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ID #SA1240309
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£575
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Rare Irish Bog Oak Miniature Gothic Architectural Ruin, C.1860
For sale by Harrington Antiques
for sale €673     $730
£575
Harrington Antiques

Harrington Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2021
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Rare Irish Bog Oak Miniature Gothic Architectural Ruin, C.1860

19th century
Description

A scarce carved Irish bog oak miniature gothic architectural ruin, circa. 1860.

Irish bog oak is an ancient, partially mineralised timber preserved in peat bogs for 3,000-8,000 years, prized for its deep, ink-black colour. Quite aside from its uses in mourning jewellery, Ireland's bog oak became the ideal transfer for the nationalistic motifs of a country on the precipice of independence. Imagery was favoured which promoted the national identity of Ireland as an established state with its own identifiable customs and symbols. The most common motifs include round towers, shamrocks, abbeys, Irish wolfhounds and harps, all which help perpetuate a national identity for Ireland’s fledgling tourist industry. There was a marked drop in the craft towards to end of the 19th century. Examples of these crafts exist now as rare and valuable examples of Ireland’s early tourist industry and belong to that delicate juncture between the dying crafts of the late 18th and 19th century and the industrialisation of a nation.

This example is meticulously carved and boasts exceptional attention to detail. It works as a work of art in its own right but incidentally is the perfect size with which to enclose a tea light, the windows emitting an atmospheric glow.

Dimensions:-

Height: 11cm

Width: 13.5cm

Depth: 7cm

Delivery

UK Mainland: FREE

International Delivery: Please contact us for a shipping quote. 

Physical Dimensions
Height
11cm (4.33")
Width
13.5cm (5.31")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Declaration

Harrington Antiques has dated this Carved Bog Oak Miniature to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1240309
Dealers Internal Reference
8068
Dealers Notes

PAYMENT

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RETURNS

We are sure that you will be delighted with your purchase. Nonetheless, to ensure you have complete peace of mind, we offer a 14 day money back guarantee.

The purchased item may be returned, in its original condition, within 14 days from receipt. Return carriage costs are the responsibility of the buyer. For larger pieces requiring a specialist courier service, we will arrange your return for you with the cost being deducted from the refund (this cost will never exceed the original charge paid).

We ask that a trackable signature method of shipping is used for the return of smaller items as we cannot be held responsible for items lost in transit.

Should you have any queries at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Description
A scarce carved Irish bog oak miniature gothic architectural ruin, circa. 1860.
“
Irish bog oak is an ancient, partially mineralised timber preserved in peat bogs for 3,000-8,000 years, prized for its deep, ink-black colour.
Harrington Antiques

Quite aside from its uses in mourning jewellery, Ireland's bog oak became the ideal transfer for the nationalistic motifs of a country on the precipice of independence. Imagery was favoured which promoted the national identity of Ireland as an established state with its own identifiable customs and symbols. The most common motifs include round towers, shamrocks, abbeys, Irish wolfhounds and harps, all which help perpetuate a national identity for Ireland’s fledgling tourist industry. There was a marked drop in the craft towards to end of the 19th century. Examples of these crafts exist now as rare and valuable examples of Ireland’s early tourist industry and belong to that delicate juncture between the dying crafts of the late 18th and 19th century and the industrialisation of a nation.

fig 1. A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall.
fig 1. Rare Irish Bog Oak Miniature Gothic Architectural Ruin, C.1860

This example is meticulously carved and boasts exceptional attention to detail. It works as a work of art in its own right but incidentally is the perfect size with which to enclose a tea light, the windows emitting an atmospheric glow.

Dimensions:-

Height: 11cm

Width: 13.5cm

Depth: 7cm

Delivery

UK Mainland: FREE

International Delivery: Please contact us for a shipping quote. 

Height
11cm (4.33")
Width
13.5cm (5.31")
Depth
7cm (2.76")
Date of Manufacture

Harrington Antiques has dated this Carved Bog Oak Miniature to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1240309
Dealers Internal Ref
8068
Harrington Antiques
Harrington Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2021

Antiques & decorative interior pieces.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Harrington Antiques Profile Page

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A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall.
1 / 12
Archive I A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall.

Rare Irish Bog Oak Miniature Gothic Architectural Ruin, C.1860

Archive II A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View II
Archive III A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View III
Archive IV A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View IV
Archive V A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View V
Archive VI A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View VI
Archive VII A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View VII
Archive VIII A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View VIII
Archive IX A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View IX
Archive X A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View X
Archive XI A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View XI
Archive XII A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07552 767190
Location
Devon
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2021
Items For Sale 72
Items Sold 849
Harrington Antiques
Harrington Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Devon, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2021
For Sale
72
Sold
849
A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall.
Rare Irish Bog Oak Miniature Gothic Architectural Ruin, c.1860
Ref: SA1240309
A dark hand-carved bog oak miniature representing a Gothic abbey architectural ruin with a tracery window and relief masonry wall.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectMiniature Sculpture
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGothic Revival
  • MaterialBog Oak
  • ColourBlack
  • MotifsGothic tracery window, Masonry stone relief, Pointed arch, Architectural ruin
  • SizeH 11 cm (4 in) x W 13.5 cm (5 in) x D 7 cm (3 in)

This Victorian Gothic Revival miniature sculpture is formed from carved Irish bog oak with an ink-black colour and a matte finish. The piece takes the shape of a ruined abbey with stone masonry relief detailing along the curving walls, an arched central window containing intricate Gothic tracery, and a small side arcade with open pointed arches. The timber shows fine hand-carving work representing individual stone blocks across the entire surface of the architectural model. Measuring 11 cm high, 13.5 cm wide, and 7 cm deep, the sculpture is designed for tabletop display or placement on a bookshelf in a study or living room. It functions as a decorative art object while also allowing light to pass through the hollow window openings when positioned near a light source.

Irish bog oak carving refers to decorative objects sculpted from oak preserved in peat bogs for hundreds of years, characterised by a dark colour and dense texture. During the nineteenth century, artisans in Ireland carved this material into souvenirs and ornamental objects often featuring local ruins or historic motifs.

These items were crafted from naturally fossilised oak retrieved from Irish peat bogs, which naturally stained the timber black or dark brown through tannin absorption. The material was hand-carved using traditional woodworking chisels and gouges to create intricate architectural and relief designs.

Authentic pieces display a deep dark brown or black colour, significant weight relative to size, and precise hand-carved detail showing subtle tool marks. Original pieces from this period often exhibit natural micro-checking or minor grain shrinkage consistent with aged timber.

A miniature architectural carving functions as a decorative object on a bookshelf, mantelpiece, or inside a glass display cabinet. It pairs well with dark wood furnishings, leather-bound books, and curated antique collections.

Bog oak carvings should be kept in a climate-controlled room away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent cracking. Dust gently using a dry, soft-bristled brush, avoiding water or harsh chemical polishers.
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