The online antiques marketplace 1stDibs is widely known as a purveyor of absurdly pricey furniture and the coming of summer hasn't seemed to change anything. Dealers on the site are still hawking their wares at astronomical prices, even if those products are intended to sit outside in the weather. No wicker or Adirondack chairs here, but for seating there is this original Sunball chair by Ferdinand Ris (above), of which only 10 are known to exist. At $45K, it's quite the expensive replacement for the classic lawn furniture. Not to mention a museum-quality version sold at auction in '07 for just $21,600. See, this stuff really is expensive.
? Looking for a sculpture of the garden? How about a "bearded, wizened river god" carved in the 18th century? The trouble is the price. All $105K of it. None-too-surprisingly, the listing babble tries to gussy up three centuries of wear and tear by describing it as "wonderful, weathered patina bespeaking centuries of outdoor exposure." Still, someone will probably end up paying the high sticker price just to get a bit of that "godly presence" in their backyard.
? For a more substantial taste of stone in a simpler form, Houston's Chateau Dominique is offering a 17th-century fountain from Provence, France. It includes a section of stone wall and a curved basin for the very precise cost of $46,900. Rare, to be sure, but it's a pity there's not more information on the provenance.
? France is a common source for these pricey lawn accoutrements, even the more rustic items. This six-foot slate and iron table, produced in 1880s, might be difficult to ship, but we're also left questioning the practical use of this rough-top table. Too uneven to balance a plate or wine glass, this $12,500 investment might be left unused.
? A convincing set of four Faux Bois chairs, crafted of concrete designed to look like wood, would make a rustic addition to a garden dinner table. There's nothing rustic about the $20K price tag though. For the right buyer with cash to burn on what looks like homemade furniture these are just the ticket. For everyone else, a seemingly senseless extravagance.
· Sunball by Ferdinand Ris [1stDibs]
· Rare "Sunball" chair [Phillips de Pury]
· French Limestone Fountain Figure of a River God [1stDibs]
· 17th c. Wall Fountain from the Provençal Village of St. Cannat [1stDibs]
· Massive Outdoor Table with Slate Top and Iron Base [1stDibs]
· Rare Set of 4 Faux Bois Chairs [1stDibs]