Late 19th Century French Dore Bronze & Mother-of-Pearl Basket

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A rare and fantastical example of French decorative whimsy, circa 1890, this highly worked doré bronze basket is rich with … Read more A rare and fantastical example of French decorative whimsy, circa 1890, this highly worked doré bronze basket is rich with symbolic and ornamental detail. The body features reticulated openwork, molded floral motifs, and applied mother of pearl shells that shimmer softly under light.

The handles are adorned with flower accents, while delicate bronze tassels shaped like lightning bolts hang gracefully from the edges, a poetic nod to underwater seaweed and marine fantasy. The integrated stand is an extension of the design, with every surface treated as sculpture.

This piece blurs the line between fine decorative object and surreal art, an extraordinary conversation piece for collectors of Belle Époque, Art Nouveau, or maritime inspired French objets d’art. See less