Aesthetic Movement, C1880, Large Bronze Champleve &
Alabaster / Soapstone Epergne Table Centrepiece

This is a large alabaster / soapstone epergne mounted in a champleve inlaid bronze mount with a round alabaster base which again has champleve decoration.

It stands an impressive 13"(330mm) tall and the base is
9 1/4"(235mm) in diameter. There is a gilded beveled rim underneath the alabaster base, this has some tarnish to the gilding.

There is a pen written note underneath which says:
'Bought at Ker's Furniture Shop £6
in Helensburgh 1941
probably one of a pair
Made in Paris 1880's
Phillips Valuation ........' (possibly 350)

Yes I know the valuation would have been interesting, but I'm afraid I really can't make it out. It might show up in the pics. I'm not sure I agree that it is one of a pair as articles 'in the round' tend  to be for centrepieces and this also has a liner inside the epergne, so was intended for flowers which would make it superb for use as a central table decoration.

The French manufacture is probable, but it is very much in the Russian / Iznik style. The shape of the handles also gives it an Iznik feel and the Aesthetic Movement attribution.

 There is a line, about 2" down from the top, in the stone which is a different colour and looks like a fracture, it is smooth to the touch and is integral to the soapstone. There are a couple of vertical lines which also appear to be internal fault lines in it. All the champleve decoration is in excellent condition, with no losses to the enamel. This is champleve rather than cloisonne as there are no wires (cloisonnes) and the bronze has been cut out to allow the enamel decoration to be introduced. There is no damage or restoration to this magnificent piece. Please feel free to email for any details I may have left out.  Overseas bidders please note this is very heavy (over 3kg) unpacked so please email for a delivery quote before bidding.