I go out a couple times a week around my "regular job" searching for unique and vintage items.  It gets harder and harder each time to find anything that I've never acquired before.  This piece got me very excited!  Absolutely stunning and exquisite 18th Century example of a lost art form,  this item is created entirely of wax and then handpainted.  The original braided rope hanger is cast into the wax.  Incredible detail, and absolutely remarkable condition for its age and considering what it's made from! Virtually no issues with the wax details themselves, and original colors, while having some fading, are all still evident and very good.  This is a museum quality piece!  Please see pics for further description and condition.