A very grand and extremely rare antique marble chimneypiece made during the Victorian period

The Kilkenny marble baluster columns raised on square plinths, support end-blocks with cork-red marble bulls-eye roundels on three sides. The fluted frieze panels and centre tablet are inlaid with richly coloured Sienna marble. The pilasters and arched front panel are made of Cork Mitchelstown marble, these with a bull-nosed edge that frames the original cast iron register grate. The break-fronted cornice shelf with graduated canopy top and centre plinth, to carry a clock or perhaps a marble bust. 

In the manner of J. H. Pollen and most likely made by Alexander Ballantine, Proprietor of a stone, marble and chimneypiece workshop in Dorset St Upper, Dublin, from the 1840s until the 1870s.

Made using Irish Kilkenny fossil marble, Cork Mitchelstown red marble and imported semi-precious Sienna Brocatelle marble.   

Retains its original cast-iron register grate and all in very good condition. 

Circa 1870