{"product_id":"italian-terracotta-carp-fountain-water-spouts-late-18th-early-19th-century","title":"Pair of Italian Terracotta Dolphin Fountain Spouts, Late 18th \/ Early 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA captivating pair of Italian terracotta dolphin fountain spouts, dating to the late 18th or early 19th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach is modelled as a stylised dolphin with an open mouth and expressive features, the body rising into a tapering, hollow column. The vertical series of pierced apertures, together with the open mouth, reveal their original purpose within a water system — designed to carry and release water in a controlled, decorative flow, likely within a grotto, cascade, or tiered garden fountain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe form follows the long-established classical tradition of the “dolphin” motif, derived from Roman and Renaissance sources, where the creature becomes more fantastical than naturalistic. Here, they are carp-like in quality, giving them a particularly sculptural presence. Remnants of the forms of vine leaves trail across their uprights.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe terracotta is iron-rich giving it its wonderful colour, its surface weathered and softly eroded over time. Each piece is individually hand-worked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginally conceived as functional architectural elements, they could be used as water features or stand as sculptural objects in their own right — equally compelling in a garden setting or within an interior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize per dolphin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chris Holmes Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57123019194741,"sku":"TERRDOL","price":2950.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0633\/6007\/3956\/files\/0D18446A-5CCF-4498-9776-F91CC46293AC.jpg?v=1777722656","url":"https:\/\/chrisholmesantiques.co.uk\/products\/italian-terracotta-carp-fountain-water-spouts-late-18th-early-19th-century","provider":"Chris Holmes Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}