Pair of dishes; China, Canton, second half of the 19th century.

Pair of dishes; China, Canton, second half of the nineteenth century.
Enameled and gilded porcelain with French Napoleon III mounts in bronze.
Measurements: 34,5 x 24 x 8,5 cm (x2).
Pair of dishes from Canton, China, made in the second half of the nineteenth century, in enameled and gilded porcelain for export, a production that reached its peak during the late Qing dynasty. The pieces present a rich polychrome decoration characteristic of the so-called "Famille Rose" or "Cantonese rose" style, in which pink, green and gold tones delicately applied on the enameled surface predominate. The composition alternates court scenes set in imperial pavilions, floral representations with birds and butterflies, and ornamental motifs of peonies and foliage, all surrounded by intricate gilded frames that evidence the technical mastery and decorative sense of the Cantonese workshops.
To this exquisite oriental work is added the incorporation of French gilt bronze mounts made in the Napoleon III style, which turn the plates into wall sconces with arms for candlesticks. These mounts, with their characteristic bow and mask ornamentation, reflect the eclectic taste and fascination for oriental exoticism that characterized the European decorative arts of the 19th century.