SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF ITALIAN PAINTED AND PARCEL-GILT CARVED "GROTTO" STOOLS
SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY
In the form of a scallop-shell, the hinged back opening to reveal a watered pearl silk padded seat and backrest, above a foliate and rockwork base, the decoration refreshed
20 in. (50 cm.) high (2)

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

These whimsical 'Grotto' stools, with their Giant clam or scallop-shells emblematic of Venus, are typical of the late 19th Century fashion for 'fantasy furniture' (B. Newman, Fantasy Furniture, New York, 1989, pp. 57-78). Although rarely labelled, this furniture seems to have executed in Venice by both Pauly et Cie and Remy & Ci (sic.) - both of whom described themselves as Fabrique de Meubles Verreries Marbres...

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