Pair of large Italian antique bronzed metal centrepieces

Each crescent-shaped vessel rests on a shaped, oval base, which is decorated with clam shells, scrolling forms, and classically-inspired sculptures. On each, two mermen, who have human upper bodies and fish tails for legs, ride sea monsters. A young boy sits between them, on each side of each piece.

Above, each crescent bowl is decorated, at the centre of each side, with a classical mask, which depicts a young boy, emitting sun rays. On each piece, this is set within a scrolling cartouche, surrounded by organically curling foliage ornament. The bowls terminate, on their ends, in C-scrolls, which provide seats for figurative sculptures. One end of each piece features a classically-inspired, bearded male nude. He holds a piece of fabric decorously across his body with one hand, and, with the other, points down to the merman below. He frowns and gazes off slightly to the left. A nude woman, with a young, nude boy on her lap, tops the other end of each bowl. She looks defiantly off to the right, while the boy stares directly ahead.

The centrepieces have been finely cast in metal and given a rich bronzed finish.