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Early 19th C. Cast Iron Fireback Panel of Soldiers
Decorative Early 19th Century Cast Iron Fireback Panel of Zoave Soldiers in the center panel depicting three turbaned soldiers before an encampment withing a molded band. H:26" W:26"
The history of Cast Iron and Firebacks were that Cast iron was produced in a furnace stoked with alternate layers of coking iron then poured into molds. After the iron cools off, the sand is cleaned off. The Chinese were the first to use cast iron from the 6th century AD using it as support for pagodas and other buildings.
It was introduced into Europe by the 15th century with its main decorative uses being as firebacks and plates for woodburning stoves in Germany, the Netherlands and Scanindavia. By the end of the 18th century, cast iron was increasing used for railings, balconies, banisters and garden furniture due to its lower cost.
Ironwork is any weapon, artwork, utensil or architectural feature made of iron especially used for decoration. There are two main types of ironwork wrought iron and cast iron. While the use of iron dates back as 4000BC, it was the Hittites who first knew how to extract it and develop weapons. Use of iron was mainly utilitarian until the Middle Ages, it became widely used for decoration in the period between the 16th and 19th century.
From early times fireplace accessories and furnishings have been objects of decoration. Since at least the 15th century a fireback, a slab of cast iron, protected the back wall of the fireplace from the intense heat; these were usually decorated. After the 19th century the fireback gave way to firebrick in fireplace construction. LifestyleAntiques.com is an antique dealer in Santa Barbara, California specializing in European antique furniture and antique lighting for your home and garden. Among some of our specialties are home lighting, home furnishings and garden statues. There are several antique shops around our specific area in Summerland, a suburb of Santa Barbara, but none offer the fine selection of antique home furniture, antique lamps, antique chairs, decorative pillows and antique mirrors that we do. We specialize in French furniture as well as antique furniture from Spain and Italy. Looking for that right wall tapestry or pair of console tables or fine art prints? We may have what you are looking for. Among some of our favorite pieces are Murano glass, chaise lounges, lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, and settees. Interior decorating and interior design are both very fun for us. If you’d like us to help with your home interior, please let us know. Not many antique stores offer the selection that we do. Add this with our flexible on-line sales policy incorporated into our client focused, customer service based team and you have an antique shop that we hope you will come back to time and time again.
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