16th Century Building and Garden Elements

Rare 500-600 year old sandstone relief statue of Saraswati, the goddess of speech, arts, music, knowledge and mind power. Original in three parts mou...

This carved oak woodwork was probably placed on the facade of the house, close to the roofing framework of a Norman house. The sculptor had depicted the salamender frontview in a sty...

This mantelpiece is a authentic Flemish Gothic fireplace surround from the early 16th century. It is made from a typical sandstone called 'Ba...

Often when centuries-old trunks did not survive the passage of time, 19th-century menuisiers (French woodworkers) would salvage the surviving wood and carve new furniture such as desks and similar trunks. The facade was typically the most ornate section of these antique trunks, making intact frontages highly valued antiques. Hand-carved from oak in Picardie, France, circa 1550, this period Gothic architectural is a beautiful example of an antique trunk facade that was not incorporated into a more recent furnishing. Picardie is a former administrative region in northern France that is home to many Gothic cathedrals. The Amiens Cathedral (mid-13th century) is the largest standing cathedral in Europe and is truly a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Our trunk frontage has five vertically oriented inset panels embellished with various forms of Gothic tracery, including high-arching niches...

Ancient entrance door or gate with turned columns, hand painted in gray green, beautiful patina and original iron vents, was in a patio covered in a 16th cen...

16th century Spanish Renaissance period fire grate. Made of beautifully forged wrought iron and bronze. The condition is good. Mea...

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...

Rare stupa sculpture, 400-600 years old, carved in sandstone. In original untouched, well-preserved condition. From Arakan in Burma. Typical stupa construction with square base, hemispherical dome and conical spire. At the base a portal door...

An original antique burgundy hard stone bloc with a central lower part. Perfect to be used as a tabletop or for a Wabi Sabi spirit fireplace base and ca...

Ancient slate portal, black frame carved by hand with motifs of the time, very old and in perfect conservation conditions, of great value of the material and of the sculpture, and of...

An outstanding and exceptional set of 3 16th century ceiling panels - beams from Barcelona. Hand hewn solid wood panels beautifully painted. Fabulous architectural elements to incorp...

Antique fireplace in dark stone, slate, hand carved with rich frills, cornices and turned columns, hand-built by a 16th century artisan in northern Italy (Genoa), measuring cm: W 190...

Firenze, 16th century Great craftsmanship typical of the Florentine Renaissance workforce. These andirons come from a palace of the Florentine nobility and were used in the large f...

A sensational pair of 16th century Capitales Sevillanos, fabricated in Italy of Carrara marble and then brought to Seville, Spain. Wonderful architectural elements to incorporate int...

16th C. hand carved Capital stone base architectural element sculpture pedestal. Very rare 16th century Renaissance corner Capital. Hand carved limestone Chapiteau Capital from a Cloister in France. From an ornamental point of view, it is the coronation, the upper part of a post or a column or pilaster pillar. A beautiful Architectural element garden ornament. It can used as a Base for a coffee glass table or as a side table for drinks or to mount books. A stunning Fragments to be used as stand for a sculpture. Use it as a pedestal or as a mounted decorative object. In an entryway a bathroom a living room, in an office, it will create an incredible focal point. It can make a beautiful base for a floor lamp by a leather reading chair...

Each with a semi clad maiden finial over various Renaissance motifs on dolphin form supports.

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...

16th century German Gothic fireback from the early days of casting firebacks. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upo...

16th Century Italian Tuscan Old Chestnut 2 Door Stipo with Losanghe. Interesting architectural element composed of 2 framed and trimmed doors of single slabs of very old chestnut. ...

16th century Spanish round shaped keystone wedged in the ceiling, where arches meet the apex of a vault.   

English Renaissance (Tudor-16th Century) oak carved linen fold design paneled room with a mantle, overmantle carving and a Pair of spindle design open doo...

Chapel grille with two fixed leaves at the sides, and double opening leaf in the center, topped with an elaborate crest, all made of wrought and "blued" iron, creating a polychrome preserved in good condition. The bars of the lateral zones, tubular, are decorated with discs of the same diameter. The double door of the center presents bars ballasted to the center flanking a disc and other similar disks up and down; in the lower area, there is a frieze with two opposing "ces" accompanied by simplified plant elements that draw volutes towards the sides; note the small wheels at the bottom of the grid. The crest presents an oval shield with the cross of the Order of Calatrava, enhanced with architectural elements and flanked by vegetal "S-shapped" motifs, accompanied by leaves; to the sides of this central piece appear two columns of ajarronado shaft enhanced with "C-shapped-forms" and "S-shapped-forms" drawn in their shafts. In general terms, there is talk of a division in two stages in terms of Antique grills...

Ancient fireplace mantel in Serena stone, with lions' faces and hand carved legs, noble coat of arms in the center of the fireplace, from the high 1...

16th century French Gothic fireback with two pillars of Hercules and a pediment. The pillar refers to the club of Hercules, his favorite weapon. It symbolizes power. Since antiquity...

A monumental 16th century sandstone Renaissance fireplace mantel. Finely sculpted with a moulded beam and colomn supports. Decorated with flower motives, guirlandes and cirkels. Lov...

A fantastic pair of Gothic period hand carved stone capitals from the Avignon area of France. Exceptional fragments whether used architecturally or converted into end tables.

A carved stone pillar from Shanxi, China, circa 1560. Mounted on a heptagonal wood base.

16th century Venetian bronze door knock with children figures on the sides and faces in the middle.

16th century antique pair of wood tabernacle with tympanum and inlays, can become cabinets or cupboards doors.

Group of 16th century (or earlier, possibly Gothic) Spanish or Italian wrought iron furniture mounts. These hand-wrought bosses and nails show incredible workmanship. These would have been used to decorate - and to structurally hold together an early chest or casket. The four geometric bosses beautifully made, eight ounces each without the nail! The nails are works of art in themselves, with their heavy geometric heads. Also two round bosses with the nail integral to the piece, one a mushroom form, the other like a parasol. And a single hand-wrought double sided nail. Great group of early iron. Provenance: Frances Pratt, Writer, Artist, Collector. New York City. Approximate sizes: 4 bosses 4.625 inches square 11.75 cm Round bosses 3 inches diameter the larger 2.5 the smaller 7.6/ 6.35 cm 4.5 in high 11.4 cm 5 nails...

16th century German gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black patina. This product weighs more tha...

Column of carved and polychrome wood that has a capital reminiscent of the classical order (volutes, acanthus leaves in levels), a series of moldings separating the shaft from the re...

Large 16th century German gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black patina. This product weighs mo...

Rectangular frieze in carved pine wood, gilded and polychrome decorated with figurative reliefs. An architectural piece with garland serves as the axis for the symmetrical compositio...

This unique monolitic reddish granite columns come from religious houses to fantastic temples in the south of the Indian subcontinent. This specific piece, with a beautiful geometric...

These magnificent andirons are period French Renaissance, and they date to the 1500s. There are fluted columns with balusters and a shield with a crown beneath. Pairs of winged angel...

A very handsome 16th century Vasque or vessel from the Catalan region of Spain. Hand-carved with one whole to a side. An very wonderful piece to serve as a jardinière or planter. Ver...

16th century high relief limestone bust that topped a stone arch. Side heraldic decorations indicate a patron Saint. The face is weathered but the general condition is good.  

A carved wooden frame serves as a support for the wrought iron grille that has decorated balusters: all have a heart-shaped form in the centre, whi...

16th century French Gothic andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons have bull's heads and spit hooks. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the t...

This absolutely remarkable and rare stone table from Provence is dated 1570, and from the appearance of the hand-carved motifs, the carving was most l...

Impressive gothic fire dogs with spit hooks with faces. These French andirons are called 'landiers' in France. This dates from the times the andirons were the main cooking equipment ...

16th Century pair of Spanish wooden footings with medieval scenes of fantastic animals and floral motifs. Polychrome in dark colors on a vivid red background. Two pieces with grea...

16th century French Gothic fire dogs made of wrought iron. They are in a good condition, despite their age.

15th-16th century French Gothic andirons made of cast iron. The andirons have very special spit hooks, as can be seen in the pictures. This product has to be shipped as freight due ...

China, a monumental pair (2) of 500 year old lime stone “Spirit Path” Equine horse head sculptures. Ming dynasty, (1368-1644 CE). A pair of near life size and robust head sections with fine, wavy combed manes, well defined mouths, ears, nostrils, and ornamental bridles, all carved in a medium to dark gray limestone with considerable weathering to surfaces. The smaller head with a later inscription on bottom and signed “Zhuang”. Formerly exhibited “Treasures from Asia”, Shelburne Vermont, Shelburne Art Center, 2006. Originally found in the vicinity of the village of Chuan near Luoyang City, Henan Provance, China. Each mounted on a custom iron display stand. Dimensions: A the smaller 32.5cm, 13” high and 62.5cm, 25” in length and with display stand, 60cm, 24” high; b the larger 37.5cm, 15” high and 67.5cm, 27” in length and with display stand 65cm, 26” high. Please view additional photographs from our Chinese antiquities catalog 35 Years Collecting 35 Treasures, page 60. History: Placing stone animals and human figures along spirit paths in front of important tombs can be traced back at least to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), some two thousand years ago. In ancient times, stone animals and human figures placed before imperial tombs symbolized royal power and privilege in addition to decorative functions. Life size “spirit path” stone horse sculptures are known and can be viewed from Ming dynasty tombs including thirteen imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty scattered over an area of forty square kilometers in Changping District to the northwest of Beijing. The first Ming tomb...

16th century French Gothic andirons made of cast iron. With faces on the spit hooks to discourage evil powers. This product has to be shipped as freight due to its size and/or (volu...

Pair of early 16th century granite ram garden sculptures.

Leathermaché Putti, architectural decorations These very rare pieces are made in Leathermaché, two of them are characters in the forms of Putti or ...

We have available the best Stock of Authentic Reclaimed French Stone Flooring, famous "Dalle de Bourgogne",age 15th - 16th Century ( 5 and 3 cm thick ) 1,2 and 2 inc. Large Opus, ran...

16th century French Fireback with two Lorraine Coat of Arms as well as the Gothic cross of Lorraine (in cords). All our products that weigh 66 kg / 146 lbs or more are shipped as st...

Antique Reclaimed Stone Flooring, ( second cut ), French Recycled pierre de Bourgogne Floors, age 15th-18th Century, Antique dalle de Provence...

Pair of Persian (16th Century) carved and painted open design window panels with floral decoration.

Pair of late Renaissance panels from an altar piece. Original gilt and paint.

Fine, hand-carved, Carrara marble, robed figure from central Italy modeled in the Classical, contrapposto pose. The inscription fragment on the base reads "..under the auspices of...".

Large Renaissance slate ornament panel with coat of arms and C-scrolls. This beautiful heavy antique slate plate would be a wonderful eye-catcher, for example as a backsplash in the ...