Imari Early 19th Century, Porcelain Basin Mounted With Bronze Dragon

The taste for porcelain from China and Japan had a lasting influence on Western decoration.
Mounted objects became widespread under Louis XV, and the practice was renewed in the mid-19th century with a real concern, even if it remained an exotic utopia, to get closer to the local orignal style.
The major importers of Far Eastern objects successfully marketed these decorative objects.
One example is Les établissements Bing in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, which was the size of a department store at the time.
Here, a basin from the island of Kyushu, commonly known as Imari, receives a magnificent bronze mounting consisting of a base and two dragon-shaped handles.
The base is made in a traditional style and rests on small feet only.
The two dragons are impressive, masterfully crafted and elegantly twisted, requiring a real knowledge of traditional iconography and a top-quality foundryman. The level of detail is particularly high.
The porcelain is of very fine quality, not a common late piece, and the enamel skin on the inside is still reminiscent of 17th-century work.
The piece has come down to us in perfect condition

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