Center Water Fountain Column Spout Basin Architectural Element . This exquisite large Carved water Center fountain with Basin of the late 18th Century Early 19th Century . The decades left its marks and a very nice patina that changes with the seasons . A Grand and imposing Architectural elements Focal center sculpture and water pool Basin coping . This water feature will be the focal point in any landscape design commercial and or residential palatial . The fountain originally was with a dug out fountain basin in the ground, with a coping stone surround, then decades later they added two stone basins to it , to make it easy for the daily use at the time. then when we purchase it, we decided to take it back to the original design, of a center column with crown and the original carved urn that holds the crown in place with the right amount of weight. and we removed the basin, and we left the coping. so when you install it, you create the basin in the ground and you will have the coping to mount all around. It is a piece of art , sculpture lion figures fountain Head Spouts...

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...

One of a kind French wall fountain in limestone. Typical LXIV style of the 19th century. Amazing and grand fountain for a bespoke luxury lifestyle design. The head stone measures: 7...

More information coming soon… Comprised of nine pieces of hand-carved Estaillade limestone from Provence, France, this small wall fountain has a high-arching back wall with thick, r...

Hand Carved Round White Marble Shower Tub Basin Antique Water Center Fountain CA . Large 19th Century Charming hand sculpted White Marble water fountain Basin, Full of character with simple hand finished lines , reminding us of living in the simplicity and authenticity of everyday life. Very Artistic and Creative, add to that a good Diameter and Depth to turn it into a standing bathroom Shower basin such as the example “THE SHOWER” in the Royal Suite, of the most photographed shower in the world in the heart of Salento in Puglia, a 19th-century Palazzo Daniele. Imposing Piece of History for a unique home that needs a touch of Magic and Charm. You could have it installed outdoor by a pool for a quick shower or in an interior with a drop down ceiling ShowerHeaven such as the one designed by Philippe Starck mimic the rain showers. or you could install it with a bronze spout in the center bubbling , or a spout statue...

18th C. Lavabo Wall Fountain Pewter Basin sink on Hand Carved Wood Stand Antique . Imposing 18th century Louis XV of the period Lavabo in Hand Car...

A fine Italian carved limestone and wrought iron wishing well head from the Veneto area. Great decoration for your garden. It may also be used as a...

Wellhead Hand Carved Stone Container Firepit Basin Trough Water Feature antique. Early Gothic Period Water Wellhead Hand Carved Stone to be installed as ...

Spanish Marble Shell Hand-Carved

Ancient fountain in gray stone, hand-carved with the name of the country it comes from, built entirely by hand in the late 18th century, from France....

Hand Carved Stone Fountain head spout backsplash Antiques rustic wall mount CA. A beautiful late 19th Century Sculpture Hand Carved fountain head ...

Rare hand carved stone Wellhead cistern Basin Antique Fountain Focal point LA CA. 19th Century Neogothic Water Wellhead hand carved stone planter Basin ...

Known as a Gorgoneion, an artistic representation of the head of the Gorgon, Medusa, this carving is also a water fountain feature. Hand-carved from a single block of limestone in Italy, the larger-than-life sculpture has a stone gray and cream patina. Medusa’s mouth is partially open, with a small, excised portion, capable of functioning as a water cascade for a pool wall or wall basin...

Gothic Hand Carved Stone Surround Architectural Element Wall Mount Fountain Idea . A Beautiful and Rare Gothic 15th Century Carved Stone Window Sur...

Elegant classical style fountain made of hand-carved marble, with detailed ornamentation including spiral motifs and a central solar figure. Its artistic and refined design combines ...

Hand Carved Stone Container Fountain Basin Planter Farm Sink Trough Antique LA . 18th century water fountain basin lavoir of hand carved stone...

Antique Stone Oval Basin overall dimensions: APPROX - 36W” x 22.5D” x 19”H Beautiful texture and patina.

Rich in character, this antique French limestone basin has perfect patina and a lovely, rounded vessel. How it was originally situated a...

Classical Serpentine Marble Stone Sink Basin This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek a...

Hand Carved Stone Container Trough Farm Sink Fountain Basin Antiques LA Fire pit exquisite water fountain Basin Of Hand Carved Stone Lavoir. This trough could be installed with a si...

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...

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...

1990s hand carved aged stone antique reproduction wall fountain.