A remarkably evocative wall-mounted holy water font from mid-20th-century Central Europe, depicting the Virgin Mary tenderly cradling the Christ Child. Made in the Alpine tradition, with finely worked facial features, soft draped veils, and an ornate cloud-motif basin. Finished in muted tones of sage blue, cream and terracotta.
Important Condition Note
This piece is offered explicitly as-is, in age-damaged condition. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing:
- A visible vertical crack runs across the front of the basin, with a small chip exposing the yellowish base material.
- The original coating inside the basin has flaked in places.
- Minor chipping along the top rear rim.
The main body and hanging loop remain solid and structurally stable – a lovely piece for restoration or for those who appreciate the beauty of age and wear ("wabi-sabi").
Details
- Height: approx. 12.5 cm (4.9 in)
- Width: approx. 7.5 cm (3 in)
- Depth: approx. 4 cm (1.6 in)
- Material: molded wood-composite/chalkware, hand-painted
- Origin: probably Italy or Austria (Alpine region)
- Date: circa 1940s–1960s
Condition
Notable age-related damage as described above; the faces of Mary and the Child remain undamaged. Please consider the photos part of the condition description.
Who It's For
For collectors and restorers of religious folk art, lovers of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, or as a rosary holder on a home altar.
Care
Dust dry only; do not wash due to the flaking coating.
Price is for 1 item. Ships from Austria, carefully packed.
Waidhofen an der Thaya. The little font lay among discarded frames, its crack clearly visible in the light. And yet the mother's face stayed perfectly calm, as if the break had never reached her. Sometimes it's the crack itself that shows how long something has held.
A crack that destroyed nothing — Things with Soul · VintageAustriaShop
