Carved and Silvered Wood Drapery Swags

Carved and Silvered Wood Drapery Swags
Germany, provenance unknown, carved wood with silvered finish
58cm x 17cm 
 
 
This pair of carved wood ornaments, together with a related third fragment, takes the form of swagged drapery suspended between turned finials and gathered into pendant tassels. The deep, naturalistic folds imitate the fall of cloth, a motif with roots in the classical festoon and long used to ornament mirrors, overdoors and furniture. The silvered surface has softened and toned with age, giving the pieces a quiet, time-worn elegance.