Magnificent French Empire Era Hand-Painted Porcelain Urn, Circa 1830

Details

Description

Magnificent French Empire Era Hand-Painted Porcelain Urn, Circa 1830
Fresh from Paris! A spectacular find from the local brocantes
Recently … Read more Magnificent French Empire Era Hand-Painted Porcelain Urn, Circa 1830
Fresh from Paris! A spectacular find from the local brocantes
Recently we desperately needed a break from everything we're all feeling right now, and what better place to escape than Paris? Instead of venturing out to the grand marchés aux puces, we decided to explore the charming local brocantes and village flea markets scattered throughout the city, staying close to our base near Place des Vosges. We discovered some truly amazing pieces, boxed them up, and had them shipped back to Vermont via DHL—just before the tariffs kicked in!
The Find
For your consideration: a gorgeous large circa 1830 hand-painted and gilded urn form vase—the absolute height of chic in Empire Era France! This magnificent piece measures 12.5" x 9.5" and represents the pinnacle of French neoclassical design.
Exquisite Design Details
This neoclassical urn form vase was lovingly crafted by hand from French white porcelain, featuring two striking lion head handles that harken back to Roman antiquities—a design element that was immensely popular during the Empire period. The piece was originally mercury gilded and then painted by hand in an exotic floral garland motif that showcases the extraordinary skill of its creator.
Artisan Heritage
These intricate floral designs were almost always painted by young women artists who were able to have paid careers creating works of porcelain like this. Some of these talented women even owned their own porcelain potteries—a remarkable achievement for the era. This piece represents not just decorative art, but also the story of female entrepreneurship in 19th century France.
Specifications

Dimensions: 12.5" H x 9.5" W
Period: Circa 1830, Empire Era
Material: French white porcelain with mercury gilding
Decoration: Hand-painted exotic floral garland motif
Handles: Lion head design in neoclassical style
Origin: France

Authentic Patina & Character
This elegant and superbly created urn has withstood "a life well lived," as they say in France. There is some gilding rub and a few very old underglaze cracks—but remember, pieces like this were low-fired in wood kilns, and each color glaze (and of course the gilding) required separate firings. This urn may have been fired one, two, three, or more times, which is precisely why it is still with us today in all of its beauty, elegance, and faded nobility.
Versatility & Care
This stunning piece can be used as an ornament on its own or filled with flowers. We did check to ensure there is no leaking, but we always urge caution when filling old porcelain with water—better safe than sorry with such precious antiques.
Style Statement
This piece is a classic example of the beauty, design, and style of old Paris porcelain that discerning collectors absolutely love. It's the sort of refined embellishment that can enhance a modern minimalist environment or complement something more classical and layered—true versatility that speaks to timeless French elegance.
A rare opportunity to own a museum-quality piece of Empire Era French porcelain, complete with the patina and character that comes only with nearly two centuries of history. See less