An exceptionally fine hand carved shelf, bracket or other, with a figure that would be either chimera or sphinx-like female. The height when hung is 17.5" tall. The full measurements are noted on the photos for your review. It almost seems like it might have been mounted initially as a side table for a lamp or candlestick. Dating mid or earlier 1800s, I bought it in France. We have never hung this one, but I'm not through trying to think of a little space in my homes to which it absolutely MUST go, so don't let me sit with her much longer. I'm thinking she'd be fabulous in a master bath or guest bath as support for a stack of towels. But you'll find the perfect way to put her on display. Perhaps an oil lamp up top?
Very good to excellent condition but not perfect. You might choose to do a little fill on the back edge, one side, where there is some obvious loss to woodworm of long long ago. The rest of the piece is solid and good, but there is evidence of loss along that one edging, visible for your review in our photos. Were it me, I'd not hesitate at all to have a little restoration there with fill. But on the other hand, I would also not hesitate to hang and use just as it is. The old wood is heavy, solid, only shows that one area of loss, not throughout. l And the figure is beautifully carved, sensuous in the scales that comprise the body. Wings are undamaged, though one will move slightly on the mounting screw so could be tightened ever so slightly. Age to this one. I would not be too surprised to have it from the later 1700s. Isn't it something special!
