Antique French Urn, Decor Rouen, circa 1910

Known in France as a surtout de table, this mirrored centerpiece is from circa 1900. The 13 ¾ inch diameter mirror is surrounded by a tripartite bronze base, which has been gilded using an ormolu technique, which is a coating of finely ground gold. Notice the bright color of the ormolu, indicating that a high-karat gold was used (total diameter is 17 1/2 inches). The edge of the mirrored section is surrounded by a thin ring of highly detailed grapevines. At the bottom edge of the base is another cluster of grapes, with much larger leaves. The second ring is interrupted on three occasions by a lobed leaf, each terminating in a thick, volute foot. Surtout de tables were often gilded or silvered or surrounded by exotic metals, making them highly sought-after furnishings. Typically, they were used as ornamental centerpieces on formal dining tables, allowing candlesticks and serving pieces to be displayed, although our mirrored ormolu surtout de table...

A beautiful Louis XVI-style urn from France, circa 1860, this grand gilt bronze decorative accessory has been mounted on a square white marble with light cream accents. The main body...

From Italy, this large, hand-painted Majolica urn dates to the late 1800s. At the top are two putti seated upon the lid and two more putti lying upon their stomachs on the curled aca...

An exquisite example of Rococo style ornamentation, this antique (circa 1890) silvered bronze pitcher comes from France. The pitcher has been adorned with spiral fluting that expand ...

Produced by the French studio of Theodore Lefront, circa 1880, this antique barbotine vase features an oblong main body with brass mounts. The vase h...

This stunning lidded urn might have once been found in a 19th century Italian apothecary. The front of the shaped urn body has the hand-painted phrase “C. Violaru”, which is the heavily abbreviated form of the Latin word for violet (violaceum). Up until the mid-1700’s, apothecaries would make syrups from violets and use it to treat kidney ailments. Above the Latin wording is a whimsical musical scene with a man blowing a horn leading a couple who is holding hands over rocky terrain lined with shrubbery. A large house and trees can be seen behind the trio with a pair of mountains in the distance. On the opposite side of the urn is a floral display with a bird perched on a rock. Beneath the bird is a geometric design, possibly a stylized sun with radiating beams of light. Both scenes are segmented by a pair of thin quarter round moldings that encircle the entire vase. Other hand-painted motifs include floral and foliate margents, geometric patterns, and Vitruvian waves that are infilled with horizontal fluting. The sides of the urn have a fish-scale background beneath two mustachioed mascarons. Both men have been styled in grotesque fashion, with a pair of spiraled horns emanating from their heads. In between the horns is a looping handle that is affixed to the body in similar tight spirals. The domed lid has three scrolled arms that merge in a geometric finial. The base color of the urn is white, with illustrations in a monochromatic cobalt oxide blue, reminiscent of Delft blue pottery...

Dated 1875, French rare centerpiece / bowl in majolica by Gien renowned for its exquisite Faience fine. This piece of unusual fan shape is decorated with ...

Pair of Emile Galle style antique Palatial French jeweled vases. Simply the finest floral vases one could possibly hope to fine. The overall amber glass ...

WMF centrepiece with Art Nouveau floral decoration and the original clear glass liner and silver plate. The Dish on acanthus foliate supports, curvilinear handles, the body with ovol...

Antique French Faience Enameled Urn, circa 1900-1910.

Charming vase on foot in opaline glass, painted and gilded. A medallion is drawn in which is represented a cherub wearing a sheet. The pattern is very fine and delicate. For an elega...

Antique French Empire Period Crystal and Ormolu Centerpiece with Figural Serpent and Sphinxes, Circa 1815-1825.