Description
A finely cast French Renaissance revival pot pourri vase dating to the Napoleon III era circa 1940. The ormolu vase decorated extensively throughout with sharp scrolling motif accents amongst floral bands and flared ribbon work with pierced sections to the top. The mouth of the pot pourri vase with large flared opening. The vase stood upon traditional Renaissance revival opposing diving dolphins mounted on a square base with four cherub plaques. The vase made from a base of bronze which has been beautifully gilded with stone gold tones to enhance the visually appealing vase. Perfect to house your Pot Pourri or to be used as a floral centrepiece.
Notes | Cherub, a celestial winged being with human, animal, or birdlike characteristics who functions as a throne bearer of the Deity usually cast as a baby or child.
Renaissance, (French for rebirth) describes the great revival of art that took place in Italy from about 1400 under the influence of the rediscovery of classical art and culture. From the Renaissance, a world renowned design originating in Europe which has been interpreted and influenced across the art and antique market along with architecture for the last 600+ years. Many of the most famous artists and designers draw inspiration still from designs made during the Renaissance named Renaissance Revival, or sometimes after the antique.
Pot Pourri is a mixture of dried, naturally fragrant plant materials used to throw a gentle natural scent into a room. Potpourri has been universally used since ancient times. In early 1600’s in France, fresh herbs and flowers were gathered in spring and continuing throughout the summer. The herbs were left for couple of days to become softened. They were then layered with coarse sea salt and stirred occasionally as layers were added to it. Often the mixture would ferment with mold occurring as the summer went by. In fall, certain spices would be added to the unsightly grey mix until a pleasant fragrance was regained and then scent preserving fixatives were added. The finished potpourri mixtures were set out in special pots with perforated sections to perfume rooms.
Ormolu is the technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré and in English it is often referred to as gilt bronze. It is a finishing technique which adds an overall gold look to any object without the massive cost and impracticality of making an object out of solid gold. Mercury was outlawed in the 1830’s in France however it was still used until the early 1900s.
Measurements | 25cm High x 22cm Wide x 13cm Deep (9.8 x 8.7x 5.1 Inches)
Condition | Excellent Antique condition, some small areas of gilding loss.
