Carved Stone Niche Retablo, Large

$695.00

A chiseled stone mantel to construct your home around! The natural and everlasting beauty of a solid stone combined with the distinct lure of old-world artisan stone carving. This limestone slab is over 100 years old and exhibits layers of the original paint. The distressed finish created by time and natural elements adds a level of genuine antiquity and cultural originality.

A Carved stone mantelpiece worthy of restoration!

An elegant outdoor retable in your garden or entryway. A predella/ledge for placing toiletries in an enchanted shower or bath area. A mantlepiece that doubles as the center of attention in your living room, entryway, or study.

Free shipping throughout the continental United States.

Dimensions and Specifications

20"h x 12"w x 6"deep
9.5"h x 6.75"w x 3"deep (Alcove measurements)
Region of Origin: Michoacan Mexico
55 Lbs total weight
Age: 200+ years
The only one of its kind; there is no other similar design and size available.
Ships with wall mounting brackets and necessary anchors to mount.

Carving Details
Directly above the alcove is a cherub, a spiritual figure that can be found on everything from carved wood masks to hojalata tin canvases and other folk-art mediums throughout Mexico. This angel face is sometimes referred to as Soplador "Blower." Other artifacts and carvings that feature a Cherub Blower's child-like face are quite pronounced and noticeable. But due to the age of the limestone and the distressed natural finish caused by decades of oxidization and deterioration, the cherub's chubby cheeks, large eyes, and angel wings are quite faint and almost indistinguishable. Acknowledging all of the attributes above permits this piece to be an incomparable relic of the past.

Origins

This carved stone niche was removed from a deteriorating stone building in Morelia, Michoacan Mexico. Before being vacated and condemned over 50 years ago the colonial-era building functioned as a school. Before this time the stone building stood for over 200 years as a church. During the 17th century, solid stone retablos such as this one were often built into the outer walls of churches and monasteries. Because they are of solid stone and not flammable, candles would be lit and placed in or on these ledges and retablos providing light for participants ahead of evening mass.

Collections: One of a Kinds

Share: