Late 20th Century Wong Lee: Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Table Jardiniere

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17 1/2”W x 11”H x 9”D

This exquisite centerpiece from Wong Lee International masterfully unites the flowing elegance of Art … Read more 17 1/2”W x 11”H x 9”D

This exquisite centerpiece from Wong Lee International masterfully unites the flowing elegance of Art Nouveau with opulent Chinese craftsmanship, creating a piece of captivating decorative art. Designed as a jardiniere or serving dish, it features a vibrant rectangular porcelain basin, meticulously hand-painted with lush floral motifs in vivid crimson and green against a rich, sunny yellow ground. The porcelain surface is subtly imbued with a characteristic crackle glaze, deliberately applied to evoke the patina and allure of genuine antiquities.

The porcelain vessel is embraced by an ornate framework of gilt bronze, a signature element of Wong Lee's distinctive style. Sculptural bronze tendrils, exquisitely cast to form delicate daffodils and petunia blossoms, gracefully intertwine around the basin, which rests on elaborate scrolled feet. A captivating winged fairy nymph, rendered with intricate detail in bronze, perches elegantly on one end, imbuing the piece with a mythological and romantic sensibility that is deeply rooted in the naturalistic forms of the Art Nouveau movement.

This piece stands as a testament to Wong Lee's unique design philosophy, which seamlessly blends traditional Chinoiserie aesthetics with influences from European court styles, such as French Baroque. The 'WL 1895' maker's mark found on the underside is a commemorative reference to the end of the First Sino-Japanese War, rather than a date of production. Founded in 1995, Wong Lee International specializes in creating contemporary, newly designed pieces that celebrate and reinterpret historical luxury. This jardiniere, therefore, is not a reproduction, but a sophisticated modern creation, offering a richly detailed and visually arresting decorative object that bridges historical grandeur with contemporary artistry.

Late 20th Century


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