Palm Holders in Lacquered and Gilded Wood, Set of 2

A pair of lacquered and gilded wooden palm holders with wrought and gilded iron handles, resting on a prominent square ivory-lacquered base that supports a turned vase carved with ribs and ribs. The finish features an alternating ivory-colored lacquer and fine gold gilding over a red bole base. A large circular recess at the top likely held the sheet metal flower vase. The two iron handles feature scrollwork at the top and exquisite curls at the bottom. The state of preservation is good, consistent with a late 18th-century date. They originate from Northern Italy.

Palm holders are flower vases that were placed on altars as decorations; they were often shallow and undecorated at the back because they were placed against the walls of side altars. This was not the case for high altars, where they were carved in the round. Various materials are used, predominantly wood or copper or brass sheets, variously embossed or turned into sheet metal, but also cast bronze. The palm trees, symbols of Christian victory, give way to artificial flowers made of various materials such as fabric, sheet metal, and beads. They lend themselves perfectly as decorations to any decor, particularly as lamp bases.