Vintage Italian Polychrome Monkey Sconces - Pair

Details

Description

Vintage Pair of Italian Polychrome Painted Metal Monkey Sconces. Each sculptural sconce depicts figural monkeys perched among stylized tropical branches … Read more Vintage Pair of Italian Polychrome Painted Metal Monkey Sconces. Each sculptural sconce depicts figural monkeys perched among stylized tropical branches and foliage. Each sconce is constructed of painted and gilt metal and designed as an imaginative vertical composition of curving branches, palm-like leaves and exotic ornament. Colorfully painted monkey figures appear climbing and sitting among the branches, bringing movement, humor and considerable personality to the design. The monkeys are rendered in vibrant shades of turquoise, orange, red, yellow, and dark brown, contrasting beautifully with the aged cream colored branches, green foliage, and warm gilt details. These sconces belong to a long European tradition of incorporating exotic animals, tropical foliage, and fanciful Asian-inspired motifs into decorative interiors. At the top, sweeping green leaves extend from the lower portion of each sconce, terminating in stylized green foliate candle cups fitted with single candle-form electrical sockets. Paper shades accompany the fixtures.
In modern interiors, these sconces will make a statement piece in a contemporary space and are well-suited to rooms where an element of humor and unexpected decoration is desired. They will be ideal flanking a large mirror, painting or console table. In a dining room, they could flank a buffet or sideboard. The contrast between modern furniture and these elaborate vintage Italian sconces would allow their sculptural quality to become the focal point. They would complement Hollywood Regency, Chinoiserie, Palm Beach Regency, Eclectic, or collected European interiors, adding color, character, and an unexpected touch of fantasy to a modern interior. See less