French Porcelain And Gilt Bronze Vase In Japanese Style, Circa 1880

An exceptional, richly ornamented vase dating from the French Belle Époque period, circa 1880, executed in the highly decorative Japonisme style. The body of the vase is of dark brown glazed porcelain mounted in finely chased, gilt, and patinated bronze (ormolu), illustrating the height of 19th-century French decorative bronze art. The surface features alternating panels: smooth porcelain fields decorated with delicate gilt floral branches and insects, interspersed with vertical bands of bronze relief depicting winged mythological creatures reminiscent of griffins. The most striking feature is the presence of a remarkably realistic ormolu serpent, whose textured body coils elegantly around the neck of the vase, its head emerging above the rim. Much more than a simple ornament, this serpent embodies a strong symbolic charge—wisdom, protection, and renewal—themes often present in Eastern and Western iconography of the period. The vase rests on a richly decorated openwork bronze base, supported by four vigorously and refinedly sculpted dragons. Stylized cloud motifs and opulent gilding further enhance its aesthetic, which subtly combines Far Eastern inspiration with French artisanal excellence. A rare and luxurious decorative object, a testament to 19th-century France’s fascination with the exotic and its ability to sublimate it into works of art for the refined interior. Dimensions: Height approx. 40 cm, diameter approx. 35 cm Materials: Glazed porcelain; gilt and patinated bronze (ormolu) Origin: France, circa 1880 Condition: Excellent condition, with minor signs of age-related wear