Napoleon III Kingwood, Bronze & Sèvres-Style Porcelain Jardinière
France, 19th Century
A stunning expression of 19th-century French decorative art, this Napoleon III jardinière is a masterclass in elegance and craftsmanship. Featuring a serpentine form veneered in rich kingwood, the piece is adorned with finely cast gilt bronze mounts in the Rococo style and exquisite hand-painted porcelain plaques in the manner of Sèvres.
The central porcelain medallion on the front showcases a lush floral bouquet on a rich bleu céleste ground—an iconic color associated with the Sèvres manufactory. The backplate features a complementary porcelain plaque with a delicately painted putto (cherub) amid florals, a romantic neoclassical motif often favored in Second Empire interiors.
The jardinière is fitted with a removable liner and flanked by ornate bronze handles, while the base and trim are embellished with acanthus scrollwork and shell flourishes, underscoring its opulent French design.
While unmarked, the quality and style of the porcelain decoration are strongly aligned with Sèvres or Sèvres-style ateliers that supplied plaques to top Parisian cabinetmakers of the time.
Details:
• Origin: France, Napoleon III period (circa 1860–1880)
• Materials: Kingwood veneer, gilt bronze (ormolu), hand-painted porcelain
• Porcelain: Sèvres-style bleu céleste ground with floral and cherub motifs
• Dimensions: 6” H × 15” W × 10.75” D
• Condition: Excellent antique condition with light, expected patina
• Provenance: Private collection
A refined and rare find, ideal as a luxurious centerpiece or collector’s piece celebrating the grandeur of Second Empire France.
Napoleon III Kingwood, Bronze & Sèvres-Style Porcelain Jardinière
France, 19th Century
A stunning expression of 19th-century French decorative art, this Napoleon III jardinière is a masterclass in elegance and craftsmanship. Featuring a serpentine form veneered in rich kingwood, the piece is adorned with finely cast gilt bronze mounts in the Rococo style and exquisite hand-painted porcelain plaques in the manner of Sèvres.
The central porcelain medallion on the front showcases a lush floral bouquet on a rich bleu céleste ground—an iconic color associated with the Sèvres manufactory. The backplate features a complementary porcelain plaque with a delicately painted putto (cherub) amid florals, a romantic neoclassical motif often favored in Second Empire interiors.
The jardinière is fitted with a removable liner and flanked by ornate bronze handles, while the base and trim are embellished with acanthus scrollwork and shell flourishes, underscoring its opulent French design.
While unmarked, the quality and style of the porcelain decoration are strongly aligned with Sèvres or Sèvres-style ateliers that supplied plaques to top Parisian cabinetmakers of the time.
Details:
• Origin: France, Napoleon III period (circa 1860–1880)
• Materials: Kingwood veneer, gilt bronze (ormolu), hand-painted porcelain
• Porcelain: Sèvres-style bleu céleste ground with floral and cherub motifs
• Dimensions: 6” H × 15” W × 10.75” D
• Condition: Excellent antique condition with light, expected patina
• Provenance: Private collection
A refined and rare find, ideal as a luxurious centerpiece or collector’s piece celebrating the grandeur of Second Empire France.