Large Historicist Wall Étagère with Five Hand-Painted Porcelain Columns, 1890

Details

Description

Decorative two-tier wall étagère, made in Germany in the late 19th century, circa 1890.

The shaped wooden frame has a … Read more Decorative two-tier wall étagère, made in Germany in the late 19th century, circa 1890.

The shaped wooden frame has a dark stained finish with a naturally aged patina. The shelves are supported by five white porcelain columns—two on the upper tier and three on the lower tier. Each column is hand-painted with figures, landscapes and floral motifs, with additional gilded details.

The back panels are upholstered in warm brown velvet and decorated with gilt metal ornaments. Further gilt metal mounts accent the shaped shelves and wooden frame.

The combination of dark-stained wood, painted porcelain, velvet and gilt decoration is typical of the Historicist period, with clear Rococo Revival influences.

Designed for wall mounting, the étagère can be used to display porcelain, small sculptures or other decorative objects.

The piece is in good antique condition, with signs of age and use. These include minor scratches and wear to the wooden surfaces, natural patination to the metal elements, and fading and wear to the velvet panels. The porcelain columns remain in good overall condition. See less