18th Century Chinese Imari Porcelain Bowl

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An exceptional louis xvi-period chinese imari porcelain bowl mounted in finely chiselled and mercury-gilded ormolu, dating to circa 1774. This … Read more An exceptional louis xvi-period chinese imari porcelain bowl mounted in finely chiselled and mercury-gilded ormolu, dating to circa 1774. This rare and important decorative object combines a striking chinese porcelain bowl with exceptionally accomplished french gilt-bronze mounts of the louis xvi period. The ormolu has been finely chiselled and mercury gilded, creating an elaborate architectural framework that elevates and presents the porcelain as a luxury object in its own right. The chinese bowl is particularly distinctive, with a rich enamelled red ground applied in combination with underglaze cobalt-blue decoration. Chrysanthemum flowers and blue roundels form the principal decorative elements, producing a remarkably bold composition that appears almost modern in its graphic quality. The contrast between the richly coloured chinese porcelain and the sculptural gilded bronze exemplifies the european fascination with asian ceramics during the 18th century. Valuable imported porcelains were frequently enhanced by skilled french bronziers, transforming them into highly fashionable objects for sophisticated aristocratic interiors. The quality and scale of the ormolu mounting are particularly impressive, complementing rather than overwhelming the porcelain and giving the piece considerable presence from every angle. A closely comparable ormolu-mounted porcelain piece from the collection of hélène rochas was sold by christie's for €27,400. That example incorporated a cover and had undergone restoration. The comparison illustrates the type of highly prestigious 18th-century mounted porcelain collected for important european interiors. A rare and exceptionally decorative example of louis xvi-period ormolu-mounted chinese porcelain, combining fine chinese imari decoration with elaborate french gilt-bronze craftsmanship. Period louis xvi date of manufacture circa 1774 dimensions bowl diameter: 18 cm (7 inches) overall height on stand: 26 cm (10 inches) See less