Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze French Chenets

This dynamic pair of French bronze chenets with putti and sea dragons was crafted circa 1850. The dore Rococo bases are full of life, with golden ...

These important Gothic cast iron fireplace chenets are close to 500 years old. Sometimes called fire dogs or andirons, chenets are fireplace accessories designed to elevate firewood....

This pair of brightly silvered bronze chenets are from France (circa 1900), in the style of Louis XVI, as noted by the presence of laurel leaf festoons and pots au feu finials. They were used in well-appointed homes, not only to decorate the front of the fireplace, but to prevent burning logs from rolling onto priceless rugs, should they break free of the fire. Often seen in natural wrought iron, or gilded in gold (in finer homes), it is unusual to see them in silvered bronze. Each finial has two pots au feu of different sizes and orientation adorned with a laurel swag. The larger fire pot...

Although the fleur de lys is closely associated with French culture, and more specifically, the French Monarchy, the true origin of the symbol is unknown. There are references in his...

These antique French “chenets” are from the 1700s and have been hand-wrought in iron. Their uppermost portions were crafted to hold cups or bowls of liquid which would then be heated...

These fireplace chenets are a wonderful example of French “haute epoque” iron work. They are estimated to have been created in the early 16th century. The artistic nature and high qu...

A pair of 19th Century French ormolu dolphin chenets French, 19th century 44cm high x 25cm wide x 13cm in depth. These superb antique chenets, or ...

Early 19th century French Empire gilt bronze lioness figures andirons or chenets Two figures of lionesses facing each other made of patined bronze lying on rectangular gilt-bronze...

XIX Century, Pair of Venetian gilt bronze fireplace Chenets in Baroque Style This imposing pair of Fireplace Chenets in finely chiselled and gi...

A pair of French Early 19th century Louis XV gilt bronze figural Chenets Andirons. The scrolled and pierced body, each surmounted with a figure of a young boy and a young girl, both ...

A very fine and charming pair of French 19th-20th century Louis XV style Belle Époque figural gilt-bronze chenets. The finely chased whimsical ormolu andirons, each surmounted with a...

A fine pair of French 19th century Japonisme Louis XV style Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Chenets (Andirons) by BOUHON FRES, each depicting a flaming dragon atop an "L" shaped base surmounted with an allegorical gilt-bronze and marble urns with floral garlands and paw-feet, the base with a draped ormolu design and raised on tapered feet. Stamped: "B&H". Circa: Paris, 1890-1900. The bronziers Bouhon et Cie. Bouhon Frers. specialized in bronze-decorated fire-places and fire-fittings. These large and fine chenets are supreme examples of their output. The firm participated in the 1878 and 1900 Paris Expositions Universelles. Japonisme[a] is a French term that refers to the popularity and influence of Japanese art and design among a number of Western European artists in the nineteenth century following the forced reopening of foreign trade with Japan in 1858. Japonisme was first described by French art critic and collector Philippe Burty in 1872.[3] While the effects of the trend were likely most pronounced in the visual arts, they extended to architecture, landscaping and gardening, and clothing.[4] Even the performing arts were affected; Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado is perhaps the best example. From the 1860s, ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, became a source of inspiration for many Western artists.These prints were created for the commercial market in Japan. Although a percentage of prints were brought to the West through Dutch trade merchants, it was not until the 1860s that ukiyo-e prints gained popularity in Europe. Western artists were intrigued by the original use of color and composition. Ukiyo-e prints featured dramatic foreshortening and asymmetrical compositions. Japanese decorative arts, including ceramics, enamels, metalwork, and lacquerware, were as influential in the West as the graphic arts. During the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japanese pottery was exported around the world. From a long history of making weapons for samurai, Japanese metalworkers had achieved an expressive range of colours by combining and finishing metal alloys. Japanese cloissoné...