Rare 17th Century French Repousse Copper Water Fountain

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Based on the exquisite detailing and brass embellishments, this rare copper water fountain would have most likely belonged to a … Read more Based on the exquisite detailing and brass embellishments, this rare copper water fountain would have most likely belonged to a wealthy French family in the 1600s. While not a fountain in the traditional sense, it would have been used to dispense water for daily routines, such as washing hands or drinking.

Hammered from the verso side, using a metalworking technique known as repousse, the main body features Vitruvian waves separated by a protruding ring. The ring is interrupted twice by a foliate mascaron mount with an oval handle, reminiscent of an ouroboros, emanating from the mouth. A third mascaron can be seen on the front of the fountain, but with a small dolphin spout topped with a T-joint, for a mouth instead of a loop. There are several areas adorned with gadroon, including the removable lid with a small toupie finial. A beautifully detailed water fountain, this charming accessory from the 17th century would make a wonderful addition to a copper collection, or could be used functionally in a bathroom, dining room, or kitchen. See less