Portugal
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Portuguese 18th Century Painted Altar Cabinet
$2,650.0038.25"H x 22.25"W x 10.50"D
Dimensions: 38 ¼” H x 22 ¼” W x 10 ½” D
A fantastic 18th century Portuguese oratory, that is a small niche dedicated to prayer like one’s own private chapel or shrine, hidden inside this wall-hanging cabinet. On the exterior, the dark wood cabinet has a shaped pediment applied to the cornice, over two paneled, arched doors conforming to the low arch of the top. Opening the (locking) doors reveals the folk art painted interior of delicate roses, scrolling gold vines, and stars over a mottled turquoise background surrounding the gold corona at the center of the back. The bottom third of the piece appears in marbleized brown tones like wood grain with subtle foliate imagery. The cabinet is finished by a moulded plinth base to sit directly on a table or other surface if not mounted on the wall; two small metal hooks project from the top for hanging. Gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to preserve all the historic character, ready for your interior. Please view the detailed images as they are a necessary part of the product description.
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Portuguese 19th Century Plaster Column
$3,250.0041.75"H x 13.50"W x 13.50"D
Dimensions: 41 ¾” H x 13 ½” W x 13 ½” D
A supremely elegant Portuguese 19th century sculpted plaster column for Neoclassical beauty in any interior or patio. The column features a small abacus (the top surface) for elevating a plant or vase, accented by festoons that hang low to drape over the fluted pattern on the shaft. Note how time and exposure to the elements have left a tactile patina of craquelure and pitting . A square plinth base grounds the column for stability. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition of this dramatic pedestal.
Top surface: 11” diameter
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Portuguese 19th Century Carved Stone Pedestal Sink
$4,995.0035.50"H x 25.88"W x 21.50"D
Dimensions: 35 ½” H x 25 ⅞” W x 21 ½” D
A Classical pedestal sink from Portugal, 19th century, carved from stone in the form of a scallop shell as if designed by the artist Botticelli himself to draw Venus from the sea. The sink basin is now wonderfully patinated in such a depth of texture and color that accentuates the delicate curves of the shell. There are three holes and the back for a faucet and the columnar base is also notched to run the plumbing. This will make a stunning feature of any garden or bathroom. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
Column diameter: 8”
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Portuguese Pair of 19th Century Carved Alabaster Urns
$5,500.0015.13"H x 14.38"W x 14.38"D
Dimensions: 15 ⅛” H x 14 ⅜” W x 14 ⅜” D
A pair of large, carved alabaster urns from Portugal (late 19th century) exhibiting all the worldly refinement and grandeur of the period. The urn forms have a light blush-tone and faint veining that gives organic character to their restrained decoration. Timeless motifs of fluted grooves around the rim and laurel leaves wrapping the thick vessel bowl are perfect for adding a touch of Neoclassical sophistication to your interior or patio. The dense but luminous stone is lightly patinated with flea bite chips and the inside appears slightly orange which would be covered by greenery. Enjoyable for both decorative and functional use, these urns are a perfect addition to any setting, offering a blend of history and cultivated style. Please view the detailed images.
Interior dimensions: 10 ⅝” diameter x 7” deep
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Portuguese 18th Century Hand-carved Marble Mortar
$1,650.009.63"H x 15.75"W x 11.88"D
Dimensions: 9 ⅝” H x 15 ¾” W x 11 ⅞” D
A Portuguese 18th century oversized stone mortar & pestle once used to grind herbs, grains, and spices for cooking and medicine. The vessel is hand-chiseled from one piece of stone characterized by patchy red and orange minerals, shaped with four, angular handles that make it (a little) easier to use and carry. This antique culinary tool becomes a sculptural feature for an interior or patio, used as a bowl or artifact of culinary history. Be sure to view the detailed images to see the current condition.
Pestle dimensions: 2 ½” diameter x 13 ½” long
Interior dimensions: 9 ⅝” diameter x 5 ⅜” deep -
Portuguese 18th Century Carved Stone Column
$6,500.0039.50"H x 16"W x 15.25"D
Dimensions: 39 ½” H x 16” W x 15 ¼” D
A fabulous 18th century carved stone column from Portugal, best described as Gothic or Romanesque in style, using the familiar acanthus motif around the capital. By the artist’s hands and tools the stone has been shaped to incredible depth within the folds of the leaves as they spread across the circumference. The abacus (the flat top surface) is rather irregular in shape either by time or being extracted from the original architecture. The square plinth base is similarly affected as the top in areas of loss and discoloration, which has been gently cleaned to appreciate the natural color and textures of the stone. Today it would make an extraordinary pedestal to uplift a garden urn or vase whether used inside or on the patio. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition of this dramatic pedestal.
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Portuguese Pair of 19th Century Carved Stone Pinnacles
$12,995.0045"H x 21"W x 21"D
Dimensions: 45” H x 21” W x 21” D
A monumental pair of 19th century carved stone architectural finials from Portugal to add symmetry and drama to any structure, or placed as standalone works of art to appreciate their sculptural qualities. Likely they were once the finishing touches on gate posts at the entrance of a grand estate, referencing a number of global artistic styles to communicate wealth and worldly sophistication. Note how they can separate into three sections for easier transport and installation on-site (see the image gallery). The pinnacle is a sharp point which spreads into a rather angular cone, matching the battlement notches that flares out between the junction of the two upper parts of the urn. The urn body is rather flat at the shoulder and decorated with a series of flat, circular applications around the circumference. The foot has a pronounced gadroon texture above a square base. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition. Sold as a pair only.
Base dimensions: 13 ½” square
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Portuguese Pair of 18th Century Pine Altar Consoles
$7,800.0019.75"H x 42.50"W x 20.38"D
Dimensions: 19 ¾” H x 42 ½” W x 20 ⅜” D
A magnificent pair of 18th century Portuguese carved pine wall consoles, also called brackets, originally part of the architectural program of a cathedral altar. They have been updated more recently with travertine stone tops for a durable surface that complements the timeless quality of the baroque profile. Deep cornices project with chamfered corners (of which the stone tops are shaped to fit) with a beautiful slope that contours then retreats toward the wall. A finely carved finial inverted from the base reveals foliate carvings to echo the acanthus at the top corners, unifying the look and enhancing its architectural function. Truly these are a remarkable feat of vision and craft. At just over 20” in depth, these floating brackets are a practical solution in lieu of console tables with legs, satisfying both a decorative statement and shelf to display upon. Three centuries of patina enriches the natural wood grain and character of these intriguing antique fixtures to become a focal point of any room. Gently cleaned and polished with a French paste wax, please view the detailed images to see the current condition. Sold as a pair.
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Portuguese 18th Century Carved Solid Chestnut Cabinet
$9,995.0082.38"H x 56"W x 28.38"D
Dimensions: 82 ⅜” H x 56” W x 28 ⅜” D
A substantial carved cabinet from Portugal, 18th century if not earlier, made of chestnut wood that has been carefully transformed with reeded, geometric designs on the four doors. In a hybrid style known as “Mudéjar” the decorative arts of the period nodded to the Moorish presence in the Iberian peninsula and global influence from the colonies . Using just a single solid plank for each side of the cabinetry, the interior is divided into upper and lower sections enclosed by these gorgeous doors hung on forged iron hardware with working locks. The top cabinet offers a high, narrow shelf around three sides like a kind of mezzanine over a 22” deep shelf that fills the interior. Below that, to the right side, is a small tabernacle box whose door is also carved with the repetitive lines seen on the exterior doors. The lower cabinet has one shelf, approximately 48” wide x 22” deep. While this cabinet may be nearly 400 years old its solid construction and extraordinary craft would make an astounding addition to any interior. Cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to preserve the historic character. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
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Portuguese 18th Century Faux Bois Painted Cabinet
$9,995.0071.38"H x 59"W x 28.75"D
Dimensions: 71 ⅜” H x 59” W x 28 ¾” D
An exceptional Portuguese cabinet from the 18th century with faux bois painted exterior to mimic the exotic woods of the colonies, like rosewood and mahogany, that expertly captures their unique grain patterns and tone to become a unique work of art in the process. The top cabinet uses two, bifold paneled doors to enclose the interior, appearing as four narrow sections with dark, raised middle panels framed by contrasting “woods” in lighter tones. Each pair of doors has integrated bolts for vertically securing to the crown and bottom, plus a working lock fitted into the middle right door. Hidden in between the two bodies is a retractable shelf that slides out by two short knobs nearly imperceptible against the trim. In the lower body is a row of three drawers over a very wide drawer spanning the full width–all using wrought iron drop (lifting) handles to open. Note the middle drawer retains a working lock and key. For the modern interior the scale of this case piece is impressive alone, offering daily inspiration and fascination by the handpainted faux bois decoration to use for living and dining room storage, offices, or in place of an armoire. The cabinet has been cleaned and polished with a French paste wax to maintain every unique feature. Please view the detailed images to see more. Two keys included.
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18th Century Portuguese Altar
$2,650.0023.88"H x 18.38"W x 9.50"D
Dimensions: 23 ⅞” H x 18 ⅜” W x 9 ½” D
A fantastic oratory or tabletop altar from 18th century Portugal, made of carved, painted, and gilded wood taking the form of a small cabinet (where religious statuary would be displayed). The niche interior is painted a leafy shade of green, framed by an arched doorway flanked on the sides by scrolling corbels which continue down the sides as floral-foliate carvings in high-relief. Dark, angular molding that wraps the chamfered corners of the crown and the stepped base appears reddish brown now, with traces of the original gilding. The left and right sides of the case are decorated in a faux marble finish of implied veining which underscores that this altar is a unique work of art by its own merits. Recreate your own sacred space with this handmade shrine, for regular devotion, reflection, or simply to showcase a personally meaningful object. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition.
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Portuguese 19th Century Glazed Terracotta Bowl
$395.004.63"H x 13.25"W x 13.25"D
Dimensions: 4 ⅝” H x 13 ¼” W x 13 ¼” D
An inspiring example of 19th century Portuguese folk art pottery, this handmade terracotta bowl expresses the unique history of decorative arts traditions found across the Iberian peninsula which borrowed imagery from cultures far and wide. Crafted in terracotta and finished with a buttery gold slip glaze, the bowl features whimsical (if not symbolic) crosshatched pyramids in burnt orange, and parallel lines dividing the interior into four quadrants occupied by dark green wave motifs. The ruffled “pie crust” rim is gently pinched to round out the decorative effects, but like similar fajalauza bowls from Spain this piece would have been used regularly in the kitchen and not just to display. Patina as expected with some loss to the glaze, bringing warmth and authenticity to any interior or ceramics collection. Please view the detailed images to see more.
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Portuguese 18th Century Christ Painting from a Church
$5,500.0022.50"H x 30.88"W x 2.25"D
Dimensions: 22 ½” H x 30 ⅞” W x 2 ¼” D
Portuguese 18th century assemblage painting of the Resurrection of Christ, likely an architectural fragment or retablo that would have hung in a church. Constructed of thick wood panels the central vignette features the risen Jesus with right arm outstretched to gesture with three-fingers (for the Holy Trinity) while his left hand holds a red banner against a pastel corona in the background. Four soldiers in the foreground regard him expressing a range of emotions from grief to shock. Flanking the middle scene are two narrow panels entirely hand-painted with exquisite geometric designs in more bold saturations of color, resembling Moorish tiles, all outlined in gold gilt. Currently the panel is strung with picture wire on the back to hang. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition of this incredible work.
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Framed Set of 18th Century Portuguese Tiles
$650.0011.63"H x 11.63"W x 1.13"D
Dimensions: 11 ⅝” H x 11 ⅝” W x 1 ⅛” D
The artistry and industry of Portuguese azulejos tiles is a tradition that dates back many centuries; as a practical, architectural surface to cover both interior and exterior walls without missing the opportunity to make a strong visual impact. This collection of four, handpainted tiles from the 18th century (hence the subtle variation between them) incorporates Moorish decorative motifs rendered in blue and white glaze that have been recently assembled into a panel set in a wooden frame. For the modern interior this inspiring memento can be used as a trivet on a dining table or counter, then displayed flat or hung on a wall to appreciate its charming, handmade quality. Please view the detailed images to see more.
