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Porcelain and ceramics

LARGE VASE WITH BRONZE MOUNTS AND PAINTED DECORATION “THE TRIUMPH OF VENUS” FRANCE, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY
LARGE VASE WITH BRONZE MOUNTS AND PAINTED DECORATION “THE TRIUMPH OF VENUS” FRANCE, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY
A monumental vase combining gilt bronze and painted porcelain, representing a striking example of French decorative art of the Second Empire and the Historicist period. The oval bowl with a rich emerald-green ground is adorned with a central painted composition depicting the allegorical scene “The Triumph of Venus”, executed in the spirit of 18th century academic mythological painting. On the reverse appears an exquisite floral bouquet rendered with refined naturalism and delicate chromatic nuances.The porcelain body is mounted within an elaborate architectural framework of finely chased gilt bronze with openwork Rocaille ornamentation. The handles curve in dynamic vegetal scrolls with mascarons and ornamental cartouches. The upper rim forms an airy gallery of scrolling foliage and stylised acanthus leaves. The base is conceived as a ceremonial pedestal with a baluster stem and a four-sided support, richly decorated with relief elements and symmetrical scrollwork.The artistic conception unites elements of Neo-Rococo and Neo-Baroque, characteristic of Parisian bronze workshops of the second half of the 19th century. Stylistic features and the quality of porcelain painting suggest a connection with the traditions of the Sèvres manufactory, renowned for producing grand decorative vases and mantel ornaments for aristocratic residences.Dimensions: height 38 cm; width 54 cm; depth 32 cm.Condition: Good. Gilding even and well preserved. Minor wear to the base. No deformations, cracks, restorations or traces of active use.
Begins 03.05.2026
LARGE PORCELAIN VASE “THE BIRTH OF VENUS” FRANCE, MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SÈVRES, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY
LARGE PORCELAIN VASE “THE BIRTH OF VENUS” FRANCE, MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SÈVRES, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY
A large ceremonial porcelain vase of amphora form, produced at the renowned Manufacture nationale de Sèvres. The shape is inspired by Renaissance prototypes, with carefully balanced proportions, a high neck, and a stable circular foot. The body is covered with a rich turquoise-blue glaze serving as a ground for refined polychrome painting and lavish gilt ornamentation, characteristic of the highest artistic production of Sèvres in the 19th century.The front is adorned with a large oval medallion depicting the mythological scene The Birth of Venus. The goddess is shown at the moment of her triumphant emergence from the sea in a shell, with a flowing red drapery, surrounded by putti and music-making nymphs. The movement of the waves, the play of wind, and the dynamic arrangement of figures emphasize the allegorical nature of the scene, symbolizing the triumphant power of love, harmony of nature, and ideal beauty. The composition draws upon Renaissance and academic traditions widely embraced by French art of the period.The reverse features a richly painted still life with an opulent bouquet of flowers, pears, and plums. This imagery, traditionally associated with abundance and fertility, forms a meaningful dialogue with the mythological subject on the front. The painting is framed by a gilt cartouche with a pearl border. The body is further enriched with elaborate gilt vegetal and classical ornamentation executed with exceptional precision.Marks:Hand-painted underglaze cobalt mark of the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, featuring a working monogram and the letter “P”. Such letter marks formed part of the internal attribution system used by the artistic workshops and painting ateliers of the manufactory in the second half of the 19th century and are characteristic of ceremonial vases with painted medallions.Dimensions: Height: 42 cm; Width: 25 cm; Depth: 25 cm.Condition: Good. Even glaze, no cracks or chips. Minor signs of age and light wear to the gilding on raised areas. The painted decoration is well preserved, with no evidence of restoration.Provenance: Private European collection.
Begins 03.05.2026
PORCELAIN GARNITURE. MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SÈVRES FRANCE, 1819
PORCELAIN GARNITURE. MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SÈVRES FRANCE, 1819
A museum-quality porcelain garniture produced at the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres in 1819, representing an outstanding example of French decorative arts of the Restoration period. The ensemble comprises two tall covered vases and a wide central jardinière, forming a coherent ceremonial composition intended for the reception rooms of aristocratic residences and official interiors.The bodies are executed in fine Sèvres porcelain and enriched with a deep cobalt-blue ground known as bleu lapis, characteristic of the manufactory’s early 19th-century production. The surfaces are lavishly decorated with finely gilded floral and rocaille ornamentation of exceptional refinement. Central reserves are painted with polychrome gallant and pastoral scenes inspired by the French pictorial tradition of the 18th century, featuring delicately modelled figures, soft chromatic harmonies, and atmospheric landscape backgrounds.The interior of the central jardinière is adorned with floral garlands and a central bouquet executed in fine polychrome painting. The vases rest on multi-sided bases fitted with mercury-gilt bronze mounts. The handles, cast as allegorical female figures, reflect the aesthetic vocabulary of the early 19th century and attest to the close collaboration between the Sèvres manufactory and leading Parisian bronze foundries. The removable covers are surmounted by gilt pinecone finials, enhancing the architectural presence and ceremonial character of the ensemble.Marks: Date-letter “A” within a cipher – 1819 (Manufacture nationale de Sèvres); underglaze cobalt decorator’s mark “S…” – painter at the Sèvres manufactory, active during the 1810s–1820s.Dimensions: Central jardinière – Height 43.4 cm, Width 47 cm, Depth 25 cm; vases – Height 71 cm, Width 28 cm, Depth 21 cm.Condition: Good. Minor signs of age and use. Gilding well preserved, polychrome decoration vivid, without losses or restoration.
Begins 03.05.2026
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