Renaissance Revival Jardiniere Stand?

Hello!

Although I have owned this piece for many years and it has great sentimental value (it was the first antique I bought and was purchased with my very first pay cheque nearly 40 years ago!) I've never been able to find out what it is. I hope that some of the knowledgeable people on this board may be able to enlighten me.

I believe it's a jardiniere stand probably made in the last quarter of the 19th century. I have no idea where it was made. Although it was sourced in Australia, it's certainly not Australian. From my research, it doesn't appear to be British or European either. Perhaps American? It seems to have much in common with the work of Herter and Horner, or one of their followers.

Stylistically, although the central column is supported by Griffins, it is carved with stylised foliate motifs more in keeping with those from the Aesthetic Movement. It's an enigma that has puzzled me for years!

It seems to be made of mahogany (but I could be wrong!) and when I originally purchased it I was told that it had been painted white and had been stripped. Some of the white paint still remains in parts. It stands 28.5" tall.

The carving is outstanding, beautifully detailed, however it had sustained some damage before I purchased it. One of the Griffin's beaks is lost and a toe from another is missing. The top has also been broken and poorly glued at some stage. I've always intended to have it restored but have never got around to it. Also, I don't know how it would have been originally. Perhaps it had gilt details, I simply don't know.

I'm sure that it would have originally been a very expensive piece however, given its condition, I doubt it has much commercial value today. Regardless, it has given me much pleasure over many years.

I've included some photos in the hope that you may be able to help with identification.

Thanks and best wishes,
Graeme

I would agree that this piece is Renaissance Revival.  It seems to have been based on a pedestal exhibited at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851.  I've attached the illustration from the exhibition catalogue showing the similar if more ornate pedestal.  Although the catalogue mentions that the pedestal was made by craftsman in Malta it does not mention what it was intended for.  Perhaps it is the pedestal base to a kerosene banquet lamp like the one in the second pic.