Italian 18th Century Venetian Patinated Wood Planter, circa 1780

A very handsome Italian 18th century Louis XVI period giltwood centerpiece. The elongated octagonal shaped surtout de table is raised by eight most decorative foliate feet below a fo...

A stunning and extremely decorative Italian 18th century Venetian st. patinated and giltwood etched mirror. The mirror is set within its strik...

Although the Rococo in France (where the style originated) lasted from roughly 1725 to 1760, other countries in Europe produced period art and furniture until the late 18th century. One such country was Italy and in particular, Venice, where this unusual carved walnut centerpiece was hand-carved, circa 1780. A large shell-form bowl with volute leaf embellishments is being held by three putti emerging from an undulating base. The wave pattern is reminiscent of a foaming sea, further indicated by the stylized dolphin tails emerging from the spray. All of the tails are textured with a lozenge-patterned background, protruding as high-relief elements. On the underside, the scalloped tips of the water swing down in three areas, forming well-disguised feet. The carvings of the centerpiece are quite exceptional, given the height and breadth of the piece. A wonderful decorative accessory for any large table, our walnut Venetian centerpiece...

Antique mid-18th century Georgian rare and exceptional solid silver salver with cast border, impressively large size and extremely heavy gauge, of shaped-circular form on four impres...