A pair of most unusual Venetian mid 18th century tripod grotto stools. Italy, circa 1760. © 2012 MALLETT ANTIQUES

each leg fashioned as a confection of scrolls and rocaille ornament joined by a rusticated stretcher all decorated in lacca meccata, the seat carved to simulate a cushion with red tassels and braid, decorated blue to simulate silk. H: 22.0 in (56.0 cm). W: 17.7 in (45.0 cm).

MALLETT ANTIQUES. http://www.mallettantiques.com