These two fine and rare ebonised cherry sculpture pedestals are documented as made by the Kilian Brothers of New York. The massive turned shaft with a square knuckle at midpoint as well as pendentive aprons at the top edge are embellished with incised polychrome decoration of gold, blue-green and red in the "Neo-grec" style.

Kilian Brothers manufactured high-style, yet affordable, goods that suited the aesthetic sensibilities of a middle-class clientele. A report on the firm's display at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia (1876) characterized die firm's products: "As extensive use of machinery is made in their manufacture, the goods are recommended for cheapness, being within reach of people of moderate means who have a taste for the ornamental."