19th Century Exceptional Pair of Highly Carved Walnut Italian Renaissance Style Pedestals, each with a rectangular top on a splayed standard carved in high relief with the subject matter of scrollwork centering of an armorial and mask of a grotesque, the same motif is on the facing back panel and ending in outset paw feet. H: 4'8" W:12" D:12" The Armorial and the art that deal with the use, display, and regulation of hereditary symbols employed to distinguish individuals, armies, were also called armorial bearings. Strictly defined, heraldry denotes that which pertains to the office and duty of a herald; that part of his work dealing with armorial bearings is properly termed armory. But in general usage heraldry has come to mean the same as armory. It was noted in the12th century, men who supervised festivities and delivered invitations to guests were often the same minstrels who, after tournaments and battles, extolled the virtues and deeds of the victors. The evolution of Heralds can be identified in the descriptions of tournaments from about 1170, as the minstrels recounted the deeds and virtues of their masters and their masters' ancestors, their interest in genealogy developed. This new skill was related to their tournament duties, which included the necessity to recognize the banners and shields of all those invited to attend. As heraldry developed its elaborate technical language and as armorial display expanded in subsequent centuries, so the importance and consequent status of heralds grew. Heraldry originated when most people were illiterate but could easily recognize a bold, striking, and simple design. The use of heraldry in medieval warfare enabled combatants to distinguish one mail-clad knight from another and thus to distinguish between friend and foe. Thus, simplicity was the principal characteristic of medieval heraldry. In the tournament there was a more elaborate form of heraldic design. When heraldry was no longer used on body armour and heraldic devices had become a part of civilian life, intricate designs evolved with esoteric significance utterly at variance with heraldry's original purpose as used in early history to identify the owner or master. Like all other human creations, heraldic art has reflected the changes of fashion. As heraldry advanced from its utilitarian usages, its artistic quality declined. In the 18th century, for example, heraldry described new arms in an absurdly obtuse manner and rendered them in an overly intricate style. As illustrated in the highly carved and intricate style of this particular pair of Pedestals. Located just south of Santa Barbara in an antique community, the store Lifestyle Antiques with decorative arts and furnishings from Europe, specializing in Italian Furniture, French and Spanish. The elegant collection is located in the heart of Summerland, California, and offers the finest high-end Antiques, Decorative Arts, and Home Furnishings on the South Coast. We feature a rich collection which varies from Murano lamps, decorative pillows, Chandeliers, Mirrors and a fine selection of antique home furnishings. Just 3 minutes south of Santa Barbara. For your convenience you may shop on line: www.lifestyleantiques.com .

Antique Furniture
Antique Pedestals