17th Century English Carved Stone Horse & Unicorn

An antique carved boxwood cherub decorative wall hanging dating to circa 1650. Crafted in boxwood, this renaissance style sculpture depicts a detailed handcarved cherub or putti bea...

A rare 17th century (Charles II) English stone chimneypiece. The shaped jambs supporting a barrel frieze and moulded shelf. c 1660. Please note that this fireplace was partially b...

This spectacular, monumental 17th century English carved limestone fireplace, circa 1650, was reclaimed from Cobtree Manor House, England (demolished 1968). Standing at 2 m tall (6’ 5”) and over 2.7 m wide (9’), this exceptional English fire surround is a very rare find. It is not often you find a chimneypiece like this outside of a listed heritage property, making this a rare opportunity to purchase a fireplace of such size and grandeur. Highly elaborate, the surround is intricately hand-carved throughout, the frieze of which is most extravagant, carved with a mythical beast to the central tablet among birds, stylised lions holding crowns, parakeets and scrolling foliage. The jambs are carved in a column-like style with fruits and flowers below corbels to the end blocks, completed with a carved egg and dart trim beneath the shelf. This fireplace truly is a magnificent work of art, designed for an interior of prestige and fine grandeur. It is in the manner of late 16th / early 17th century English architect and designer, Inigo Jones (1573 – 1652), who was known for introducing the classical style architecture of the Italian Renaissance to Britain. His famous works include the Banqueting House at Whitehall, The Queen’s House, Greenwich and the Queen’s Chapel at St. James’ Palace. Provenance Removed from a wing of Cobtree Manor in Kent, UK. Though demolished in 1968, the house’s parklands remain to this day and were once the site of Maidstone Zoo. The occupation of the land itself dates back as far as the neolithic times (4300 BC – 2000 BC). However, the first known record can be found in the title estate deeds of English poet and politician, Sir Thomas Wyatt, in 1596. Cobtree is linked to the famous 19th century novelist, Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870). It is believed that during the 1830s, a young Dickens had fallen into a pond while out walking near Cobtree farm. He knocked on the door of the tenant farmer at the time – Mr William Spong – who took Dickens in. It is said that Dickens later took inspiration from Mr Spong in his 1837 novel ‘The Pickwick Papers’, in which he immortalised him as Mr Wardle of Manor Farm near Dingley Dell. 17th Century Heritage Having stood the test of time for more than 370 years, this antique fireplace offers a glimpse into England in the 1600s. This century saw the Stuarts rise to the English throne: first James I of England and VI of Scotland following the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603, followed by Charles I in 1625. Other notable events of this century included the English Civil War (1642 – 1651) and Guy Fawkes...

A 19th century carved York stone armorial plaque. Depicting a coat of arms showing crowns and cockerels, this medieval style piece would make for a stat...

17th century, Italian ancient carved stone bust of Roman Emperor Measures: H 33 (with base) H 28.5 (sculpture only) x 25 x 7 cm. The ancient bust, in ...

Mid 17th century Northern European carved figure of a saint. This striking statue depicts a saint who is dressed in robes, whilst holding his hand over his heart. This figure is freestanding and is stood within a leaning position which makes him stand out. It has been beautifully carved from oak and has remnants of its original paintwork. Likely to have stood within a church for many years and would have been removed due to renovation reasons. This historical figure...

A 17th century Asia hand-carved stone temple sculpture possibly from India, depicting a divinity. Featuring a strong patina revealing its age, this high-relief hand-carved stone scul...

A wonderful and charming Italian 17th century patinated wood carved statue of an angel. The captivating angel is raised by a circular base and dress...