17TH CENTURY

This extraordinary pair of stools is not only impressive for their massive size but also for the finesse and depth of carving. Each stool is modeled after a drum, with the rows of raised bosses at the top and bottom imitating the nail heads that would have secured the leather taut on the drum. The protruding handles on either side are formed as fierce demon-masks with long horns, which flank octofoil cartouches enclosing two writhing dragons, all set against a ground of dense, intertwined foliate scroll. The stools are further carved in low relief on the tops with a geometric pattern that emulates the sumptuous brocaded textiles of the time, which were sometimes placed on stone furniture to add comfort and warmth. These stools would have been used in a garden or a courtyard, likely placed near the entrance for functional and apotropaic purposes. The lavish use of material combined with the sophisticated and well-executed design indicate that this pair was produced for a highly important patron for whom no expense was spared. A pair of white marble ‘drum’ stools dated to the 17^th century of similar height, but carved with four large oval openings on the sides, was sold at Christie’s New York, 16 September 2016, lot 1136.