Oak Baptismal Font, Gothic Revival — Carved IHS, Copper Bowl View Watchlist >
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Lot # F345
System ID # 29117695
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Oak Baptismal Font, Gothic Revival — Carved IHS, Copper Bowl
A commanding octagonal column in quartersawn oak, built as a Gothic Revival baptismal font and just as at home today as an entry pedestal, sculpture stand, or statement plinth. The quarter-sawing throws a dramatic ray fleck and tiger figure across every face, while blind Gothic tracery and a deeply carved IHS Christogram — the Greek monogram for the name of Jesus — give the upper section the architecture of a miniature chancel. Pointed-arch paneling runs down the pedestal to a stepped octagonal plinth, the whole standing four feet tall with genuine ecclesiastical weight. The form and construction place it in American church work of the early 20th century, circa 1900–1930.
The octagonal cover is hinged on a wooden dowel so it pivots aside, and lifts off entirely to reveal a copper liner basin set in the top well, its surface deepened to verdigris and umber over a century of use. A turned foliate finial crowns the cover. Whether read as church history or sculptural object, it carries a presence most reproductions never reach. The piece is unmarked.
CONDITION
In good condition overall, with a rich original finish and strong grain presentation. There is a chip to the finial and general scuffing consistent with age and use, with no remarkable damage. The copper basin shows extensive oxidation, and we'll leave any cleaning to you.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall: 48" H × 22" W
- Wood: Quartersawn oak
- Basin: Copper
- Cover: Dowel-hinged, pivots and lifts off
- Marks: Unmarked
