Antique Brass Repoussé Umbrella Stand

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Description

If you live in Palm Springs, move along. But if you’re a Seattleite, you need this. “This” being an antique … Read more If you live in Palm Springs, move along. But if you’re a Seattleite, you need this. “This” being an antique brass repoussé umbrella stand designed to hold umbrellas or walking sticks to keep your floors dry in a very decorative fashion. Stands such as this one, which date from the late 19th century (circa 1880s) through the early 20th century (circa 1910), are known for their elaborate relief work and are commonly referred to as Continental or English in origin.
The stand is expertly crafted using the repoussé, or embossed, technique. The brass is hammered from the back side—imagine keeping track of all that pattern in reverse if you were making this—to form a raised design on the front.
Around the prominent central band is a swarm of playful, busy cherubs, also known as putti, depicted in various lively scenes. On top and below this crowd are decorative bands displaying ripening grape vines, with an egg and dart pattern at the very top. You get to decide on the identity of the top-knotted, winged females under scallop shells near the bottom. But do not miss the griffin claw feet present at the base. All so much more fun that slip-on plastic bag, no?
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent. See less