One large ormolu mounted Chinese porcelain jardinière

Consisting of Chinese porcelain and French gilt-bronze mounts, this fantastic decorative ware is a large, grand jardinière, with a charming animal and mythological focus, with beautiful painted natural secnes and large arcing golden dragons on either side.

Standing over a metre tall, the Chinese porcelain vase, exported to Europe, is mounted with a pair of dragon shaped handles, and a set of four curved, floral legs. The porcelain is painted on the outside with a vibrant, colourful nature scene with a multitude of flowers, with birds interspersed, while the interior is decorated with a large circular petal motif, with fish swimming on the sides.

There are many similar examples of works from late nineteenth century France that combine Chinese porcelain wares with grand, indulgent ormolu mounts, and this piece is a particularly vibrant and lively display piece in this style.