Italian Baroque Carved Walnut Torchiere Base, Three Putti, Venetian, 17th 18th Century
Buckland, United Kingdom
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Excellent
Material
Walnut
Style
Antique, Italian Antiques
Product Details
Description
An exceptionally rare North Italian Baroque carved walnut torchiere base, probably Venetian, dating from the 17th or 18th century.
The piece is modelled with three putti arranged around a hollow central support and standing upon a circular gadrooned base. Traces of the original gilding remain within the deeply carved foliate decoration. Each putto is individually modelled with a rounded youthful face, abundant curled hair and softly articulated proportions. Their heads turn in different directions, while variations in the positioning of their bodies and legs create a continuous sculptural composition intended to be viewed from every side. Each figure wears a narrow sash tied at the waist. The hollow central structure is visible from above and below, while the underside reveals the composite construction of the base with old metal nails or pins.
The use of putti as structural supports belongs to the rich tradition of North Italian Baroque furniture, particularly associated with Venice, where it reached exceptional refinement in the work of Andrea Brustolon (1662-1732). Although originally made as the base of a torchiere, the piece is a highly decorative sculptural object in its own right, and can serve as a focal point in a setting combining antique furniture, sculpture, ceramics and works of art.
Provenance: this piece corresponds to the example illustrated on page 64 of the Christie's catalogue and offered by Christie's, London, in 2003 as Lot 317, catalogued as "A North Italian Carved Walnut Torchiere Base", probably Venetian, 17th or 18th century. The recorded height of 33 cm is identical, and the catalogue photograph corresponds in form, proportions and decoration. The pre-sale estimate was £1,000-1,500.
Dimensions: height 33 cm; width 21 cm; depth 21 cm; weight 2611 g. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.
Condition report:
Condition: rich old patina with surviving traces of gilding. Old woodworm flight holes are present, together with further historic woodworm damage to the concealed timber on the underside; the infestation is historic and inactive. Old metal nails or pins are visible within the construction. There are also age-related cracks, small losses, wear and surface abrasions. Please carefully regard all photos as they make an integral part of the listing, and reach out if there are any questions.
Wear Condition
Excellent
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for all orders within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
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Changed your mind before dispatch?
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Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
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- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
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This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
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We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
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5. How to start a return
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- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
