An Italian pair of 17th century carved lions

Pair of ancient carved lion head sculptures mounted on modern round wooden bases. Originating from the late 17th century, in good condition for their age. Both lion figures have an idealized appearance, carved in bust form, with protruding tongues and dense manes, almost like a hairstyle completely covering the neck.

This pair of antique animal sculptures features an excellent dark patina and displays beautiful original traces of fine gold in the deep carving of the lion’s mane.

Standing on modern turned and ebonized round bases measuring 7 cm in height and 16 cm in diameter.

Stylish antique furniture and decorative accessories can be an excellent idea for interior design. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture originates from the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It was inspired by Napoleon’s reign, emphasizing similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.
Neoclassical furniture reflects the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces designed to radiate splendor and serve a role in luxury. Rarely used materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, with moldings, sturdy bases, and relief carvings. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient times inspired the design, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws and eagle heads are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global companies reproduce such furniture, drawing inspiration from Italian and French artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that each country had its own approach to furniture making, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for exclusive antique pieces suitable for your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as many forgeries circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s authenticity and compliance with the description and photos. We also have access to art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.