A French Japanism Orientalist Mixed-Metal Peacock Centerpiece/Tray, by E. Cornu

Description

A Marvelous and Quite Unusual French Japanism Orientalist Mixed-Metal Peacock-Form Centerpiece/Tray, by EUGENE CORNU. Made by Parisian sculptor Eugene Cornu. The bashful peacock bows its head to grab the branch that holds the tray in place. Unlike most depictions of the peacock—typically a symbol of pride and boastfulness—this one humbly stands only to support the table above him, in turn serving his owner. The peacock is gorgeously hand-chased and hand-chiseled with fine details in a mixed-metal arrangement, which represents the multitude of colors that a peacock has in its feathers. This mixed-metal design is gorgeous with shades of gold, silver, and bronze. Another notable element of this piece is the hand-painted enamel on the tabletop. The surface shows a two-dimensional stack of three fans: one black, one red, and one white. They each feature a different design, decorated by Japonesque motifs. A synthesis of European and East Asian style, this table represents the Orientalist movement of the 19th century and cross-cultural pollination across the French empire. The piece is further adorned with 24K gilt decoration. France, Circa: 1880

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