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Old Paris Porcelain Vase of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with Poetic Inscription

$2,950
£2,269.34
€2,634.05
CA$4,160.20
A$4,660.13
CHF 2,447.67
MX$56,665.67
NOK 30,995.47
SEK 29,423.03
DKK 19,658.97

About the Item

Old Paris Porcelain Portrait Vase of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with Gilt Poetic Inscription, circa 1880 A rare and possibly unique hand-painted Old Paris commemorative vase honoring American literary icon Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882), combining exceptional portraiture with a full gilt-inscribed stanza from his most celebrated poem, A Psalm of Life: “Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time.” Executed in a refined, flattened ovoid “pillow” form with a tapering foot and gently curved shoulders, the vase is richly decorated in a warm ivory glaze, classical red ground, and crisp gilt accents. The portrait is rendered with striking fidelity and polychrome nuance—likely by a skilled Parisian decorator producing export wares tailored to American literary and patriotic taste during the poet’s lifetime. The reverse bears the full stanza in raised gilt script within a decorative reserve. The base is unmarked except for impressed mold or catalog numbers “105” and “2,” a common feature among Old Paris manufactories, particularly for limited or customized production. This piece stands out as a historically significant and exceptionally rare survival, merging fine porcelain artistry with transatlantic literary homage. Its quality of painting, poetic inscription, and export intent suggest a bespoke or very limited production, perhaps commissioned to commemorate Longfellow’s international fame in the 19th century. Dimensions: 9.5" H x 9.5" W x 3.5" D Condition: Excellent antique condition with only minor gilt wear; no cracks, chips, or restorations observed.
  • Creator:
    Old Paris (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Width: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
  • Style:
    High Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1880s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Condition: Excellent antique condition with only minor gilt wear; no cracks, chips, or restorations observed.
  • Seller Location:
    West Palm Beach, FL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: T33931stDibs: LU2592345781752

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