Fountains

A simple natural design ideal for kitchen or bathroom for old and new buildings, superb warm veined character, cut from one piece of carrara marble.

1990s Spanish "Alhambra" hand carved Macael white marble conch floor fountain.  

Sea monster Carrara marble mouth fountain Italy, late 16th century It measures 13.8 x 31.5 x 18.9 in (35 x 80 x 48 cm) State of conservation: some small evident gaps and widespread signs of wear due to outdoor exposure. The gray marks crossing it do not come from restoration, but are rather the natural veins of the marble. This work has some morphological characteristics typically associated with the iconography of the sea monster: an elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, protruding eyes, elongated ears, and a coiled serpent's tail. An in-depth series of studies on artistic depictions of the sea monster attempted to verify how this symbol evolved in antiquity in the European and Mediterranean contexts and how it gradually changed its image and function over time. The iconography itself is mutable and imaginative and its history is rich with cultural and artistic exchange, as well as the overlapping of ideas. This occurred so much that it is difficult to accurately pinpoint the "types" that satisfactorily represent its various developments. However, we can try to summarize the main figures, starting from the biblical Leviathan and the marine creature that swallowed Jonah (in the Christian version, this figure was to become a whale or a "big fish", the “ketos mega”, translation of the Hebrew “dag gadol”). Other specimens ranged from the dragons mentioned in the Iliad (which were winged and had legs) to "ketos” (also from Greek mythology), the terrifying being from whose Latinized name (“cetus”) derives the word "cetacean". See J. Boardman, “Very Like a Whale” - Classical Sea Monsters, in Monsters and Demons in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds, in Papers presented in Honor of Edith Porada, Mainz am Rhein 1987, pp. 73-84). In Italy the monster underwent yet further variations: it can be found in Etruscan art on the front of some sarcophagi representing the companion of souls, while among the Romans we find the “Pistrice” (cited by Plinio in Naturalis Historia PLIN., Nat., II 9, 8 and by Virgilio in Eneide: VERG., Aen., III, 427), which appeared in the shape of a stylized hippocampus or a very large monstrous cetacean and evolved into a hideous being with a dragon's head and long webbed fins. During the Middle Ages, the sea monster was the object of new transformations: at this time, it is often winged, the head is stretched like a crocodile, the front legs are often very sharp fins - sometimes real paws - until the image merges with dragons, the typical figures of medieval visionary spirituality widely found throughout Europe (on this topic and much more, see: Baltrušaitis, J., Il Medioevo fantastico. Antichità ed esotismi nell’arte gotica, Gli Adelphi 1997). In Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries, the revival of classicism - representative of the humanistic and Renaissance periods - led to a different reading of these "creatures". Indeed, the sea monster was also to find widespread use as an isolated decorative motif, especially in numerous fountains and sculptures where dolphins or sea monsters were used as a characterizing element linked to water (on this theme see: Chet Van Duzer, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, London, The British library, 2013). From the morphological point of view, the "sea monsters" of this period are mostly depicted as hybrid figures, in which the body of a mythological or real being (a hippocampus, a sea snake, a dolphin), is joined to a head with a rather indistinct appearance. It was usually characterized by large upright ears, an elongated snout, sharp teeth and globular, protruding eyes; a complex and indefinite figure, both from the symbolic point of view and from that of its genesis. The work we are examining is placed as a cross between the medieval sea serpent and the Renaissance dolphin, with stylistic features which recall the snake as often used in heraldry (such as the "snake" depicted in the coat of arms of the Visconti - the lords and then dukes of Milan between 1277 and 1447 - and which, for some, may be derived from the representations of the “Pistrice” that swallowed Jonah). In the search for sources, Renaissance cartography and in particular woodcuts should not be neglected. See for example the monsters of Olaus Magnus, from the editions of the “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus” (“History of the peoples of the north”) and the natural histories of Conrad Gesner, Ulisse...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artistic me...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artistic me...

French wall fountain made of light limestone, the bowl with a lobed edge and a flower / rosette around the tap hole. h 156 x w 49 x d 50 cm

Cute French bronze garden fountain Two tiers, first tier features the classical maidens with Amphora urns Great patina to the bronze Can you imagine this configured and flowing with water? Bought from an architectural salvage company at Paris antique markets...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artistic merit easily fitting in with old and new buildings. It can also makes an excellent outdoor water fountain...

Magnificent pair of life-size+ bronze Goliath Heron fountain sculptures from the Art Deco era. What sets these apart from all others is their silver pl...

A Chōzubachi is an ornamental water basin found in the traditional Japanese garden. It is used for the ritual washing of the hands and rinsing of the mouth...

Daydreaming Frog, a lost wax cast bronze sculpture depicting a frog laying on its belly, tubed as a fountain. Presenting the "Daydreaming Frog," an endearing piece of bronze art that...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artistic me...

Wonderful cast iron fountain head with a great expression, France, circa 1850-1900. Weathered. H:27cm W:25,5cm D:10cm

Wonderful and rare couple of small cast iron fountain heads with a great expression, France, circa 1850-1900. Weathered. Measurement is individual. H:20cm W:18,5cm D:8,5cm

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white Carrara marble, the design has not changed since Greek and Roman times, it carries superb artisti...

This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble with poly chrome inlays. These designs have not changed since Greek and Roman times and ca...

An impressive and large scaled Continental 19th century Renaissance st. composite stone and Wrought Iron well. The octagonal shaped well with its octagonal shaped base is decorated w...

Experience the elegance and durability of our French Limestone Central Fountain. Made in the 1890s, this central style fountain is constructed with high-quality limestone, ensuring l...

This antique French limestone central fountain from the 17th century is the perfect addition to any outdoor space. With a square shape and a central style design, it features a pilla...

This elegant outdoor fountain was crafted in America, circa 1980. Made of bronze and built in two pieces, the fountain features a boy lifting a shell to pour water on the girl below....

This French limestone central fountain adds a touch of French elegance to any outdoor space. The 2-tiered design features intricate carvings, and the durable limestone material ensur...

Cast Iron French Empire Style Lion Head Outdoor Garden Wall Water Fountain (Black). Item features heavy cast iron construction, desirable weathered patina, approx. 40 lbs each. Does ...

Mask Wall Fountain, Rance Marble. the three-piece fountain has been modified to be suitable as a sink. Modern evacuation and machine-cut rear.

Stunning Italian antique garden fountain in bronze Great work of classical beauty with main column supported by sea serpents Believed to be salvaged from a town near Trieste in Italy...

A unique French faucet tap dating to circa 1820, this highly detailed spout has the appearance of a swan with a craned neck. Swan motifs were sometimes see...

This small wall fountain from Provence, France has been hand-carved in three sections. A rectangular crown with several layers of molding tops the vertical back wall which is adorne...

Dating to circa 1900, this French dolphin fountain consists of two pieces of cast iron that have developed a wonderful oxidized and verdigris patina. The vertical dolphin has a rising tail that intertwines around a bouquet of typha (commonly referred to as cattail or bulrush). Designed to be affixed to a wall, the downward-facing dolphin has an open mouth, allowing water to fill the scalloped shell basin below. The basin has a height of five and a quarter inches, with an existing drainage hole. Both items are highly detailed, from scales of the dolphin to the striations of the shell. The iron has developed a greenish-brown patina with traces of orange oxidation, resulting in exposure to the elements. Our two-piece cast iron dolphin...

Consisting of 14 pieces of hand-carved limestone, this small wall fountain was produced in Lecce, in Southern Italy. The top entablature features a thick ogee molding beneath the cor...

The very traditional octagonal garden fountain was hand carved in limestone after an 18th Century original (fountain du reservoir) and can still be seen nowadays in the French villages. This Provencal water fountain has a square paneled central column surmounted by a decorative 8” sphere. It has a decorative panel on two sides and the water exits out of two hand sculpted rosettes. In addition we offer two brass water spout...

A delightful circa 1920 antique patinated cast bronze fountain head sculpture depicting a cherubic young boy riding a turtle, and more specifically, a Galápagos tortoise. With a ben...

fountain in three parts in green and brown slip. - the backsplash is decorated in relief with dolphins and a lion's muzzle (a brass tap will be included) - the basin is decorated wit...

A Magnificent Neoclassical style Bronze Fountain that stands at a whopping 7ft in height. This Fountain Spurts water from the Top From the bottom its Raised by a column and four Clas...

American cast bronze garden fountain with standing figural boy holding Koi fish on a two-tiered shell form scrolled base with turtle at his feet, Late 19th century.

A charming French wall fountain comprised of three pieces of reconstituted, or cast stone, has decorative motifs of a putto and a pair of dolphins. A pedestal formed by two intertwin...

Hand Carved Stone Wellhead center Fountain Rustic Vessel Basin Antique Fire Pit . Nicely hand carved late 18th century - early 19th century Architectural ...

Extremely rare concrete fountain by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Fabricated out of 8 pieces of fiber cement. Hand made in Switzerland, 1960s. Only such fountain available for sale.. Great...

Classical Serpentine Marble Stone Sink Basin This timeless beautiful Italian classical sink is cut from one single block of white marble, these designs have not changed since Greek ...

Antique Terracotta Italian Classical Boy Putti / Cherub & Dolphin Statue Garden Fountain, Approx 50 lbs. Circa Early 1900s Measurements: 31" H x 13.5" W...

Introducing a one-of-a-kind statement piece for your home - a bronze Art Deco water fountain antique. This exquisite fountain is a perfect blen...

Murano Glass Fountain with a Central Vase encircled by 4 Mermaids, 1950s

Hand Carved Stone Container Fountain Trough Basin Planter Antique Farm Sink LA . 18th Century water fountain Basin Jardinière Of Hand Carved Stone container . Color and patina keeps ...

Antique cast stone and shell form birdbath. Great antique condition, nice wear and aged patina will add interest to any outdoor space.

18th century Dutch wall fountain from the hall of a canal house. Made of Carrara marble. Antique wall fountain, with a niche-shaped high back including tap hole, on a curled leg with...

AMAZING "A Knight of Malta Fountain" Italy 20th Century Hand made Large limestone fountain with 6 tiles. At the bottom centre, large coat of arms of Malta accompanied on the sides b...

This French limestone wall fountain, originating from the 1960s, features a small rectangular low-line shape basin at the bottom center. An intricate floral motif at the center top ...

Cast Iron French Empire Neoclassical Style Outdoor Garden Wall Water Fountain. Item featured is a heavy cast iron construction, desirable weathered...

Hand-carved in Provence, France, this large center village fountain is comprised of 14 pieces of Estaillade limestone. Each stone has a cream finish with white and gray accents, expe...

Round Carved Stone Fountain Basin Container Rustic Farm Trough Planter Vessel CA . Exquisite 18th 19th century round hand carved stone water fountain basin. This water trough could be installed with a simple bronze spout or a carved stone fountainhead, we have many options of them, in order to create a charming garden water fountain focal point. A Good size stone container from Provence. The centuries left its marks with a very nice patina. It is a piece of art that holds history and Charm in its proportions. This architectural element is very versatile and it will be the focal point of your landscape or centerpiece in a contemporary design landscape , traditional provincial Italian Spanish Mediterranean French Farm Mid-Century Modern simplistic and Sophisticated etc. Antique dealer California Los Angeles West Hollywood Melrose Ave La Cienega . Install it with a simple spout in the center with water bubbling , as in the example picture attached to the listing , it could be used as a planter box jardinière since it has a good depth for a tree indoor planter Jardinière or cachepot and it can hold a great amount of soil . for an interior water feature...

Ancient and important wall fountain, richly carved in gray stone, with iron filler, ashlar basin and wall pillar, built for a garden in Italy, in the 19th century, from southern Ital...

An elegant and highly unusual figural fountainhead. Made from cast lead, this is a late 19th century / early 20th century piece of superb quality. The lady figure is standing upright...

Enhance your outdoor space with a touch of French elegance. Our antique iron wall fountain from the 19th century features a beautiful carved venus sculpture, adding a rustic charm to...

Add a touch of elegance to your space with this 1950s French Limestone Wall Fountain. Made from authentic limestone, its intricate shell-like carvings create a unique and refined loo...

Add a touch of the Mediterranean to your project with our French Limestone Wall Fountain. Hand-carved with Classic French designs, including the Roman God of wine, Bacchus, this foun...

This hand-carved, single-pillar wall fountain consists of 10 pieces of southern Italian limestone. The fountain is topped by an angular pyramid finial that rests above an entablature...

A stunning, highly decorative four piece set of Stone Regency Fountains. Beautifully weathered dolphin design with detailed carving depicting scales, striated tale and fins. Clear f...

Fabulous pair of cast iron garden turtle fountains. Each turtle measures at 25 x 14 x 10h inches. Hefty in weight, very stable. Copper tubing for the water spout. Great detailed cast...

Stone fountain with a hand-carved surround and a plate decorated with faces. The central part corresponds to the 18th century with the upper plate in Italian Verona marble. The fence...

Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of our 17th-Century Italian White Marble Baptismal Font, a remarkable piece that transports you to the...