Large Circa 1850 Italian Giltwood Architectural Carving or Headboard, 91.5 Inches

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Hand-carved in Italy circa 1850, this very large giltwood architectural was finished using a process known as meccatura, which involves … Read more Hand-carved in Italy circa 1850, this very large giltwood architectural was finished using a process known as meccatura, which involves covering the silver gilding with a gold varnish. Time and wear to the gilding (which is normal for a piece of this age) has given the carving a splendid hue of both gold and silver.

Over seven and a half feet long, the architectural is a flowing display of flowers, curled leaves, and crinkled ribbons. A large bouquet emanates from each of the two rosettes seen at the bottom of the carving. The flower bunches rise up and curl inwards, with each grouping terminating inside a volute whorl which serves as the center of a large, curled leaf margent that also coils towards the center. Both curled leaves transition seamlessly into an elaborate crinkled ribbon with a knotted ball at the apex of the architectural. Additional floral groupings bridge open space between the ribbon and the curled leaves. Two more crinkled ribbons are wrapped around the bouquets near the rosettes, meandering beneath another pair of curled leaf volutes.

A beautiful carving, full of movement, this giltwood architectural most likely adorned the wall of a stately Italian villa during the 19th century. Today, it would also make a fascinating headboard for a larger bed, such as a king of California king. See less