An Interesting Pair of Carved Oak Fretted Appliqués or Wall Panels

Following early 16th-century designs, this Pair of Carved Oak Fretted Appliqués or Wall Panels are very probably of 19th-century origin. Recent research by Dr. Adam Bowett in 'The Journal of The Furniture History Society' has unquestionably established that a 19th-century carver by the name of George Shaw of Saddleworth (1810-1876) produced substantial quantities of very competent faux medieval pieces for members of the nobility during the mid-19th century. And interestingly, this piece, which has been superbly carved and rendered, may be considered among the works associated with George Shaw who was known for his interpretations of medieval and Renaissance forms.

The two panels are finely carved and are mirror images of each other, suggesting that they may well originally have been used on a wall either side of an architectural feature or perhaps placed back to back to form a cresting of a sort to an object or picture below. As well as the strapwork motifs, all finely carved and delicately executed, the panels also feature fan motifs and, perhaps most interestingly, a lion rampant motif in a garter border. The textured carving to the garter might be intended to represent the heraldic tincture of ermine but the lion rampant itself is almost certainly a direct reference to the crest of the family who commissioned or were sold these panels.

The carvings are of exceptional depth-they are more than half an inch thick at the base and taper somewhat towards the top which shows the hand of an experienced craftsman or workshop working with a specific purpose in mind. It would have been much easier to produce these pieces with a uniform thickness so the tapering must have been executed for practical purposes that relate to how and where they were originally installed.

The quality of the carving throughout is excellent, which is unusual for faux or copied pieces. Note the finely detailed fur of the lions, the angle of protrusion of their tongues, and the petals on the flower head motifs as examples of fine carving. Perhaps the most impressive carving of all is used on the fan designs and these motifs were obviously of great significance in the design scheme, the individual folds being represented beautifully and given depth and texture with stippling. There are pointed finials to the centers. The guilloche or ermine-type carving on the garter section is utilized throughout the panels to great effect and consists of a variety of small motifs combined in to one harmonious decorative scheme. Little wonder that this pair has evaded detection for more than a century. However, now as a decorative piece or carving, they remain exceptional.