Large 14" Antique French Repoussé Copper Jardinière, 19th Century Alliance Coat of Arms Cachepot, Lion Head Handles, French Planter

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This is a beautiful late 19th century brass and copper hand hammered planter or jardiniere, with lion head mask handles … Read more This is a beautiful late 19th century brass and copper hand hammered planter or jardiniere, with lion head mask handles and an Alliance Coat of Arms in repousse' relief. It is a large size, measuring 14" in diameter and 10.5" high. It's a substantial piece that will draw attention wherever it's placed. It was made in France during the Victorian period.

In researching this planter I found the following interesting description of the Alliance Coat of Arms...

"The circular emblem is a beautifully preserved 19th-century alliance coat of arms (representing a marriage between two noble families) rendered in high-relief repoussé work. Specific Heraldic Details Proving its French Origin:The Left Shield (The Husband's House): Features a distinct castle brick wall pattern topped by two stylized fleur-de-lis motifs or heraldic crosses pattee. The fleur-de-lis is the foundational symbol of French royalty and nobility.The Right Shield (The Wife's House): Displays three stacked chevrons, which is an incredibly common layout in continental French provincial heraldry (most famously mirrored by ancient houses like the La Rochefoucauld lineage).The Central Knight's Helmet: The front-facing, barred tournament helm (casque) adorned with fluid, scrolling acanthus leaf mantling is the textbook style used by late 18th and 19th-century French coppersmiths to evoke aristocratic grandeur."

The rounded basin features two detailed brass lion head mask handles holding loose rings. It is hand wrought and shows a well exceuted vertical dovetail/cramp seam where the copper sheets were joined by a master coppersmith. It has authentic patina with variations in copper oxidation and deep brass tones. There are minor surface scuffs, tiny dimples, and a small dent in the rim. I think one of the lion faces is dented - hard to tell for sure.

This fabulous piece can be used for a number of things - as a planter, storage for kindling by the hearth, a centerpiece, wine or beverage chiller. See less