Title
Two famille rose ormolu-mounted fishbowls in the Chinese-export style
Date
c. 1900
Description
Two famille rose ormolu-mounted fishbowls in the Chinese-export style (French, c. 1900) made by Edme Samson et Cie. The two bowls create a well matched pair, with flat rims and grotesque demon mask handles. The sides are richly decorated with birds perched on flowering trees and seated on rockwork. The base of PSNC.2666.1a-b is painted with a spearhead border, the rim with a band of stylized clouds and chrysanthemum blossoms. The top rim features a blue ground and is decorated with stylized strapwork and floral reserves. The interior is painted with crabs, crayfish, snails, and large swimming carp. The upper rim of PSNC.2666.1a-b features flowering branches and birds in flight and a central interior scene of a fish and water lilies. The pierced ormolu bases are in the Louis XV Rococo style.
Both bowls are raised on a pair of Louis XV Revival giltwood stands, PSNC.2683.1-.2 (French, late 19th century). The stands have molded serpentine tops above a conforming floral carved apron and are raised on four cabriole legs carved at the knees with floral sprigs and terminate in acanthus-clad scrolled feet on platform supports.
Both bowls are raised on a pair of Louis XV Revival giltwood stands, PSNC.2683.1-.2 (French, late 19th century). The stands have molded serpentine tops above a conforming floral carved apron and are raised on four cabriole legs carved at the knees with floral sprigs and terminate in acanthus-clad scrolled feet on platform supports.
Cultural Origin
French
Medium
porcelain
bronze
giltwood
Extent
PSNC.2666.1a-b-.2a-b (ormolu-mounted fishbowls) = 20.25" x 23" x 23"
PSNC.2638.1-.2 (giltwood stands)= 14" x 24.5" x 24.5"
Collection
Source
Purchased by The Preservation Society of Newport County.
Identifier
PSNC.2666.1a-b-.2a-b; PSNC.2638.1-.2
For more information about this item, please contact its owning institution.