French Antique Porcelain Bowl
This divine 19th century French porcelain bowl is quite unusual. Oval in shape, it has a wavy surface, almost as if it has been pleated. The bright white porcelain has been decorated with a beautiful floral design. It has gilding around the outer edge and also on the handles. Perhaps the most interesting and unusual feature of this bowl is the base which appears to be ormalou. It stands on four legs which are, at a closer look, elephants edged in between with a detailed lacy pattern.
The symbol of the elephant plays a significant role in the history of France. Napoleon claimed that fighting the British was like a whale fighting an elephant. At the time, France was the dominant country on the land (symbol of the elephant) and Britain was dominant on the ocean (symbol of the whale). The elephant represented the triumphs of war. The elephant of the Bastille was a monument in Paris which existed between 1813 and 1846. Originally conceived in 1808 by Napoleon 1, the colossal statue was intended to be created in bronze and placed in the Place de la Bastille. However, only a plaster full-scale model was ever built. It lasted there for about 30 years, and was finally pulled down after it was infested by rats. Victor Hugo paid homage to this elephant in his book Les Miserables (1862). His fictional character, Gavroche, a street urchin, lived n one of the elephant’s legs. In actual history, the guard at the Bastille lived in one of the legs. There was once a mega elephant in the gardens of the Moulin Rouge. For a franc, gentlemen could climb up into a room where was an opium den and belly dancers. The Arc De Triomphe was possibly going to be an elephant. Grand plans were made in the 1750s but designs eventually rejected it in favour of the Arc.
This bowl is in excellent condition, especially considering its age. There is a makers mark on the underside. The bowl itself measures 36 cms by 26 cms. It would make a stunning centerpiece for a table.
This divine 19th century French porcelain bowl is quite unusual. Oval in shape, it has a wavy surface, almost as if it has been pleated. The bright white porcelain has been decorated with a beautiful floral design. It has gilding around the outer edge and also on the handles. Perhaps the most interesting and unusual feature of this bowl is the base which appears to be ormalou. It stands on four legs which are, at a closer look, elephants edged in between with a detailed lacy pattern.
The symbol of the elephant plays a significant role in the history of France. Napoleon claimed that fighting the British was like a whale fighting an elephant. At the time, France was the dominant country on the land (symbol of the elephant) and Britain was dominant on the ocean (symbol of the whale). The elephant represented the triumphs of war. The elephant of the Bastille was a monument in Paris which existed between 1813 and 1846. Originally conceived in 1808 by Napoleon 1, the colossal statue was intended to be created in bronze and placed in the Place de la Bastille. However, only a plaster full-scale model was ever built. It lasted there for about 30 years, and was finally pulled down after it was infested by rats. Victor Hugo paid homage to this elephant in his book Les Miserables (1862). His fictional character, Gavroche, a street urchin, lived n one of the elephant’s legs. In actual history, the guard at the Bastille lived in one of the legs. There was once a mega elephant in the gardens of the Moulin Rouge. For a franc, gentlemen could climb up into a room where was an opium den and belly dancers. The Arc De Triomphe was possibly going to be an elephant. Grand plans were made in the 1750s but designs eventually rejected it in favour of the Arc.
This bowl is in excellent condition, especially considering its age. There is a makers mark on the underside. The bowl itself measures 36 cms by 26 cms. It would make a stunning centerpiece for a table.
This divine 19th century French porcelain bowl is quite unusual. Oval in shape, it has a wavy surface, almost as if it has been pleated. The bright white porcelain has been decorated with a beautiful floral design. It has gilding around the outer edge and also on the handles. Perhaps the most interesting and unusual feature of this bowl is the base which appears to be ormalou. It stands on four legs which are, at a closer look, elephants edged in between with a detailed lacy pattern.
The symbol of the elephant plays a significant role in the history of France. Napoleon claimed that fighting the British was like a whale fighting an elephant. At the time, France was the dominant country on the land (symbol of the elephant) and Britain was dominant on the ocean (symbol of the whale). The elephant represented the triumphs of war. The elephant of the Bastille was a monument in Paris which existed between 1813 and 1846. Originally conceived in 1808 by Napoleon 1, the colossal statue was intended to be created in bronze and placed in the Place de la Bastille. However, only a plaster full-scale model was ever built. It lasted there for about 30 years, and was finally pulled down after it was infested by rats. Victor Hugo paid homage to this elephant in his book Les Miserables (1862). His fictional character, Gavroche, a street urchin, lived n one of the elephant’s legs. In actual history, the guard at the Bastille lived in one of the legs. There was once a mega elephant in the gardens of the Moulin Rouge. For a franc, gentlemen could climb up into a room where was an opium den and belly dancers. The Arc De Triomphe was possibly going to be an elephant. Grand plans were made in the 1750s but designs eventually rejected it in favour of the Arc.
This bowl is in excellent condition, especially considering its age. There is a makers mark on the underside. The bowl itself measures 36 cms by 26 cms. It would make a stunning centerpiece for a table.
Not suitable for delivery via Australia Post. Collection by appointment. Please make contact if you would like to arrange another type of delivery.