Rare 17th Century French Repousse Copper Water Fountain

A beautiful example of a period Louis XVI chaudron, or cauldron, the copper has been decorated with a metalworking technique known as repousse, where low relief motifs are hammered from the reverse side. Many motifs from Louis XVI were inspired by ancient civilizations (Egypt, Rome, Greece, etc.), such as the mascarons and cartouches seen on the sides of this chaudron. There are two distinct mythological scenes on opposite sides, set in between a pair of twisted loop handles emanating from the mouth of a heavily bearded mascaron with a tied bow in his hair. One image depicts Pegasus rearing up as a man with a sword...

This grand and distinctive piece of furniture from Northern Brittany is known as a “buffet malouin” and was created in the late 17th century. These types of cabinets were created for important homes in the historic port city of Saint-Malo. The design, with large octagonal molded panels, double colonettes, and finely cut brass fittings, is unique to other French furniture of the period. The design was directly influenced by the Dutch mariner carpenters living in Saint-Malo at the time (the Dutch beeldenkast cabinet shows similarities) The large four-door cabinet was carved in oak, as was most of the other “malouin” furniture pieces. It is an imposing and impressive piece, standing over 7 feet tall and nearly 7 feet wide. The front of the piece has twisted, double colonettes, multi-profiled cushion-shaped octagonal panels, and finely cut brass key hole escutcheons, drawer pulls, and lozenge plates. There are 3 drawers, 2 of which are full sized, with a smaller drawer in the center. 3 large bun feet along the front hold up the entire piece, while 2 block feet support the rear. Each door has its own functioning key and lock, with a yet another key for the center drawer. Door and drawer panels are solid and impressive old pieces of oak, which still open and close with ease, indicating the quality of construction and great care that this piece has received over the centuries. The “meuble malouin” in the form of a large 4 door buffet is not often easily found. Research shows photos of several models in various states that have come to surface, but they were not nearly pervasive as French case...

This granite rose mortar was hand-carved in Northern Brittany, France during the 1600’s. Granite is formed when magma is cooled underground, which causes various minerals to become e...

A small oak bust, dating to the 1600s, this well-carved wooden statue hails from France. Depicting an unknown religious figure, the sculpture has a deep rich brown patina, enhancing ...

Early 17th Century French Mortar

We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. The c...

Rare Marble herbalist to hold salt, moon and stars carved on the wavy front. The lid is lead, with the image of the sun and lions. Louis XIV period, France 1600.

Charming early 19th century (possibly earlier) hand crafted copper and steel bucket with dovetailed joints and tin lining. Most likely originally used for water or milk, but would al...