Highly Decorative Pair of Wrought Iron Chenets, Andirons with a Swinging arm, H:29" W:13" D:24" Chenet, or andiron: one of a pair of horizontal iron bars upon which wood is supported in an open fireplace around other pieces of antique furniture. The oldest of fireplace furnishings, andirons were used widely from the Late Iron Age. The andiron stands on short legs and usually has a vertical guard bar at the front to prevent logs from rolling off, thus giving it a somewhat doglike appearance (hence the alternative name, firedog). It was ordinarily fitted with a guard at each end when intended for use in a central open hearth, which went out of general use in the late 14th century. The guard was often cast in the form of a statue or with elaborate decoration. Plain andirons, called cobirons, with ratcheted guards holding brackets for spits, were used in the kitchen. Andirons stand upon short legs, such as these decorative paw feet and are usually connected with an upright guard. This guard, which may be of iron, steel, copper, bronze, or even silver, is often elaborately ornamented with conventional patterns or heraldic ornaments, such as the fleur-de-lis, with sphinxes, grotesque animals, mythological statuettes or caryatides supporting heroic figures or emblems. Sometimes they were referred to by the creature they portrayed. These Highly Decorative Silver Plate ornamental Andirons are with floral motif and animal paw feet and stylized in the Late 18th to Early 19th Century for a wealthy client or palace to adorn there room. This particular pair is quite decorative the candle holder on the top, and the ornate swinging arm. Located in the heart of Summerland, California, Lifestyle Antiques & Interiors offers the finest high-end Antiques, Decorative Arts, and Home Furnishings on the South Coast. We feature a rich collection from Europe, specializing in Italian Furniture, French and Spanish. The elegant collection varies from antique and Murano lamps, decorative pillows, Chandeliers, Mirrors and a fine selection of home furnishings. Just 3 minutes south of Santa Barbara. For your convenience you may shop on line: www.lifestyleantiques.com .

Decorative Interior
Antique Fireplace