Large French Sevres Style Porcelain Ormolu Mounted Casket Box 19th Century

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Very large 19th century ormolu mounted Sevres Style porcelain casket box , made in France and decorated with the characteristic … Read more Very large 19th century ormolu mounted Sevres Style porcelain casket box , made in France and decorated with the characteristic celeste blue ground associated with Sèvres porcelain, the famous soft turquoise-blue hue developed in the mid-18th century and widely admired throughout the 19th century. This impressive decorative box is richly ornamented with hand-painted panels and elaborate gilt bronze mounts, reflecting the refined taste of French decorative arts of the period.
Each side of the exterior is beautifully hand-painted with detailed scenes depicting castles, trees, ponds, flowers, and landscape elements, rendered in soft tones and framed within gilt decoration over the celeste blue ground. The porcelain panels are set in a finely cast gilt bronze ormolu frame, heavily decorated with sculptural ornamentation including scrolling foliage and finely modeled putti figures, all raised on four bronze feet that give the casket an elegant elevated form. The hinged cover is surmounted by an elaborate gilt bronze finial composed of putti figures forming a crown-like group, adding strong sculptural presence and balance to the design. The interior of the lid is also decorated with a hand-painted floral still life on a white ground, showing the same attention to detail given to the exterior surfaces. The overall form follows the shape of a classical casket, resting on cabriole-style ormolu legs, and demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship typical of fine French porcelain and bronze-mounted objects of the mid-19th century. Because of its large size, rich color, and elaborate mounts, this porcelain box is a highly decorative piece suitable for display on a console, desk, or cabinet, and easily complements both antique and formal interiors. The casket measures approximately 15 inches high, 15 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, and remains in good antique condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use See less