Old Paris Porcelain Vase of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with Poetic Inscription

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Old Paris Porcelain Portrait Vase of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with Gilt Poetic Inscription, circa 1880

A rare and possibly unique … Read more Old Paris Porcelain Portrait Vase of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with Gilt Poetic Inscription, circa 1880

A rare and possibly unique hand-painted Old Paris commemorative vase honoring American literary icon Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882), combining exceptional portraiture with a full gilt-inscribed stanza from his most celebrated poem, A Psalm of Life:

“Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.”

Executed in a refined, flattened ovoid “pillow” form with a tapering foot and gently curved shoulders, the vase is richly decorated in a warm ivory glaze, classical red ground, and crisp gilt accents. The portrait is rendered with striking fidelity and polychrome nuance—likely by a skilled Parisian decorator producing export wares tailored to American literary and patriotic taste during the poet’s lifetime.

The reverse bears the full stanza in raised gilt script within a decorative reserve. The base is unmarked except for impressed mold or catalog numbers “105” and “2,” a common feature among Old Paris manufactories, particularly for limited or customized production.

This piece stands out as a historically significant and exceptionally rare survival, merging fine porcelain artistry with transatlantic literary homage. Its quality of painting, poetic inscription, and export intent suggest a bespoke or very limited production, perhaps commissioned to commemorate Longfellow’s international fame in the 19th century.

Dimensions: 9.5" H x 9.5" W x 3.5" D

Condition: Excellent antique condition with only minor gilt wear; no cracks, chips, or restorations observed. See less