Brass Wall Hook with Porcelain Tips and Foliate Mount

For years, this brass wall hook has held its place in Le Marin, one of the guest rooms at Chanteduc, Patricia and Walter Wells's farmhouse near Vaison-la-Romaine. A central backplate, cast in relief, carries an expressive foliate mask — a face framed by scrolling acanthus leaves, full of character and a touch of whimsy. From it, two arms extend as twisted rope forms, spiralling outward before curving to meet smooth, rounded finials in creamy white porcelain. The contrast between the aged brass and the cool glazed tips is both practical and pleasing: the porcelain ends are gentle on fabric and easy on the eye. Mount it in a bathroom, a bedroom or an entrance hall and it becomes a small focal point — the kind of thing guests notice and quietly admire. It works equally well in a period interior or against a plain plastered wall, where the sculptural backplate and rope-twist arms can be properly appreciated. Useful, beautifully made and full of personality, it is exactly the sort of object that earns its place wherever it hangs.