Italy - Building and Garden Elements

Description Smalto glass mosaic, one sided square shaped chips, metallic treated backing. Colibrì has a smooth surface and Colibrì Tide has a rippled surface. Slightly rounded edg...

Large vase in painted glazed earthenware mark under the base, 1960s. Dark green colour

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 stunning chair is defined by an open and aetherial silhouette that conveys simplicity, comfort, and stability. Evoking a classic style, the frame is made of hand-bent iron rods ...

The Tailor Collection boasts a unique assortment of elements that draw inspiration from the world of tailoring. Expertly crafted by the talented Pibamarmi Style Office, these pieces ...

A Trio of Exquisite Handcrafted Decorative Murano Glass Sconces with Gold Inlay Fish Shell Design 1980s Italy. This remarkable set of three sconces, featuring large gold shells encas...

Set Of 2 Gong Countertop Large Basins by Kreoo Designed by Christophe Pillet Dimensions: D 50 x W 80 x H 33 cm. Materials: Nero Portoro marble. Weight: 60 kg. Available in different marble and travertine options. Available in two different sizes. Please contact us. The softness of pebbles worked by the action of water inspires the aesthetics of the Gong collection, which includes freestanding and countertop washbasins...

A striking and highly avant-garde pair of andirons designed by Melchiorre Bega in 1960. Crafted in a bold combination of aluminum and iron, these pieces stand out for their sculptura...

Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) In Stock in Los Angeles For greenery to flourish or your champagne bottles to be freshly popped, you need something "Ex-Shell-Ent" and that’s where the carry Turtle comes in! The Turtle Carry...

This precious and sophisticated set comprises five pieces that will infuse elegance in any bathroom. Functional and decorative, this set is made of transparent glass adorned with a s...

The expression "Chi che vol el fòc deve ‘ngiotir anca ‘l fum" - who wants to warm up by the fire must also bear the smoke - from the Trentino Alto Adige region inspired this exclusive fire pit...

Add a whimsical touch to your furniture with our Fauna Elephant brass knob. Crafted with intricate detailing, this charming knob is the perfect accent for drawers, cabinets and more....

Opto Folding screen 4 colors Lacquered by Colé Italia with Lorenz + Kaz Dimensions: H 200, W 300, D 4 cm Materials: Laser-cut metal panels inside the frame, black anthracite or lacqu...

Thanks to their original tree bark effect, the fixed design handles and knobs of the FORESTA NERA collection accompany the users through an exciting adventure into the forest. These...

Italian large pines decorated terracotta vase, 1940s.

This contemporary chair delivers comfort, style, and quality in a playful and colorful silhouette suitable for any outdoor setting. The original 1964 Locus Solus Collection by Gae Au...

This monumental finely carved limestone fountain is composed a three levels. The first tiered with three amazing horse statues, the others adorned with lion heads ending with a putt...

Enhance the style of your bathroom with our smooth brass toilet brush holder. Made of high-quality brass, this stand is durable and elegant and provides a practical and attractive so...

21st century hand-carved clear crystal waste-bin with silver bronze cover. Each object is handcrafted and the care for every detail makes each item unique in its kind. The style of ...

Part of a complete outdoor collection designed by Italian architect Gae Aulenti in 1964 and re-introduced by Exteta in 2016, this striking loveseat is characterized by a simple silhouette imbued with bold chromatic aesthetic qualities. The bright yellow tubular steel frame matches...

A colorful addition to a patio, garden or poolside area, this dining table boasts a bright blue color that highlights the tubular steel structure supporting a square top of extra-lig...

Monumental 19th Century Italian Hand Crafted Wrought Iron Plant Stand and Copper Pot Beautifully Crafted.

Blessed Square Countertop Basin by Kreoo Designed by Christophe Pillet Dimensions: D 50 x W 60 x H 12. Materials: Verde Alpi and Artik Green marbles. Weight: 31,5 kg. Available in ...

Squared tissues cover box in Paonazzo marble. Available also in green or pink marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in v...

21st century white decorated porcelain jar. This jar is simple and elegance in the same time. It's avaible to combine this jar with its glass, soap holder and dispenser. Each object...

Italian 19th Century Wrought Iron Plant Stand and Riveted Copper Planter. Copper planter measurements 33 x H 19 cm.

Marked by a streamlined silhouette, this chair makes an indispensable addition to any outdoor area, bringing a functional element with a colorful soul. The bright green tubular steel...

Handle Barovier 1940s Brass Chrome Glass Murano Italian design 1940s

21st century white decorated porcelain soap dish. This soap dish is simple and elegance in the same time. It's avaible to combine this soap dish wi...

Italian mid century white metal outdoor chair with armrests, 1950s. Outdoor chair with white enamelled metal structure, with armrests and micro-per...

Bronze handle Italy, 1960s Hinged door handle Sculpture organic art Nice craftsmanship

Merging functional aspects with a Pop Art flair, the Locus Solus collection designed by Gae Aulenti marks a significant shift in interior design to reclaim the aesthetic value of out...

This functional yet classically stylish table is handcrafted in Florence by Officina Ciani. Part of their signature Bamboo Collection, this elegant piece features a rectangular frame...

NIVA design presents an original collection of knobs inspired by nature. Every knob is a unique piece, a sort of jewel made with the lost wax casting technique. The door handles and knobs are made by brass lost-wax casting. NIVA design offers an original and varied collection of luxury designer door handles and knobs, with a wide choice of shapes and finishes. NIVA’s door handles have unique shapes that give an original and precious little twist to your surroundings. NIVA’s product range offers a wide selection of shapes and finishes: an original collection of sculptural design door handles and knobs, which take the user into an authentic adventure through an alternate universe...

After the success achieved with the Z series and the Cio Ponti one-line series, the Ideal Standard technical studio designed the Elisse model. The new conception smaller and more fun...

Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (2.2) Set of 1 white rabbit tree dining table and 2 white baby rabbit chairs...

Antique Italian holy water font from the second half of the 19th century. Tub in veined red marble in seventeenth-century style composed of a circular basin with molded edge and mult...

The monolithic and sculptural line of this stunning table is easily adaptable to outdoor spaces thanks to its elegant and resistant materials. Raised on a flat platform of galvanized...

Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Tosca Bath by Marmi Serafini Materials: Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble. Dimensions: D 92 x W 170 x H 50 cm Availa...

Rosso Francia tosca bath by Marmi Serafini Materials: Rosso Francia marble. Dimensions: D 92 x W 170 x H 50 cm Available in other marbles. Also available in shaped version. Tap not i...

21-st century Patinated golden bronze Fireguard. Each object is handcrafted and the care for every detail makes each item unique in its kind. The style of this Fireguard is contempor...

Antique Baroque interior door, original in fine first lacquer (the door was born centuries ago in these colors, and the patina is given by centuries of aging) with blue and green ton...

This extraordinary 19th-century marble bust is a sublime example of classical sculpture, enriched with fascinating realism. The artisan skillfully breathed life into the marble, capt...

A rounded shape soap dispenser in green Guatemala marble. Each piece is in a way unique (since each marble block is different in veins and shad...

Italian 1970s bamboo flower planter.

Pair of Mid-century wrought iron and brass Italian andirons, having a beautiful neoclassical shaped shiny brass front and the typical wrought-iron back pillars.

White Carrara marble planter designed by Angelo Mangiarotti and produced by Fratelli Brambilla, composed of 2 interlocking elements, production Italy late 60s The planter is suitab...

Opto 1/2 folding screen, colors Lacquered by Colé Italia with Lorenz + Kaz Dimensions: H 200, W 300, D 4 cm Materials: Laser-cut metal panels inside th...

A striking work of masterful craftsmanship, this bench exudes elegance and minimalist allure in its sturdy geometric silhouette. Exquisitely fashioned of bent steel with a matte blac...

An exquisite design of extraordinary craftsmanship, this sun lounger is a harmonious combination of materials, lines and functionality that will create a style statement in any outdo...

Antique entrance door, glass shop door in carved walnut wood, complete with three doors and frame, with panels carved with breadsticks, original from the 19th century, from Turin. Pe...

Iron planter, Italy, 1970s. Furniture of beautiful line and pleasant decor in iron patinated by time and water. Indoor or outdoor planter supported by wavy legs and feet with wheels ...

Handles Borsani.

Antique vintage Balustrade in Neo-Gothic style, built in lacquered wood with a fake marble effect, carved with columns and arches. Unique and rare ...

A pair of outstanding giraffe sculptures . The item will be well-suited to either an indoor or outdoor setting.

Midcentury floor towel holder in a silver brass structure made in Italy, circa 1950. The towel handles are embellished with twirls. This unique pie...

Boasting a unique, funnel-shaped silhouette, this splendid lounge armchair will be a statement piece in any indoor or outdoor contemporary decor. Five hundred meters of black technic...

1970s Brown Laminate and Bamboo Planter