Cloisonné enamel jardinière attributed to F. Barbedienne

This exceptional piece is a large gilt-bronze mounted cloisonné enamel jardinière, decorated with flowers and butterflies on a rich blue ground. In two parts: it consists of Chinese enamel subsequently exported to Europe and decorated adorned with exceptional metalwork in the form of rich gilt-bronze mounts and finials, which are attributed to the excellent French bronzier Barbedienne.

It bears a pierced gilt-bronze rim, featuring a pineapple element, and an exceptionally cast base consisting of four legs, in the form of 'Foo' lions with wings. Pieces such as a these proved hugely popular and successful in the late nineteenth century; many were designed Edouard Lievre, for example, and Barbedienne was a highly regard maker in this style.

A piece such as this, with the beautiful Chinese enamel-work and the sumptuous French gilt-bronze forms a stunning combination of 19th century crafts and designs from across the globe.