Table planters. Paris, Napoleon III period, ca. 1860.

Table planters. Paris, Napoleon III period, ca. 1860.
Gilt bronze and porcelain.
High quality bronze casting and embossing.
Measurements: 30 x 27 x 27 cm deep with legs (20 x 20 cm vases only).

Impressive pair of flower pots with painted porcelain plates mounted on original gilt bronze. The porcelain plates are painted with floral reserves surrounded by a sky blue background enhanced with gold in the Sèvres style. Fleurons in the corners, masks of women in the center of each arch.

Both functional and highly decorative, gilt bronze mounts and decorative bronzes, such as sconces, morillos, mounted porcelain and clocks, played a very important role in French interiors from the late 17th to the 19th century. Closely following the latest stylistic changes, renowned artists and sculptors were responsible for their design. A rigid guild system maintained high standards of craftsmanship and regulated the gilded bronze manufacturing process.