Sometimes it seems to me, that nothing beautiful is created anymore, which I think is very sad.
The purpose of a sconce was, and still is, to provide light. Traditional period style hand carved sconces were carved in wood, and sometimes made in pairs (left and right). They were used to line hallways, fixed on either side of doorway, or next to a bed. They created a feeling of cosiness and warmth. Scones are not often used the days and are considered a very old form of fixture, historically used with candles and oil lamps. They are sometimes referred to as decorative light fixtures.
I was fortunate, in the early 1970's, to work with craftsmen who created hand carved sconces, that stood the test of time. Such sconces can be finished in many different ways, including gilding.
This sconce I designed and carved in 1981. The timber I used is Brazilian Mahogany.
This sconce was designed to match an existing sconce on a church building, and reduced in size. It was used on Honour Boards inside the Church. what you see here was my sample.
I designed and carved this Jarrah Sconce for a fine wood working show in Tasmania, in the late 1980’s.
A sample sconce, hand carved and gilded in imitation gold leaf.