{"product_id":"a-victorian-cast-iron-acanthus-leaf-tripod-table-or-stool-c1850","title":"A Victorian Cast-Iron Acanthus-Leaf Tripod Table or Stool c1860","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScottish, circa 1860–1880. Probably Charles Young of Edinburgh  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional example of Victorian ornamental ironwork, the finely cast tripod base formed entirely from exuberant, naturalistically modelled acanthus leaves, each descending from a circular iron frame before sweeping outwards into broad, foliate feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe three supports are particularly accomplished in their modelling, with deeply pronounced central ribs, irregularly pierced foliage and richly textured surfaces. The legs are united by a slender tripartite iron stretcher, lending structural stability without interrupting the remarkable sculptural quality of the design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe form belongs to the great tradition of nineteenth-century British decorative cast-iron furniture, developed for conservatories, garden rooms and the increasingly fashionable Victorian winter garden. Its distinctive splayed acanthus supports invite comparison with the celebrated designs of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharles D. Young of Edinburgh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, whose naturalistic garden furniture, introduced during the middle decades of the nineteenth century, became widely admired and subsequently reproduced by other British foundries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ironwork retains an attractive, time-worn white-painted surface, with accumulated layers of paint, minor losses and areas of oxidation lending considerable character to the deeply modelled foliage. The later circular hardwood top provides a pleasing contrast to the pale ironwork, allowing the piece to serve as a distinctive occasional or side table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA particularly decorative example of Victorian naturalistic design, combining the classical language of the acanthus leaf with the expressive possibilities of nineteenth-century iron casting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michael Treasure Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59003839512957,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0633\/9801\/9304\/files\/CD33F9BA-9015-43AF-ADBA-E230FAD30100.jpg?v=1793264905","url":"https:\/\/michaeltreasureantiques.com\/products\/a-victorian-cast-iron-acanthus-leaf-tripod-table-or-stool-c1850","provider":"Michael Treasure Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}