Italian 1540-60 Bellows with the Arms of the Giustiniani and Rossi Families About 1530 Bellows, usually operated by servants, were a key piece of fireplace equipment. This pair bears the arms of two prominent Venetian families. The fantastical decoration, ranging from dolphins and mermaids to a puffing figure blowing into the pipe, suited the ornate setting of the camera d’oro. [44 words] Italy Walnut, partly gilded, with bronze, leather and silk velvet V&A: 7698-1861 At Home in Renaissance Italy, eds.Marta Ajmar-Wollheim and Flora Dennis (London, 2006), cat.125, pl.10.5 [5 Oct 2006 - 7 Jan 2007]