Vintage Italian Tole Wall Sconces

Details

Description

These are a pair of vintage Italian toleware wall sconces (or appliqués), crafted in the traditional painted-metal floral style.

Form … Read more These are a pair of vintage Italian toleware wall sconces (or appliqués), crafted in the traditional painted-metal floral style.

Form & Structure
• Type: Wall-mounted decorative tole pieces, most likely sconces (they may have once held candles or bulbs, or could be purely ornamental).
• Shape: Each features a curling vine structure with leaves and buds, arranged in a naturalistic, climbing design.

Decoration & Finish
• Leaves: Large, lobed leaves painted in vibrant shades of green, with darker tips for shading. The leaves are cut and shaped metal, giving them texture and dimension.
• Flowers & Buds: Creamy-white rosebuds (with intentional distressing and patina) are central to the design, paired with small red accent buds or berries.
• Overall Finish: The paint shows charming age-related wear (chipping, patina), which is typical for vintage toleware and adds character.

Style & Origin
• This style is very much in line with mid-20th century Italian toleware, especially popular in the 1950s–1970s.
• Italian artisans in Florence, Capri, and surrounding regions were known for producing hand-painted tole flowers, vines, and fruit for chandeliers, sconces, and decorative appliqués.

Display & Use
• They would make a beautiful pair flanking a mirror, doorway, or as accent wall pieces in a vintage, cottage, or European-inspired interior.
• Their bold color and naturalistic form add a touch of romantic rustic charm. See less