Pair of Italian Walnut Serpent Console Tables, circa 1890 - Carved Mythological Supports

A rare matched pair of Italian walnut console tables with carved serpent supports and rich aged patina At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility • Origin Italy • Date: circa 1890   • Material: Solid walnut with a rich, warm tone • Design: Sculptural serpent supports beneath the tabletop • Details: Each fitted with a central drawer and shaped brass handle • Configuration: A true matching pair • Condition: Sympathetically restored with light wear consistent with age; very good overall with minor blemishes appropriate to historic use • Dimensions: H: 94cm (37") | W: 123cm (48.4") | D: 59cm (23.2") • Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature located beside the ‘Add to Basket’ tab before completing your order • Desirability:   • Exceptional craftsmanship: Deeply carved serpent supports with refined modelling   • Striking and symbolic: Mythological motifs lend a sense of mystery, drama and intellectual depth   • Functional elegance: Practical discreet drawers with fine brass fittings complement the dramatic form   • Matched pair: Increasingly rare to find in such condition, ideal for grand symmetrical interiors   • Authentic patina: Restored with with restraint to retain warmth, depth, and historic character Heritage, History & Craftsmanship A magnificent pair of Italian walnut console tables dating to circa 1890, each distinguished by exquisitely carved serpent supports coiled beneath the tabletop. Sculptural, architectural, and richly expressive, these consoles exemplify the late 19th-century Italian tradition of furniture as both functional form and symbolic statement. Crafted in solid walnut, the tables display a beautifully figured grain and a warm, mellow patina developed over time. Each console incorporates a central drawer fitted with a shaped brass handle, providing practical utility without detracting from the drama of the design. The restoration has been carried out with sensitivity, preserving original character while ensuring sound structure and continued usability. In 19th-century Italy, console tables were key elements of formal interiors, designed to support sculpture, mirrors, or decorative objects while demonstrating the skill of the maker. The serpent motif draws directly from classical mythology, where serpents symbolised wisdom, renewal, protection, and hidden knowledge. Their sinuous, coiled forms allowed carvers to showcase technical virtuosity while embedding layers of meaning within domestic furnishings. Such boldly modelled pieces were often commissioned for villas and palazzi, where symbolism, craftsmanship, and visual impact were valued in equal measure. This pair stands as a compelling example of that tradition - furniture conceived not merely to furnish a space, but to animate it. A rare and impressive matched pair, these Italian walnut consoles combine mythic symbolism, sculptural carving, and enduring elegance, offering a powerful statement of historic craftsmanship and decorative sophistication. Styling Suggestions • Position as a symmetrical pair flanking a doorway, fireplace, or large mirror to emphasise their sculptural presence and architectural balance • Use in a grand hallway or reception space as statement consoles for lamps, sculpture, or curated objects • Pair with neutral walls or softly textured finishes to allow the walnut grain and carved serpent forms to stand out • Equally effective in traditional interiors or as dramatic counterpoints in more contemporary settings • Ideal beneath large-scale artwork or mirrors, where their visual weight anchors the composition • Suitable for formal entertaining spaces, libraries, or refined living rooms seeking depth and character Explore Every Facet Our high-resolution photographs let you examine this piece in detail, exactly as you would in the showroom. These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. Study the sculptural carving, flowing lines, and natural patina that define these exceptional Italian pieces.  Close-up views highlight the carved serpent supports, brass fittings, and walnut grain, while wider angles show scale, proportion, and presence. Sustainable Style Thank you for considering this pair of Italian walnut console tables - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible. In every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures. These consoles exemplify the longevity of traditional craftsmanship, having already served generations while retaining beauty, integrity, and purpose. Their continued use supports restoration skills, preserves historic materials, and celebrates furniture made to last - offering depth, individuality, and continuity within modern interiors. Purchase with Confidence White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship, and decorative presence - ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Each item is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.