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A museum-quality porcelain garniture produced at the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres in 1819, representing an outstanding example of French decorative arts of the Restoration period. The ensemble comprises two tall covered vases and a wide central jardinière, forming a coherent ceremonial composition intended for the reception rooms of aristocratic residences and official interiors.
The bodies are executed in fine Sèvres porcelain and enriched with a deep cobalt-blue ground known as bleu lapis, characteristic of the manufactory’s early 19th-century production. The surfaces are lavishly decorated with finely gilded floral and rocaille ornamentation of exceptional refinement. Central reserves are painted with polychrome gallant and pastoral scenes inspired by the French pictorial tradition of the 18th century, featuring delicately modelled figures, soft chromatic harmonies, and atmospheric landscape backgrounds.
The interior of the central jardinière is adorned with floral garlands and a central bouquet executed in fine polychrome painting. The vases rest on multi-sided bases fitted with mercury-gilt bronze mounts. The handles, cast as allegorical female figures, reflect the aesthetic vocabulary of the early 19th century and attest to the close collaboration between the Sèvres manufactory and leading Parisian bronze foundries. The removable covers are surmounted by gilt pinecone finials, enhancing the architectural presence and ceremonial character of the ensemble.
Marks: Date-letter “A” within a cipher – 1819 (Manufacture nationale de Sèvres); underglaze cobalt decorator’s mark “S…” – painter at the Sèvres manufactory, active during the 1810s–1820s.
Dimensions: Central jardinière – Height 43.4 cm, Width 47 cm, Depth 25 cm; vases – Height 71 cm, Width 28 cm, Depth 21 cm.
Condition: Good. Minor signs of age and use. Gilding well preserved, polychrome decoration vivid, without losses or restoration.
In the early 19th century, the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres retained its position as France’s principal state artistic institution and one of Europe’s foremost porcelain manufactories. Founded in 1740 and under royal patronage from 1756, Sèvres established enduring standards of artistic and technical excellence. Following the upheavals of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, the manufactory successfully preserved its artistic continuity while adapting to the cultural and political climate of the Restoration.
During the 1810s–1820s, Sèvres operated under direct state administration and focused on producing ceremonial and representative works for official residences, diplomatic gifts, and elite private patrons. A renewed interest in gallant and pastoral iconography inspired by 18th-century painting is evident in the decoration of the present garniture, serving both aesthetic and symbolic functions linked to the revival of pre-Revolutionary cultural ideals.
The use of the deep cobalt bleu lapis ground required a complex, multi-stage technical process and became a hallmark of Sèvres production. Combined with extensive hand-applied gilding, it endowed such works with a sumptuous, ceremonial presence, visually aligning porcelain with palace bronzes and architectural decoration. The polychrome reserves were executed by academically trained in-house painters working from approved models, ensuring both artistic excellence and stylistic coherence.
The application of mercury-gilt bronze mounts, characteristic of the first half of the 19th century, reflects Sèvres’ close collaboration with leading Parisian bronze workshops. Garnitures of this type were intended for mantelpieces, consoles, and grand reception rooms, serving as focal points within the interior and as markers of the owner’s cultural refinement. Today, Restoration-period Sèvres porcelain occupies a distinguished place in museum collections and is highly sought after on the international art market.
Overall condition is good. Minor signs of age. No cracks or chips observed. Decoration and gilding remain well preserved; bronze mounts show no deformation.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
