Large Oval Silver-plated Jardinière Centrepiece By Armand Frénais, Paris, Late 19th Century

Large oval jardinière centrepiece in silver plate, by the silversmith Armand Frénais, Paris, late 19th century

Large oval jardinière forming a table centrepiece, in silver plate over bronze or brass, by the Parisian house of Armand Frénais. Late 19th-century work in the Neo-Renaissance taste with Neo-Gothic accents. An architectural display piece, complete with its removable inner liner.

Under the base, the maker's mark AF on either side of an anchor, the name Frenais struck in full and the number 40 in a cartouche. The mark was registered on 13 September 1877 and cancelled on 8 September 1927, the workshop being at 77 boulevard Richard-Lenoir in Paris. During those fifty years, Armand Frénais was among the leading silverware manufacturers in Paris. A renowned and prestigious house, whose mark remains a guarantee of quality for collectors.

Oval body with a broad moulded band, encircled by a stamped frieze in relief framed by fillets. Flat gadroons / flutes with rounded ends, punctuated by lion masks set in quatrefoils with fleurons. Alternating with medallions of interlacing centred on a diamond point. Lions with finely detailed manes and an expressive gaze. At each end, two lion masks holding a movable ring in their mouths, serving as handles.

Curved lower part narrowing onto a moulded pedestal. Oval base carried on four lion's paw feet with fluted mounts. Feet cast and screwed from below, each stamped with its assembly number.

Lion masks, interlacing and mouldings are thus highlighted with golden reflections against the silver ground. A very beautiful contrast drawn by time, which gives relief and warmth to the decoration and which replating would erase.

Inner liner in silver plate with a rolled lip, designed to hold pots, soil or moss, and making upkeep easy. Original use: a table jardinière for green or flowering plants. Today, a centrepiece filled with potted plants for a dinner. Or a cachepot for an orchid, bulbs or a fern, on a console, a sideboard or a mantelpiece. Or again a piece of silverware displayed empty, for the sheer pleasure of its decoration. Its 8.25 kg give it a perfectly stable footing.

Very good overall condition. The piece is complete with its liner, its two rings and its four feet. Wear to the silver plating on the reliefs, the source of the contrast described above. Bottom of the liner and inside of the body marked by use as a jardinière. Natural wear of an antique piece that has been used, with no effect on its presentation. No intervention needed.

Dimensions:
• Length: 41 cm (16.1 in)
• Width: 30 cm (11.8 in)
• Height: 26 cm (10.2 in)
• Weight: 8.25 kg (18.2 lb)

Safe and secure shipping:
• France: € 18
• European Union: € 38
• International: € 268
• Professional packing; each shipment insured for the full value of the piece.
• Authenticity guaranteed; a detailed invoice is provided with every acquisition.
• Returns accepted within 14 days of receipt.
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