Among my very favorites of the week, and ever--what a marvelous combination of functional form and exuberant expression. And it is old. I presume the zigzag snaking of the iron wire arching between the vertical and horizontal parts of the hanger was meant to help lend stability and balance against the wall (increasing surface area a bit), but what a joyful way to do it (and it reads almost as if two heads facing each other, noses touching, too.) Then this fantastic surface to the iron, with original silvery-white painted decoration more pronounced on the left side but equally satisfying at right where it combines with the red orange of rust and whatever else. And quite a delightful elegance to the construction of the whole thing too. Photos tell the story well. The hooks are not sharp and it doesn't seem made for hanging especially heavy things. 19th century American I believe, found in Massachusetts.
19 1/2" w x 10 1/2" t x 1 3/4" d. Perfectly, beautifully aged antique condition.
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