Pair of Large Antique Carved Oak Lions Bookends – 19th Century Renaissance Revival Corbels – Gothic Bookends – Architectural Wood Decor

Details

Description

Magnificent pair of antique carved oak lions, dating most likely from the second half of the 19th century.
These impressive … Read more Magnificent pair of antique carved oak lions, dating most likely from the second half of the 19th century.
These impressive lions are beautifully hand-carved in solid oak and depicted standing with their mouths open and their richly detailed manes flowing down their bodies.
Each lion is incorporated into an architectural wooden frame with carved foliage, curved openings and layered mouldings. The two pieces are symmetrical and designed as a pair, with the lions facing each other.
The style is characteristic of the Renaissance Revival / Gothic Revival taste of the 19th century, probably from Western Europe. They may originally have been architectural elements from a large piece of furniture, a monumental sideboard, a cabinet, or interior woodwork.
The quality of the carving is particularly attractive, with finely rendered faces, paws, tails and flowing manes.
Dimensions of each piece:
Height: 14.2"
Width: 15"
Depth: 4.3"
Versatile decorative use
Although originally intended as architectural or furniture elements, these unusual carved lions offer many possibilities for contemporary interiors.
They could be used as:
- oversized decorative bookends
- library or bookshelf decorations
- architectural wall ornaments
- fireplace or mantel decorations
- decorative elements on a console or cabinet
- supports for decorative objects
- Gothic or Renaissance-inspired interior decoration
- dramatic additions to a study, library or home office
- cabinet of curiosities displays
- theatrical, film or photography props
Placed at either end of a bookcase, console or mantelpiece, they create a particularly striking and sculptural display.
Their unusual combination of antique oak, architectural carving and powerful lion figures makes them an excellent choice for collectors of antique wood sculpture, Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival and architectural antiques.
Condition
Good antique condition with the expected signs of age and use, including surface marks, small imperfections and variations in the wood. These traces are consistent with the age and history of the pieces and contribute to their authentic antique character. See less