10 EXTRAORDINARY PAIRS TO EMBELLISH YOUR SPACE NOW
This week we are celebrating the beauty of pairs. They offer balance and complement, contrast and emphasis on many levels. Today we are sharing 10 pairs of beautiful furnishings that we found right now that can add a double dose of beauty to your personal spaces.
1. PAIR OF 18TH CENTURY POLYCHROME & PARCEL GILT ANGELS
This is a Monumental pair of 18th Century angels. The pair is an absolutely magnificent example of polychrome, an artisanal practice of decorating the surfaces of architectural elements and sculptures with multiple colors, dating back to the Bronze Age, and popular in Classical, Medieval and Baroque creations.
The angels are burnished with parcel-gilt, giving them rich definition, showing of the carved flowing lines of their robes and sashes, while showing off the delicate pastel color washes underneath.
Available at 1st Dibs.
2. PAIR OF LEAD DOGS
Guard your garden entrance with this beautiful pair of Mid-Century stone lead dogs. Made in the United Kingdom, circa 1950-1960.
Available at 1st Dibs.
3. PAIR OF VINTAGE RIBBON LOUNGE CHAIRS
Designed by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, this unique pair of cream-colored ribbon chairs are a joy to sit upon, with a beautifully sculpted cushioned seat and back. They rock 1970’s glamour. Made in the Netherlands.
Available at 1st Dibs.
4. PAIR OF ARTURO PANI MOHAIR WINGBACK CHAIRS
Sit back and wrap yourself in these fabulous wingback chairs, designed by Arturo Pani. Their unique rolled-back wing design makes a beautiful statement. The chairs have been fully restored, restuffed and recovered in a soft grey mohair-cotton fabric, for an elegant look and feel. Made in Mexico, circa 1950’s.
Available at 1st Dibs.
5. PAIR OF VENETIAN FANTASY GROTTO JARDINIERES
This glorious pair of silver gilt and polychromed jardiniers features totally ripped mermen holding giant clamshell shaped planters. Fantasy grotto to the max. Check out the detailing on the fishtails and the seashell encrusted base. The planter interiors are lined in original tin.
Made in Italy, circa 1900.
Available at 1st Dibs.
6. PAIR OF CARVED ITALIAN GILTWOOD MIRRORS
Do a double-take with this exquisite pair of Baroque carved giltwood mirrors. A beautiful tortoise-shell inlay frames each mirror inside an elaborate profusion of gilted, scrolled flowerheads, acanthus leaf crestings, winged putti and other amazing architectural elements. Made in Central Italy in 1680, they still take your breath away!
Available at 1st Dibs.
7. PAIR OF ROBERTO GIULIO RIDA CHESTS
This unique vintage pair of small chests, designed by Roberto Giulio Rida, is made of maple wood, with solid brass legs. Their glass finish is clad with 156 bronze-colored crystal rings, topped with clear optical crystal cylinders.
The chests are fire-signed R.G. Rida on the back.
Made in Italy, circa 1950’s-1960’s.
Available at 1st Dibs.
8. PAIR OF ANTIQUE FRENCH MARBLE VASES
This stunning pair of antique French Marble Vases was created by French artist Henry Dasson. Dasson, one of the most well-known and celebrated Parisian bronzier ebenistes.
Each vessel was carved from a single piece of beautifully veined grey and cream marble. The vases are embellished with swirls of bronze, coated in finely ground, high-carat gold-mercury amalgam, known as ormolu.
Made in France, circa 1892.
Available at 1st Dibs.
9. PAIR OF QUING DYNASTY ROOT CHAIRS
This magnificent pair of Quing Dynasty chairs is made of gnarled root wood. It is astonishing to see the artistry of nature, with the elaborate carvings formed only as the trees from which these chairs are made grew, stretching their roots through the challenges of rocky soil.
Made in China, circa 1860.
Available at 1st Dibs.
10. PAIR OF IRENE REZZONICO SCULPTURES
Named after the original pair of humans, “Adamo and Eva,” this pair of sculptures, by German artist Irene Rezzonico are a delight to behold. They were formed from stacked assemblages of colored and patterned hand-blown and molded Murano glass. They stand tall, at 6’2”. Made in Germany, circa 1980.
Available at 1st Dibs.
Read more about Beautiful Pairs, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact
Enter your own images and ideas about Beautiful Pairs in this week’s creative Photo Competition. Open for entries now until 11:59 p.m. PT on 11.16.14. If you are reading this after that date, check out the current BN Creative Competition, and enter!
PHOTO CREDITS:
- Photo: Courtesy of C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom. 18th Century Polychrome & Parcel Gilt Angels.
- Photo: Courtesy of C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom. Faces of 18th Century Polychrome & Parcel Gilt Angels.
- Photo: Courtesy of English Ancient Antiques. Pair of Lead Dogs.
- Photo: Courtesy of Tishu Gallery. Pair of Vintage Ribbon Lounge Chairs.
- Photo: Courtesy of House of Blu. Mohair Wingback Chairs.
- Photo: Courtesy of the Lotus Gallery. Pair of Venetian Fantasy Grotto Jardinieres.
- Photo: Courtesy of Galleria Veneziani. Carved Italian Giltwood Mirrors.
- Photo: Courtesy of Nilufar Gallery. Roberto Giulio Rida Chests.
- Photo: Courtesy of Butchoff Antiques. Pair of Antique French Marble Vases.
- Photo: Courtesy of Fancyman Productions. Pair of Quing Dynasty Root Chairs.
- Photo: Courtesy of Newel. Pair of Irene Rezzonico Sculptures.
