United Kingdom - Building and Garden Elements

A bespoke surround in Irish Kilkenny marble, typical of the early 19th century with moulded panels to Jambs and frieze, carved roundel end blocks and s...

circa 1820 Large 19thC Swedish Painted Vernacular Pine Fire Surround Measures: W210 x D15 x H133 cm.

An elegant French antique pedestal basin sink originating from France. Dating to circa 1900, this antique stoneware sink is of an impressive sc...

This magnificent chimneypiece is carved from fine statuary marble with contrasting inlaid thumbnails of dark Rosso Lavanto across the frieze. The signature motifs, expert craftsmans...

A finely carved Georgian style fireplace in lightly distressed Portland stone. The plain fielded centre tablet flanked either side by stop flutes, with carved oval Patarae corner blocks. The jambs again decorated with stop fluted panels. A shaped and molded tiered shelf with dental work...

A pretty French stone fireplace in the Louis XIV style. The shaped, panelled jambs with oval paterae to centre surmounted by arched, panelled frieze. Moulded shelf above. Small scale...

An antique decorative Victorian era cast iron decorative railing panel by George Wright & Co, Rotherham (stamped). This is one of various similar pieces we have available for sale, e...

A good condition antique Victorian ‘Waterfall’ toilet with P-trap waste, decorated with a light grey-blue transfer print floral pattern, circa 1890. This reclaimed toilet is a beau...

Wonderful 19th Century French garden table. Features two scroll framed supports in original green paint that support the marble top which has the most amazing patina. This super tab...

A reclaimed original Art Deco style bolection fireplace. Veneered in burr walnut, this 1920s fireplace has a rich colour that is perfect for a period property in a chic Art Deco town...

A Huge Italian Grand Tour Rosso Antico Marble Tazza Attributed to Benedetto Boschetti Mid 19th Century Italy - Probably Rome Circa 1840-50 Provenance The private collection of Will Fisher, antique dealer and connoisseur and the founder of Jamb Ltd This beautiful marble tazza is carved almost entirely from Rooso Antico marble, the exception being the base section which is made from contrasting Grand Antico instead. The tazza has an egg and dart carved outspreading rim of campagna design, with wrythen snake form naturalistic handles which twist over themselves in the most virtuosic fashion. Designing the handles alone would have required the skills of a master craftsperson. The body of the tazza is strongly gadrooned and then to the front and back there are Medusa masks, the Gorgon illustrated in fearsome detail with her snake hair...

Massive pair of royal doulton jars with lids which are stamped. Made during the second world war, bearing the date 17.03.41. We beleive these to have been made for the rms during the...

An original Art Deco fire mantel insert constructed from stainless steel and decorated with brass fleur de lis embellishments. An impressive insert for any Art Deco inspired property...

A rare fully skirted English, Victorian period, cast iron bath tub. Rare fully skirted English, Victorian period, cast iron bath tub.

A large 19th century religious stained glass window in an unusual later oak frame. Beautifully detailed and vibrant, this stained glass panel depicts Jesus and Saint Matthew observi...

A pair of early 20th century gothic style leadlight stained glass panels. In later oak frames, these English panels are competently painted in striking colours and designs. They wo...

Detailed with an abundance of stylised scrolling patterns, this original 19th century Victorian side gate is a beautiful addition to any garden. Tall and wide, it brings security as well as style to gardens, courtyard and backyards, creating a traditional English country garden...

Standing at over 10ft tall, this spectacular set of ornately crafted antique Georgian style driveway gates make an impressive entrance to the grounds of an expansive country estate o...

A lovely quality 19th century cast iron Zodiac table by the Falkirk Iron Works foundry. The top has the signs of the zodiac and has lovely old ...

Set of quality brass fire irons with quality rope twist handles. Consisting of a shovel, poker and pair of tongs.

Rare 18th century antique French Louis XVI fireplace mantel. Hand-carved in desirable St Anne's marble. Delicately carved recessed Jambs and Frieze; with elegantly carved centre shel...

19th Century Devil Gargoyle Bracket This is a very old hard plaster wall bracket The subject is a horned devil surrounded with grapes and vines The Bracket is sound with the expec...

A pair of French walnut and fer forge rails or gates in the manner of Edgar Brandt. These could be adapted accordinly.

A superb Brown Jordan Calcutta faux bamboo chair, inspired by Chippendale this chair dates to the 1960’s, it has been overpainted during it’s lifetime and the top colour is now a vib...

A French Louis XV style brass firescreen with scrolls and leaf form throughout. The mesh embellished with matching decoration. 19th century. Height: 760 mm 29" Width: 780 mm 30 ¾".

A Highly Important Empire Period Rosso Antico Chimneypiece Inset with Specimen Marble Portrait Reliefs of Roman Emperors The carved and veneered surround comprising a moulded shelf supported by a bold dentil cornice, above an inverted breakfront frieze carved with a central triglyph panel, flanked by a pair of rosettes carved in shallow relief, the frieze mounted with six carved hardstone profile portrait medallions of Roman Emperors, the stop-fluted jambs raised on moulded footblocks; in excellent condition with small restorations commensurate with age and use; the pale inclusions in the stone naturally formed. This spectacular neoclassical marble chimneypiece is carved from Rosso antico, the frieze inset with six portrait reliefs of Roman Emperors, each carved in marmo giallo on a bardiglio background, five variously incised: VESPASIANUS, TIBERIVS, OTHO, JULIUS CAESAR, TITUS. Rosso antico (marmor taenarium) is first recorded as being quarried in 1700 BC at Akra Tainaron (Cape Matapan), Greece.¹ The majority of this stone, however, was extracted throughout the Roman period, when it was one of the most coveted materials for carving due to its rich red colouring and association with highly prized Egyptian ‘Imperial’ Porphyry.² Rosso antico was chosen in antiquity for portrait busts, notably depicting Bacchic subjects such as Dionysus and satyrs due to its rich red wine colour which symbolised conviviality whilst conveying the education and cultivated taste of the owner.³ In the Renaissance, Rosso antico was also used for architectural detail on important buildings, such as the steps leading up to the choir in the medieval church of S. Prassede, and the large columns at the entrance to the Camera dell'Aurora.⁴ In 121 AD, G. Suetonius Tranquillus, secretary to Emperor Hadrian, wrote a biographical history of the first twelve emperors of Rome entitled De vita Caesarum (The Twelve Caesars). A Renaissance edition of Tranquillus’ work was published in 1470, followed by further reprints and translations into all the main European languages. Many of these were illustrated with prints of emperors taken from coins and statues, or imagined by the artist based on Tranquillus’ accounts. These interpretations were copied, in turn, by Renaissance designers for medals, Limoges enamels, and busts, as well as paintings such as the Eleven Caesars, a series of eleven half-length portraits of Roman emperors made by Titian in 1536–40 for Federico II, Duke of Mantua.⁵ These paintings were later given to King Charles I, before being passed in the Commonwealth to the Kings of Spain. Unfortunately, the series was destroyed in the catastrophic fire of 1734 at the Royal Alcazar of Madrid, and is now only known through copies and engravings.⁶ From the middle of the 17th century until the end of the 18th century, there was an insatiable demand for marble carvings, often sold as Roman or assembled from ancient fragments, thus perpetuating the reverence for antiquity that was the quintessence of the Grand Tour. Rosso antico was in extremely short supply, even after the ancient quarries at Skutari were rediscovered in 1830, and remained one of the most highly valued of all stones. Described in 1776 as ‘dark red; scarce and dear’, it was mostly used for small objects such as Grand Tour desk ornaments, inevitably using material re-cut from classical fragments, due to its rarity, as was the case with porphyry.⁷ The portrait roundels on this chimneypiece are typical of those produced in Rome and Florence in hardstones, semi-precious stones, gold, silver, bronze, and mother-of-pearl, which, being easily transportable, would be taken home from the Grand Tour to be mounted within wooden, gilded or brass frames, as fashion dictated.⁸ A group of gold portraits of Caesars, dating from around 1660, are in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. Images of Roman emperors were not limited to Italy, England and France, however, as examples executed in Deshima for the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie) show. Medallions depicting Roman emperors, invariably made of black and gold Japanese hiramakie or takamakie lacquer on copper, were produced for the Dutch market at the end of the 18th century. Examples can be found in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.⁹ There are two possible sources for the Imperial profiles on the chimneypiece: the engravings of The Twelve Caesars by Marcantonio Raimondi, or the Imperatorum Imagines by Hubert Golz.¹⁰ The portrait medallions also bear remarkable resemblance to a set of eighteen carved portrait reliefs of Roman Emperors, also of marmo giallo, almost certainly bought by David Ker (1742–1811) of Portavo, Co. Down, on his Grand Tour between 1792–4 in either Florence or Rome. Ker’s diary entry for 17th October 1793 is interesting as it reveals that he was offering his brother a choice of chimneypiece designs, which further supports a Roman origin for the offered example.¹¹ Indeed, fire surrounds incorporating antique fragments had been promoted from the late 1760s by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–78), encouraged by Rome-trained architects including Robert Adam (d.1792). One such example, inset with mythological tablets carved from Rosso antico, was acquired by the 9th Earl of Exeter from Piranesi himself for Burghley House.¹² Another can be found at Islington House, Dorset.¹³ A third, inset with giallo antico and Rosso antico, follows Piranesi’s engraved design dated 1769 for a fire surround mounted with three marble portrait reliefs.¹⁴ It should be re-emphasised that Rosso antico was so precious that it was only ever used for small tablets or details rather than an entire chimneypiece, as with the offered example; likewise, while portrait reliefs are occasionally seen on the jambs of Italian surrounds, it is exceptionally rare to see the frieze mounted with a group, especially of this scale: the combination indicates an architectural commission by an extremely wealthy patron. The sophisticated lines of this chimneypiece epitomise the French Empire influence on the Italian states at the turn of the 18th century. This idiosyncratic ‘Roman’ taste is encapsulated by that of Napoleon, who identified with Rome’s Imperial past. Napoleon’s desire to establish a visual link between himself and Roman emperors is demonstrated by the portraits of his court painter, Jacques-Louis David, inspired by portraits of Emperor Augustus. This Imperial taste extended to architecture, furniture and porcelain, the latter two of which are combined in a group of magnificent ormolu-mounted guéridons commissioned in Sèvres between 1803–11, made to immortalise Napoleon’s reign.¹⁵ The second guéridon in the series, the Table des Grands Capitaines (Table of the Great Commanders of Antiquity), commissioned in 1806, is made almost entirely of hard-paste Sèvres porcelain. The top, painted in imitation of sardonyx, is centred by a portrait cameo of Alexander the Great, surrounded by twelve smaller heads of commanders and philosophers from antiquity: Pericles, Scipio Africanus, Pompey, Augustus, Septimus Severus, Constantine, Trajan, Caesar, Mithridates, Hannibal, Themistocles and Miltiades.¹⁶ Louis XVIII presented the table to the Prince Regent (later King George IV) in 1817 as a token of appreciation for Napoleon’s defeat two years earlier, and George IV treasured it so highly that it became part of the ceremonial backdrop for all his state portraits. The table remains in the Royal Collection.¹⁷ This chimneypiece remained, until recently, in the possession of a noble Dutch family, who acquired it from the owners of a bombed Knightsbridge house in the 1940s; unfortunately, its provenance prior to this has been lost. The use of Rosso antico on this scale, inset with these splendid Imperial profile medallions, appears unparalleled. 1. J. B. Grossman, 'Looking at Greek and Roman Sculpture in Stone' (Los Angeles, 2003). Grossman states that this material was ‘...quarried in three places during antiquity: on Cape Tainaron present day Matapan on the Peloponnese of Greece; on Crete; and at the site of Iasos in Asia Minor. 2. L. Lazzarini, ‘Rosso antico and other red marbles used in antiquity: a characterization study’, Marble, Art Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Ancient Sculpture’ (1990), 237–252. C. Gorgoni, L. Lazzarini, P. Pallante, ‘New archaeometric data on Rosso antico and other red marbles used in antiquity, ASMOSIA VI, Interdisciplinary Studies on Ancient Stone’ (2002), pp. 199–206. J. Deér, trans. G.A. Gilhoff, The Dynastic Porphyry Tombs of the Norman Period in Sicily (Cambridge, 1959), p. 144. R. Gnoli, Marmora Romana (Rome, 1988), pp. 187–191. 3. A notable example is a satyr from the Emperor Hadrian's villa at Tivoli, now in the Capitoline Museum, Rome. Another is the head of a satyr in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, accession no. 2006.110. See T. Opper, Hadrian. Empire and Conflict (London, 2008), p. 165, fig. 149. 4. De Luca, Marmi antichi (Rome, 1998), p. 126. Faustino Corsi, Catalogo ragionato d’una collezione di pietre di decorazione (Rome, 1833), p. 93. 5. For related Limoges medallions, see set of ten circular Limoges enamel medallions depicting Roman emperors, en grisaille with gilding, from the workshop of Jacques I Laudin, sold Christie’s London, Fine Renaissance Bronzes and Works of Art, 19 December, 1977, lot 95. 6. See set of drawings sold Sotheby’s London, Of Royal and Noble Descent, 24 February, 2015, lot 184. 7. J. J. Ferber, Raspe’s Travels through Italy in the Years 1771–1772 (London, 1776), p. 218. 8. See Sotheby’s London, Pelham, the Public and the Private, 8 March 2016, lot 75: ‘A set of twelve mother-of-pearl cameos of Roman Emperors, Southern Italian, early 19th century’ 9. Oliver Impey, Christiaan J.A. Jörg, Cynthia Viallé, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580–1850 (Amsterdam, 2005) pp. 48–57, no. 56 & 57. 10. For a further reference, see the candlesticks by Jacques I Laudin in the Waters Art Gallery, illustrated in P. Verdier, Catalogue of the Painted Enamels of the Renaissance (Baltimore, 1967), p. 389, nos. 207 & 208. 11. John Ingamells, A Dictionary of British and Irish travellers in Italy 1701–1800 (London, 1997), pp. 572–3. 12. Oliver Impey, Four Centuries of Decorative Arts from Burghley House (Virginia, 1998), p. 53, fig. 23. 13. Country Life, 12 June, 1997, p. 162, figs. 9–11. 14. A. González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, Roma e il Regno delle due Sicilie, Vol. II (Milan, 1984), pp. 592–93, p. 260. 15. S. Grandjean, 'Napoleonic Tables...

An impressive pair of large reclaimed stone ball pier caps. Made from composition stone, these antique style pier caps have been naturally weathered by exposure to the elements insti...

A fine country house circular teak garden table with six accompanying curved wood benches. The table seats 12 comfortably. The geometric design plank...

19th Century French Marble Illuminated Torchere Column This large French white marble pedestal is hollow allowing it to be lit from the inside, the column has a stepped octagonal ba...

A spectacular large scale antique Italian terracotta water font after the antique. This detailed font of impressive scale is a museum copy of the original holy water basin...

A large 19th century English polished steel, Gun metal and brass fire grate in the Georgian manner. Brass tapering legs surmounted by classical urn finials. Intricately pierced Gun Metal fret work and bowed shaped bars again surmounted by brass finials and a large square fireback.

Large Fleur de Pêche marble and ormolu antique fireplace French, 19th Century Height 121cm, width 188cm, depth 63cm This stunning fireplace combines unusual Fleur de Pêche marble with sculptural ormolu mounts. The fireplace consists of a panelled frieze, below which is the wide serpentine opening. The twin jambs are canted in form, and are supported by footblocks. The use of the historic Fleur de Pêche marble is particularly pleasing: featuring deep veining in a palette of cream, purple, and brown, the marble was highly popular for opulent 19th century design, adorning elite interiors such as the main hall of the Napoleon III apartments in the Louvre. The fireplace is adorned with several ormolu mounts. A large Rococo scallop shell form decorates the centre of the marble frieze, trailed by acanthus leaves. The upper sections of the jambs are applied with female terms, whose bodies dissolve into further acanthus-style forms. The bottom sections also feature gilt-bronze decoration, with further scallop shell designs. The fireplace also features a cast-iron inset, decorated with geometric designs. The fireplace clearly takes inspiration from the Rococo-style fireplace in the Council Cabinet in the King’s Apartments at Versaille, which was designed in the late 18th century by Jacques Verberckt and Jacques Caffiéri. Whilst the deep red marble of the Versailles fireplace...

2 large 1950's Italian colorful brass and ceramic door or cupboard handles, assymetrical, barely used.

Sicis is delighted to welcome you at ‘Home’. The classically inspired extent in contemporary plays an eclectic style, elegant and refined. Interiors express personality. A constant...

A finely made 19th century wrought iron overthrow finished in black paint. Dating from circa 1880, this beautiful antique gate overthrow has sto...

ANTIQUE GNOME STATUE A characterful depiction of a typically cheeky gnome with a pointed hat, perched against a tree stump and holding a flower pot that can be planted. An early ...

Pair of sculptural round push and pull door handles with an articulated oval hole make a good grip. They are very decorative and give doors an outstanding character and are produced ...

Ovoid Adams cobalt blue jardiniere with classical frieze decoration. Circa 1920 H 22cm x W 25cm x D 25cm

A very fine Louis XVI Breche Violette marble fireplace. The carved frieze with c-scrolls throughout, with carved bellflower to centre. The ja...

A vibrant ecclesiastical stained glass window depicting a religious scene dating from the mid 20th century. This beautiful stained glass w...

An original Victorian era antique wrought iron garden gate, beautifully handcrafted with scrolling decoration and arrowhead finial. At over 140 years of age, this large- scale recla...

Art Nouveau push and pull door handles in the shape of two water nymphs, originally from spa in the Alps. Original large handles express the water nymphs carrying water jugs on their...

A large 19th century English bronze round sundial plate with Verdigris finish in very good condition, circa 1870. Made in bronze, this horizontal sundial plate has stood the test of...

Large oak exterior door. A large scale, gothic style door with spaces for glazing. Manufactured in the later half of the nineteenth century, this uni...

A large and grand antique Statuary marble fireplace dating to the 1850’s. Each pilaster with two full rounded and free standing Corinthian columns th...

A reclaimed 4-panel oak interior door dating from the early 21st century; one of 11 similar doors we have for sale. Perfect for a restoration project, this reclaimed door is made fr...

A reclaimed 4-panel oak interior door dating from the early 21st century; one of 11 similar doors we have for sale. Perfect for a restoration project, this reclaimed door is made fr...

A reclaimed 4-panel oak interior door dating from the early 21st century; one of 11 similar doors we have for sale. Perfect for a restoration project, this reclaimed door is made fr...

19th Century Black Slate Fireplace Mantlepiece. A Large Beautiful Antique Victorian English Made Fireplace Surround Made From Black Welsh Slate. This Stunning Fireplace Surround Has ...

A Georgian carved pine fire mantel made using materials dating from the mid 18th century, later adapted. With a warm wood colour, this antique fire surround features a classical dog ...

Unusual 3 Fold French Brass Fire Guard This is a folding Fireguard, the guard is all made in Brass, both the frame and the mesh are brass, it has the added advantage that it folds ...

Antique quality oak perdonium, coal scuttle, box or cabinet C1900. This is a lovely item, that is full of charm and character. This is a heavy quality piece, with no loose joints... far better than most. No woodworm. Good age and patina, would look amazing in the right location! Overall maximum dimensions: 35cmW x 47cmD x 45cmH. Inside bucket approximately 24cm deep, 19cm high x 27cm wide. In good antique condition with minor historic knocks, marks, cracks, scratches, wear, imperfections, repairs and alterations, as is to be expected with genuine antique furniture...

A primitive stone planter, dating back to the early part of the 19th century, possibly earlier. Crafted from rugged sandstone, the irregular, organic shape offers a beautifully weathered appearance, with an original patina of moss and lichen that gives the piece an established, timeworn look. The natural organic shape provides an excellent backdrop as a garden feature...

A colourful and highly detailed antique English stained glass window detailed with a monogram of the letters G, L, A and A to the centre. Dating from circa 1870, this stained glass w...

Two sets of square pairs of push and pull bronze door handles with rounded edges and matching letterbox. They have an expressionist relief of poppy flowers. They are designed for dou...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale simply put the finest Victorian Club Fender ever made with Nickle plated chrome Castle turrets and new Itali...

Large weathered iron garden statue of mercury (Hermes) the winged messenger The statue is very heavy it is almost 4ft tall and made in Iron, it ...

A rare set of the four seasons carved Carrara marble statues. This wonderful foursome are a take on the original four seasons. Autumn, spring, winter, summer (as pictured), are all r...

These imposing, grand pedestals have been crafted from green marble. Of note are the beautifully carved spiral fluting and trailing vine motifs on the bodies of the columns, which ar...

A batch of 480 reclaimed encaustic cement floor tiles. These tiles will cover 19.2 m2 or 206 sq ft.