A magnificent and rare example of a 15th-century carved wooden ceiling boss, likely originating from a church in Somerset or the West Country. This substantial architectural element would have adorned the vaulted ceiling of a late Gothic church, positioned at the intersection of roof timbers where it served both structural and decorative functions.
The boss features a beautifully carved floral rosette design with multiple layered petals radiating from a central mounting point. The carving demonstrates the skilled craftsmanship typical of the prosperous late medieval period, when Somerset's wool trade wealth funded elaborate church building and decoration programs.
Particularly notable is the survival of minor elements of the polychrome decoration in weathered blue-gray tones, offering a rare glimpse of how these ceiling ornaments would have appeared in their original ecclesiastical setting. Medieval church interiors were vibrant spaces of color, and traces of this paint add immeasurable historical value to the piece.
The carved oak shows the natural patina and surface character expected of a 600-year-old artifact, with evidence of age, exposure, and honest wear consistent with its architectural heritage. The visible mounting hole at the center confirms its original ceiling installation method.
Why attribute this carving to Somerset?
The county is particularly famous for its spectacular late medieval wooden church roofs, especially:
Wagon roofs (barrel-vaulted wooden ceilings)
Angel roofs with carved wooden bosses
Churches in the "Somerset style" from the prosperous wool trade era
Notable Somerset examples with comparable bosses are:
St. Mary's, Taunton - elaborate ceiling bosses
Martock Church - magnificent tie-beam roof with carved bosses
Somerton Church - decorative wooden ceiling elements
Wells Cathedral (though stone) - for regional stylistic context
Why this could be Somerset:
1. The floral/rosette design - Very typical of Somerset's 15th-century decorative vocabulary
2. The scale and carving style - Consistent with Somerset parish church work
3. Oak construction - Standard for the region
4. The layered petal design - Common motif in Somerset ecclesiastical carving
The polychrome:
Interestingly, medieval churches often had polychrome decoration, and the blue pigment visible here could be original or from a later repainting (churches were often repainted in the 16th-19th centuries).
Provenance: 15th century. England, circa 1450. Possibly Somerset, consistent with regional ecclesiastical carving style.
Dimensions: Approximately W 25 cm x H 20 cm x D 7 cm (9.8" x 7.9" x 2.75")
Condition: Weathered surface with age-appropriate wear; retains structural integrity and decorative impact; minor traces of original blue-gray paint; mounting hole present.
🚚✈️🚢 We ship worldwide!
You can buy with 100% confidence too!
We are a member of the following 4 Professional Institutions:
1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) – LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;
2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);
3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and
4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.
Wish to purchase this item?
1. Buy online via this website; OR
2. Tel: 00 44 7551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone.
Want further information about an item or wish to discuss shipping costs?
1. Email us via this website; OR
2. Email us via:
info@holtantiquefurniture.com
We will aim to respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.
🚚✈️🚢 Shipping & Customs Information
Please Note: Prices shown exclude customs clearance fees. Where applicable, these charges will be levied directly by your receiving courier, designated importer, or local government authority.
These fees vary by destination and are the responsibility of the buyer.
For guidance on potential charges, we recommend contacting your local customs office prior to purchase.
