A pair of Italian Florentine style demilune wall brackets, each designed with stylized cascading feathers or palm fronds gathered and tied at the base with a flowing ribbon bow. The semi-circular shelves feature molded edges, supported by the elegant scrolling plumes.

Historical & Style Details

• Subject / Sitter / Source: Feather and bow motif
• Period: Mid-Century Modern
• Origin: Italy
• Material / Technique: Gilt and gesso over carved wood or composite
• Materials: Wood, gesso, gold leaf/paint, metal hanging hardware
• Markings: Hand-marked "408 MADE IN ITALY" in black ink on the reverse edge
• Decorative Details: Demilune shelf supported by three stylized plumes tied with a bow knot at the terminal
• Colour & Surface: Antiqued gold gilt finish with red bole undertones; cream-painted reverse
• Condition: Minor wear to the gilt finish, including a small chip on the front edge of one shelf revealing the white gesso underneath; structurally sound with mounting brackets intact

History

These wall brackets are classic examples of mid-20th-century Italian decorative arts, often referred to as Florentine giltwood. Produced in large numbers for the export market from the 1950s through the 1970s, these pieces drew inspiration from classical Baroque and Rococo motifs, such as stylized feathers, acanthus leaves, and ribbons. They remain highly sought after by collectors for their ability to add classical elegance and warmth to Hollywood Regency and eclectic interior designs.