Posted 7 years ago
Greenhorn
(1 item)
This is our very first antique purchase and we don't know exactly what to do with it. We were just fascinated with it. We would love any help in identifying it. The drawers are solid oak sides and bottoms. The drawer front appears to be a thick piece of pine or fir with oak veneer on the inside and walnut on the outside. The mirror supports and top cross piece appear to be solid walnut. On the back of the mirror is some writing in pencil with the name "Ella K...." easy to read and then a possible date or address written beneath it. The extending candle holders are very interesting on the sides of the pivoting beveled mirror. I have lots more close up pictures that I wish I could share.
It looks Renaissance Revival style and probably made in Italy. It looks like a quality piece. Love the arched top, beautiful !~
Thank you for the reply Phil. We thought it looked around that period but it seemed like all the top pieces were geometrical design as opposed to the carving of the woman and also I haven't noticed any extending candle holders like this one has from searching google and looking at pictures.
Phil, after reading about Renaissance Revival, I think it describes our piece perfectly. Bravo! It still has some mystery for us, I would really like to find a picture of a similar top and candle holders on the internet or in other pictures.
"Renaissance Revival, 1850-1880: Furniture made in this style period reflects how cabinetmakers interpreted 16th- and 17th-century designs. Their motifs range from curvilinear and florid early in the period to angular and almost severe by the end of the period. Dark woods, such as mahogany and walnut, were primary with some use of rosewood and ebony. Walnut veneer panels were a real favorite in the 1870s designs. Upholstery, usually of a more generous nature, was also often incorporated into this design style. Ornamentation and high relief carving included flowers, fruits, game, classical busts, acanthus scrolls, strapwork, tassels and masks. Architectural motifs, such as pilasters, columns, pediments, balusters and brackets, are another prominent design feature. Legs are usually cabriole or have substantial turned profiles."
One of my friends had a pair of brass candle holders on an old organ, where I have seen them used before. I use candle followers on my candles but ebay only has newer ones, and I used to get mine at religious supply stores since I could find old ones there also.
A simply beautiful piece of furniture. I envy you.