£1,650.00
A wonderfully decorative pair of large hand-carved wooden swans, beautifully weathered with age and finished with contrasting brass beaks.
Substantial in both scale and weight, the pair have been individually carved with wonderfully expressive forms. One swan stands elegantly with its long neck raised, while its companion bows its head in a graceful sweeping curve, creating a particularly effective sculptural composition when displayed together.
A wonderfully decorative pair of large hand-carved wooden swans, beautifully weathered with age and finished with contrasting brass beaks.
Substantial in both scale and weight, the pair have been individually carved with wonderfully expressive forms. One swan stands elegantly with its long neck raised, while its companion bows its head in a graceful sweeping curve, creating a particularly effective sculptural composition when displayed together.
The bodies have been carved from substantial sections of timber, with individually delineated feathers extending across the wings and tails. Particularly attractive are the beautifully aged surfaces of the wood, where years of natural weathering have created a softly bleached palette of silver-grey, warm ochre and muted brown.
Numerous natural fissures, grain lines and irregularities run through the timber, giving the swans the wonderfully time-worn appearance that is so desirable in decorative country-house and garden pieces.
Each swan is finished with a metal beak with a warm brass-coloured finish, providing a subtle contrast against the pale weathered timber.
Their considerable scale is difficult to appreciate from photographs alone. The taller swan measures approximately 55 cm high and the pair have a combined weight of almost 13 kg, giving them far greater presence than conventional carved bird ornaments.
They are wonderfully versatile decorative objects.
Inside, they would make fabulous statement pieces positioned beside a fireplace, beneath a console, within an entrance hall, garden room or orangery, or incorporated into a layered country-house interior.
Equally, their beautifully weathered appearance makes them particularly appealing as decorative pieces within a covered terrace, conservatory, garden room or sheltered exterior setting.
Displayed together, the contrasting positions of their necks create an especially charming composition.
We bought these purely because of their scale, character and wonderful weathered surfaces.
There is something particularly appealing about decorative objects that have acquired this degree of natural ageing. The cracking, fading and variations within the timber have given both swans an almost architectural quality that would be impossible to reproduce convincingly with a newly made decorative piece.
We also love that they are not identical.
The taller swan holds its neck upright while the second curves dramatically forward, so when positioned together the two interact beautifully as a sculptural pair.
At approximately 55 cm long and weighing more than 6 kg each, these are substantial decorative objects rather than small tabletop ornaments.
They would look superb within a relaxed country-house interior, garden room or orangery, but equally we could see them used as statement pieces in a contemporary interior where the simplicity of the weathered timber would provide wonderful texture.
A wonderfully characterful pair and exactly the type of slightly unusual decorative object we love to find.
20th Century
Hand-carved wood and metal with a brass-coloured finish
The swans are presented in good decorative condition with extensive weathering and age-related character throughout.
Both display numerous natural drying cracks, fissures, surface splits, grain separation, rubbing, marks, discolouration and variations in the timber consistent with age, previous use and exposure.
These characteristics are particularly evident around the bodies and necks and form an important part of their wonderfully weathered appearance.
The carved feather detailing remains clearly visible throughout.
The metal beaks display rubbing, oxidation and variation to their brass-coloured surfaces consistent with age.
The swans remain substantial and display beautifully.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition report.
Due to the naturally aged and weathered timber, we would recommend using the swans indoors or in a sheltered exterior position rather than leaving them permanently exposed to severe weather.
Taller Swan
Height: 55 cm / 21.65 inches
Width: 22 cm / 8.66 inches
Depth: 55 cm / 21.65 inches
Weight: 6.7 kg / 14.77 lbs
Bowed Swan
Height: 36 cm / 14.17 inches
Width: 22 cm / 8.66 inches
Depth: 57 cm / 22.44 inches
Weight: 6.2 kg / 13.67 lbs
Combined Weight: approximately 12.9 kg / 28.44 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
