I’ve always been enamored of the use of themes in design. I was recently doing some research on 1st Dibs and kept coming across these fantastical furnishings that use animal motifs as integrated parts of the design (not just painted or engraved on a piece). Some are whimsical, some are more traditional, but all are a whole lot of fun, I think.
Traccia Table, 1939-1978 by Meret Oppenheim via
Anglo Indian Rosewood Table via
19th Century English Pair of Carved Wood Greyhound Side Tables on Bases via
Aldo Tura Swan Legs Goatskin Bar Cart viaHow amazing is the English Regency dog or cat bed complete with decorative coy fish. It’s hard to tell the dimensions, but it’s 30″ wide by 15″ tall. For the truly pampered pet!
English Regency Style Dog and or Cat Bed by Maitland Smith via
Regency Carved Wood Gold Gilt Window Bench, Curule, Horse Motif via
My dad made a coffee table very similar to the one below many years ago. He mounted it on a wooden spool with rope wrapped around the base. The tail was the tricky bit and he used wrought iron strapping to secure it so it wouldn’t snap off – though it eventually did.
WWII Molly Pitcher ‘1943’ Ship Hatch Whale Form Anchor Nautical Coffee Table via
And finally, I’ve always loved this snail table at my friend’s shop Trianon Antiques:
Small Table with Snails and Marble Top via
Which I used in this vignette I created:
Vignette design by Linda Merrill, photograph by Michael J Lee. Showroom – Trianon Antiques.So, what’s your view of these types of motifs in decorative arts? Fun or creepy? I’ve had many a client who didn’t want birds or other beasts in their fabrics or wall coverings – someone said he felt he was being stared at. It’s funny the things we get into our heads – but everyone has their own perspectives that should be respected. So, yea or nay on the animal motifs?
Linda –
I just love the Molly Pitcher by Ron Jon Hatchboards. Our rehearsal dinner for our wedding was held at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank NJ many moons ago.
I think I am going to need to start saving my pennies!
Cathie
Hi Cathie – That would be a fun memento to have then wouldn’t it?