18th Century French Pot Feu Finial in Carved Oak

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A pot feu (French for “fire pot”) is an architectural element that originated in the 16th century, designed to resemble … Read more A pot feu (French for “fire pot”) is an architectural element that originated in the 16th century, designed to resemble a flickering flame. Most likely inspired by bible passages that reference firepots as blazing torches, pot feu were often used as finials on the roof of houses of worship. Our stunning French pot feu was hand-carved in oak during the 1700s.

The wood has been bleached more recently, resulting in a beige hue with accents of the original brown finish remaining. This allows the nuances of the carvings to gain prominence, aided by some stunning wood grains. The moving flame emanates from a large band of lobes, with a smaller ring of egg and dart beneath. Supported by a 2 ¾ inch thick square plinth with truncated corners, the pot feu finial is chock-full of character and would make a fantastic decorative element for a table, console, or mantel. See less