Large Louis XVI Chinese Celadon Crackle Porcelain & Ormolu Centerpiece/Jardenier

Description

Magnificent and Palatial size Louis XVI style Chinese Crackle Celadon Porcelain and French Ormolu Mounted Centerpiece/Jardenier attributed to Henry Dasson. The Chinese Celadon Porcelain centerpiece is formed as a monumental large rounded jardinière form with gently tapering lower body, rising from a wide circular ormolu base. The body swells outward with a rounded profile and tapers gently toward a thick gilt bronze rim. The celadon glaze presents a pale green tone with an even crackle network across the surface. Below the rim runs a continuous Greek key bronze band set within gilt framing, precisely fitted around the circumference. The upper edge is encircled by a cast egg and dart border in relief. Two large opposing handles are mounted at the sides, each issuing from a scrolling volute bracket and terminating in inward turned acanthus leaves. The handles are cast in open form with stepped inner reserves and applied pendant leaf drops at the lower terminals. At the base of the ceramic body, a wreath of gilt oak leaves and acorns encircles the lower register. The ormolu plinth is stepped and circular, with vertical fluting and applied roundels in low relief. This magnificent and palatial size Chinese crackle celadon and ormolu mounted centerpiece reflects the technical demands associated with firing monumental celadon vessels in the nineteenth century. The scale of the ceramic body required careful control of kiln temperature and cooling cycles, as large forms were prone to warping, cracking, or collapse during firing. The successful production of a vessel of this diameter and height indicates a high level of kiln management and material preparation. The crackle glaze is evenly distributed, without visible structural fractures, demonstrating the stability achieved in firing. The ormolu mounts, that are executed in Paris, most probably by Henry Dasson, were cast and chased separately before being fitted to the ceramic body. The crisp modeling of the acanthus leaves, egg and dart molding, and oak leaf wreath reflects workshop production associated with large scale decorative commissions. The precise alignment of the mounts to the curved celadon surface required accurate measurement and custom fitting. The combination of monumental celadon and substantial gilt bronze mounts places this centerpiece within the category of large decorative works intended for formal display. The survival of a vessel of this size in stable condition contributes directly to its rarity and desirability.

Details

Dimensions