Sculpture, Grand Tour Obelisk - 27 cm - Walnut - 1880
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Current bid
€ 8
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Anna Hue-Roques
Holds bachelor's degrees in Law and Art History with an Ecole du Louvre auctioneer diploma.
Estimate € 140 - € 170
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Antique obelisk in walnut veneer from the United Kingdom, circa 1880, measuring 27 cm high, 8 cm wide and 8 cm deep, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Grand Tour Obelisk – Walnut Veneer – circa 1880–1900
In excellent condition - no reserve
A refined decorative Grand Tour obelisk, executed in warm, figured walnut veneer over a solid wooden core. The elegant taper, crisp architectural steps, and pyramidal apex echo the fascination for ancient Egyptian and Roman monuments that defined the 18th–19th-century Grand Tour tradition, when affluent European travellers collected souvenirs and replicas inspired by classical antiquity.
• Hand-built structure with neatly mitered edges
• Figured walnut veneer with strong grain movement and burr accents
• Traditional shellac or French-polish finish, giving a soft period sheen
• Hollow underside typical of artisan veneer work from the late 19th century
• Excellent preservation of the veneer; stable and intact assembly
Dimensions & Weight
• approx. 27 x 8 x 8 cm (h x w x d)
• approx. 320 g
Condition
• In excellent antique condition
• No veneer loss, cracks, or structural damage
• Minor age-related pre-loved surface marks consistent with minimal use
• Displays beautifully; ready to place in a collection or interior setting
Historical Context
During the 18th to 19th centuries, the "Grand Tour" served as an educational rite of passage for young aristocrats and affluent scholars, particularly from Britain, the Netherlands, and Germany. Italy was a key destination, where craftsmen produced high-end quality souvenir objects inspired by ancient architecture. Obelisks symbolised antiquity, erudition, and cosmopolitan taste, and were popular as desk and cabinet ornaments in libraries, salons, and early curiosity collections.
Shipping & Handling
• Will be professionally packed with great care
• Dispatched next business day with registered and insured post
• Suitable for global shipping
A strong interior statement piece with timeless classical presence, equally compelling in a study, display cabinet, or curated decorative arts collection.
High-end quality and fine historical character.
Seller's Story
We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers.
Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.
Grand Tour Obelisk – Walnut Veneer – circa 1880–1900
In excellent condition - no reserve
A refined decorative Grand Tour obelisk, executed in warm, figured walnut veneer over a solid wooden core. The elegant taper, crisp architectural steps, and pyramidal apex echo the fascination for ancient Egyptian and Roman monuments that defined the 18th–19th-century Grand Tour tradition, when affluent European travellers collected souvenirs and replicas inspired by classical antiquity.
• Hand-built structure with neatly mitered edges
• Figured walnut veneer with strong grain movement and burr accents
• Traditional shellac or French-polish finish, giving a soft period sheen
• Hollow underside typical of artisan veneer work from the late 19th century
• Excellent preservation of the veneer; stable and intact assembly
Dimensions & Weight
• approx. 27 x 8 x 8 cm (h x w x d)
• approx. 320 g
Condition
• In excellent antique condition
• No veneer loss, cracks, or structural damage
• Minor age-related pre-loved surface marks consistent with minimal use
• Displays beautifully; ready to place in a collection or interior setting
Historical Context
During the 18th to 19th centuries, the "Grand Tour" served as an educational rite of passage for young aristocrats and affluent scholars, particularly from Britain, the Netherlands, and Germany. Italy was a key destination, where craftsmen produced high-end quality souvenir objects inspired by ancient architecture. Obelisks symbolised antiquity, erudition, and cosmopolitan taste, and were popular as desk and cabinet ornaments in libraries, salons, and early curiosity collections.
Shipping & Handling
• Will be professionally packed with great care
• Dispatched next business day with registered and insured post
• Suitable for global shipping
A strong interior statement piece with timeless classical presence, equally compelling in a study, display cabinet, or curated decorative arts collection.
High-end quality and fine historical character.
Seller's Story
We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers.
Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Wood type
Walnut
Over 200 years old
No
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Style
Antique
Material
Wood
Title of artwork
Grand Tour Obelisk
Signature
Not signed
Year
1880
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
27 cm
Width
8 cm
Depth
8 cm
Weight
320 g
