The dolphin is a decorative motif drawn from classical mythology and widely used in furniture, metalwork, lighting, ceramics and architecture. In art the creature is rarely shown naturalistically; instead it appears as a stylised sea beast with a large head, scaly body and curling tail, often supporting a basin, table top or candle branch.
In the ancient world the dolphin was associated with Neptune, Venus and Apollo and was regarded as a friend to sailors. Renaissance and Baroque designers used dolphins for fountains and sculpture, and the motif enjoyed a great revival in the Regency period, partly as a celebration of British naval supremacy after Trafalgar. Dolphin supports appear on console tables, sofa tables, candelabra, lamps, door porters and garden fountains, typically in giltwood, bronze, brass, cast iron or lead. The motif also found favour in the Victorian period, notably in cast iron street furniture and ornamental fountains. When assessing dolphin ornament, collectors look for spirited, well-defined carving or casting and original gilding or patina. Dolphin designs bring a sense of movement and maritime character to interiors and gardens.
