Large Napoleon III Jardinière Marquetry Gilt Bronze

his exquisite French Napoleon III jardinière, dating from the second half of the 19th century, exemplifies the refinement of the Second Empire periodproantic.com. It is constructed of mahogany and rosewood, lavishly adorned with polychrome floral marquetry executed in precious and exotic woodsproantic.com. Finely inlaid bouquets and scrolling foliate motifs decorate all sides, arranged symmetrically in keeping with Napoleon III design aestheticsproantic.comproantic.com. This masterful marquetry work recalls Louis XV-style floral inlays, revived to great effect during the Second Empire.

The jardinière is further enriched with finely chiseled gilt-bronze mountsproantic.com. A pierced gilt-bronze gallery elegantly accentuates the top openingproantic.com, and foliate bronze handles adorn each end. Ornamental corner chutes and gilded bronze sabots (foot caps) embellish the supports and feet, lending an opulent touch characteristic of the period. Inside, the piece retains its original metal liner, likely zinc, which is perfectly fittedproantic.com. This removable liner – often missing in antique planters – ensures the piece is watertight for displaying plants or floral arrangements, and its presence underscores the item’s authenticity and completeness.

The jardinière is presented in excellent condition, having undergone a professional restoration. The finish has been revived with a traditional French polish, restoring the warm luster of the wood veneers and the brilliance of the gilded bronze mountsproantic.com. The structure is sound, the marquetry intact, and all elements are original; this piece is ready to grace the home of a discerning collector. Finally, the jardinière stands out for its exceptionally large size. Measuring approximately 138 cm in length (over 54 inches), it is an unusually grand example – a rare find on the market1stdibs.com. Its impressive proportions make it a truly statement piece, ideal for enhancing a spacious living room, conservatory, or winter garden.

Dimensions:
Height – 41 cm (16"),
Width – 138 cm (54"),
Depth – 27 cm (10.5").