| Article number: | IMG_4154 |
| Availability: | In stock (1) |
Rare, early 17th‑century French surround in Stone de Nolay
This striking Louis XIII period (early 1600s) fireplace surround is carved from Stone de Nolay, a distinguished Burgundian marble/hard-stone celebrated for its abundant fossil and shell inclusions.
The surround’s gently arched inner corners with crisp spandrel cuts and moulded jambs give it a restrained, timeless profile that reads as effortlessly modern in today’s interiors.
Colour & surface:
The stone shows a deep charcoal to mossy grey ground, enlivened by warm honey, tobacco and russet veining and chalky white shell fragments scattered throughout.
The honed surface retains a soft historic sheen, while the sides and back reveal the quarry’s raw texture—an evocative contrast that underlines the piece’s authenticity.
From Nolay, Burgundy – stone born in a prehistoric sea.
Nolay is a small, historic town in Burgundy, near Beaune, surrounded by vineyards and centuries‑old quarries.
The Stone de Nolay was formed when the region sat beneath a prehistoric shallow sea, leaving behind the fossilised shells you see sparkling in the marble today.
That geological story makes this surround particularly compelling for clients who appreciate provenance and the poetry of materials.
The shell‑flecked, sea‑born stone, cool charcoal palette, and clean architectural lines make this surround a natural fit for coastal, beach and contemporary seaside homes. It harmonises with limewashed walls, bleached timbers and soft linens, yet is substantial and high‑end enough for formal city apartments or grand country houses.
Period, style & condition:
Date: Early 17th century, Louis XIII period
Origin: France, Burgundy (Nolay)
Material: Stone de Nolay (fossiliferous marble/limestone)
Condition: Excellent antique condition with minor age‑related wear, small chips and old restorations consistent with 400+ years of life. Fossils and shells are clearly visible; tooling traces and natural patination enhance character.
Timeless, architecture‑friendly design:
The linear entablature with subtly stepped mouldings, tight radius corners and fluted jambs gives the piece a graphic clarity that sits comfortably in minimal, transitional, or classical schemes. Its restrained ornament lets the material’s fossil narrative do the talking.
Dimensions:
175 cm Exterior Width 68,9 Inch
127 cm Exterior Height 50 Inch
142 cm Interior Width 55,91 Inch
98 cm Interior Height 38,58 Inch
14 cm Depth Tablet 5,51 Inch
31 cm Depth Jambs 12,2 Inch
383 Kg
Click Here To Explore A Full Gallery of High-Resolution PNG Images For A Closer Look →