Pair Of Empire-period Cassolettes In Patinated And Gilded Bronze, Circa 1810 ​

​A superb and rare pair of cassolettes (or incense burners) from the Empire period, circa 1810, in black-patinated bronze and gold-gilded bronze (original gilding in excellent condition).
​Each cassolette features a baluster-shaped body with twisted ribs in dark-patinated bronze, elegantly adorned with a finely chased gilded bronze trim. The upper section is topped by an openwork lid surmounted by a floral bouquet, resting on a leaf-decorated collar.

​The curve of the body is embellished with applied floral garlands, while the twisted base flares out into palmette and foliage motifs. The piece rests on a molded, leaf-decorated base with feet cut into volutes in the Rocaille/Empire style.

​Period: Empire (circa 1810)
​Materials: Patinated bronze and gilded bronze (original mercury gilding)
​Condition: Excellent condition. Superb original patina, with slight signs of wear consistent with its age.