Five Antique Hand Carved Pine & Gilt Tassels - Architectural Elements - C. 1850

 
Set of five 19th century - decorative - hand carved pine wood and gilt finished tassels that were part of architectural elements - possibly from a French Canadian church decoration - circa 1850. The gilt finish has been applied over a thin layer of gesso - on top of the gilding sits a clear coat of old varnish. Three of the tassels are carved around the entire circumference - two have back sides that are rounded but do not have the same carved details as the others (see detail photo). All five of the tassels have a drilled receptacle or dowel hole in the top that once accepted either cording or other carved elements (see detail photo). By adding a knotted cord to cover the marriage of the two materials - they would make wonderful drapery or key tassels. The over-all condition of these five antique items is excellent - with some loss of the gesso and gilding in areas (consistent with age and use - see photos) - one may have cracked and retains an old repair (barely noticeable - still structurally sound) - areas to the top of the tassels are without gilding - otherwise in fine antique form. Size of each piece - 1 1/4" Diameter x 2 1/4" Long.

Price - US $65.00 SOLD