Arts & Crafts style Architectural ornament (2) - 20th - Heraldic griffins





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Pair of 20th‑century walnut heraldic griffins in the Arts & Crafts style, originating from France, each approximately 37 × 27 × 10 cm and about 6 kg, in reasonable used condition with minor missing parts.
Description from the seller
Pair of 19th-century hand-carved winged heraldic griffins – approx. 1830–1850 – walnut wood
A particularly fine and rare pair of large, hand-carved winged heraldic lions from the 19th century, probably manufactured around 1830–1850.
The figures are executed in presumably solid walnut wood, with a very dark, authentically aged patina. The carving is exceptionally bold and deep: richly worked manes, large wings with individually carved feathers, sturdy claws and gracefully formed volutes and shield-like details.
The heavy, sculptural execution and the unworked mounting surfaces indicate that the lions were originally part of an important piece of furniture or architectural interior, such as a monumental cabinet, sideboard, fireplace surround, or console.
What makes these pieces special is the pronounced quality of the handwork. They are not later decorative reproductions or tourist objects, but convincing historical furniture- or architectural-carving with a strong Early-19th-century appearance.
Dimensions per lion: approximately 37 × 27 × 10 cm.
Condition is good and authentic for their age. There are some small old damages, splinters, wear on protruding parts and the loss of a tail segment. These are consistent with age and, in my opinion, do not much detract from the overall appearance. The original dark patina is largely preserved.
A highly decorative and impressive pair for a classical interior, a collection of historic woodcarving, or as standalone sculptural objects.
Dating: probably ca. 1830–1850
Origin: continental Europe, presumably France or Belgium
Material: presumably walnut wood
Style: early Historicism / Renaissance Revival
Pair of 19th-century hand-carved winged heraldic griffins – approx. 1830–1850 – walnut wood
A particularly fine and rare pair of large, hand-carved winged heraldic lions from the 19th century, probably manufactured around 1830–1850.
The figures are executed in presumably solid walnut wood, with a very dark, authentically aged patina. The carving is exceptionally bold and deep: richly worked manes, large wings with individually carved feathers, sturdy claws and gracefully formed volutes and shield-like details.
The heavy, sculptural execution and the unworked mounting surfaces indicate that the lions were originally part of an important piece of furniture or architectural interior, such as a monumental cabinet, sideboard, fireplace surround, or console.
What makes these pieces special is the pronounced quality of the handwork. They are not later decorative reproductions or tourist objects, but convincing historical furniture- or architectural-carving with a strong Early-19th-century appearance.
Dimensions per lion: approximately 37 × 27 × 10 cm.
Condition is good and authentic for their age. There are some small old damages, splinters, wear on protruding parts and the loss of a tail segment. These are consistent with age and, in my opinion, do not much detract from the overall appearance. The original dark patina is largely preserved.
A highly decorative and impressive pair for a classical interior, a collection of historic woodcarving, or as standalone sculptural objects.
Dating: probably ca. 1830–1850
Origin: continental Europe, presumably France or Belgium
Material: presumably walnut wood
Style: early Historicism / Renaissance Revival

