The fashion for mounting Chinese and Japanese porcelain in ormolu mounts reached its zenith under the Parisian marchands-merciers of the mid-18th century, as their the floral, scrolling porcelain complimented the curves and scrolls of the rococo style. Revived from the mid-19th century, grandiose torchères and vases were also fashionable with America's early captains of industry and 'Robber Barons', who lavishly furnished their palatial residences in the French taste. A large pair of ormolu-mounted Imari ‘candelabra’ are illustrated in The Great Room at Lynnwood Hall, the Philadelphia residence of P.A.B. Widener (M. C. Kathrens, American Splendor: The Residential Architecture of Horace Trumbauer, New York, 2002, p. 66). Compare also a pair of candelabra from Lambton Castle, County Durham, sold Christie’s, London, 8 July 2010, lot 182 (£151,250). A pair of torchères, with slender vases sitting atop baluster vases en suite, and signed by Maison Giroux was sold at Christie’s, London, 22 March 2001, lot 215.
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THE PORCELAIN EDO PERIOD (LATE 17TH CENTURY), THE MOUNTS THIRD QUARTER 19TH CENTURYA PAIR OF NAPOLEON III ORMOLU-MOUNTED JAPANESE IMARI PORCELAIN LARGE VASESEstimate: GBP 10,000 - 15,000
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
In overall fairly good decorative condition. The ormolu with heavy build up of dirt and dust, particularly to the crevices and low points of casting. The gilding bright and apparently re-gilt overall. Some tarnishing, verdigris and pitting overall. Some components of the extensive mounting are loose and would benefit from securing. The mermaid to one vase with loss to the trident.
The porcelain: Each vase is generally in good condition with typical rubbing to enamels and gilt. The rim of one trumpet vase has been broken and repaired. There are some enamel losses especially to the black enamels. There is some build-up of dust and the vases would benefit from being cleaned. Due to the ormolu mounting, it is not possible to inspect the neckrims and footrims of the vases.
Overall of impressive scale and highly decorative.
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Lot 108Sale 21048
THE PORCELAIN EDO PERIOD (LATE 17TH CENTURY), THE MOUNTS THIRD QUARTER 19TH CENTURYA PAIR OF NAPOLEON III ORMOLU-MOUNTED JAPANESE IMARI PORCELAIN LARGE VASESEstimate: GBP 10,000 - 15,000
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