Majestic Architectural Salvage Ornamental Painted Wood Frieze/Valance Decorative Element C. Late 19th American Victorian Design

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Description

A majestic architectural salvage wood decorative element, circa Late 19th Century, under the American-Victorian school of design. A prodigious piece … Read more A majestic architectural salvage wood decorative element, circa Late 19th Century, under the American-Victorian school of design. A prodigious piece of what we believe to be a frieze or valance or an ornate trim panel. Some might also call it a swanwork, a gingerbread trim, or a carpenter's lace. Its purpose to exist is unknown specifically, but it was meant to elevate and enhance a design. Embellishment was the goal.

Exceptional it is, and as to shape and form, it's an elongated rectangular board with an ornamental profile. Starting from the top we have a continuous row of pointed triangular teeth or zigzag patterned also called crenellation—found on a castle for example. This is centered and covers about two-third of the length. From there we move below to the main body of the piece, with its open design. This portion includes a series of cutout shapes ranging from half circles, to arches, and with a more elaborate center of scalloped multi-lobed cutout, that breaks the rhythm and adds its own visual interest.

As to material and color, it's constructed of solid wood and then painted a muted olive green for the bottom portion, and a darker tone for the top band and teeth. All of it is soft and gentle and has obtained a magnificent patina over its life time. The weathering on it all is gorgeous.

We envision this—and it's application are numerous—in settings such as a center piece of a wall, or on top of doorways or arches, or decoration over kitchen cabinets, or sitting on top of a mantel over a fireplace. These are just a few thoughts. Of course it can also be taken outside and placed in a garden setting.

Though we have simplified this under architectural salvage, yet this is very unique and we can only imagine the grandeur of the house it came out of! With this piece you get a taste of it a time long gone.

Circa: 1900
Condition: Constant with age and wear. See photos
Dimensions: 61" W x 2" D x 9" H See less