Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Mounted Hand-Painted Porcelain Vases by Royal Bonn

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Created during the height of Europe’s fascination with richly mounted decorative porcelain, this exceptional pair combines the celebrated ceramic artistry … Read more Created during the height of Europe’s fascination with richly mounted decorative porcelain, this exceptional pair combines the celebrated ceramic artistry of Royal Bonn with the refined brilliance of French gilt bronze.
The porcelain bodies were produced by the Franz Anton Mehlem manufactory in Bonn, Germany, whose wares were exported under the distinguished Royal Bonn name. Each vase is entirely hand-painted, with tranquil waterside landscapes framed by lush blossoms in shades of rose, violet, blue, white and soft green. The reverse sides are equally beautiful, decorated with graceful blue flowers against an intricate tapestry-like ground of warm taupe and softly burnished gold. The painting differs subtly from one vase to the other, giving each its own artistic character while preserving the harmony of the pair.
Their richly cast French gilt bronze mounts transform the porcelain into objects of extraordinary presence. Pierced galleries crown the rims, accompanied by scrolling handles with delicate foliate details. Elaborate bases composed of acanthus leaves, masks, scrollwork and slender feet elevate the vessels with the elegance associated with the finest French decorative arts.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, French workshops frequently selected fine porcelain produced in Germany, England, Austria and China and embellished it with specially designed bronze mounts. These mounts amplified the color and artistry of the porcelain while giving the finished objects the luxurious character desired for sophisticated French interiors. The marriage of German hand-painted porcelain and French bronze work seen here is a splendid continuation of that celebrated tradition.
The underside bears the crowned Royal Bonn mark with the stylized initials of Franz Anton Mehlem, together with “1755,” “Bonn” and “Germany.” The date 1755 refers to the historical origins of pottery production at the Bonn site. The mark supports a date of 1890’s..
Elegant, romantic and beautifully preserved, this antique pair possesses the richness that only individually painted porcelain and finely detailed gilt bronze can achieve. Their decorative surfaces reveal something new from every angle, from the peaceful landscapes to the jewel-like flowers and sculptural French mounts.
Circa 1890s
Each measures 14.5H x 9W x 6D
This pair is available at Inessa Stewart’s Antiques, Dallas, Texas. See less