What characterises late 19th-century French Japonisme metalwork?

The French Japonisme movement emerged during the late 19th century following the opening of Japan to Western trade. Metalwork from this era combines traditional European bronze casting techniques with Japanese design motifs, including dragons, birds, organic foliage, and elephant-headed supports.

How were late 19th-century gilt and patinated bronzes constructed?

These objects were cast from bronze alloys using sand or lost-wax casting methods. High-contrast finishes were achieved by combining mercury gilding (ormolu) on raised relief details with chemical patination to create deep brown or black oxidised surfaces.

How can authentic 19th-century French bronzes be identified?

Authentic pieces feature crisp, hand-chased surface details, heavy casting weight, and original threaded assembly rods beneath the base. Period foundry marks, maker stamps, or signatures on the metal bases also assist in verifying authenticity.

How should a French Japonisme bronze garniture set be styled in modern interiors?

A three-piece bronze garniture set functions well displayed symmetrically along a fireplace mantelpiece or atop a dark wood sideboard. Positioning these pieces against neutral or dark backdrop walls highlights the contrast between the gilt highlights and dark bronze patina.

What is the correct method for cleaning and maintaining gilt and patinated bronze?

Dust the bronze regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a fine camel-hair brush to clean intricate relief carvings. Avoid chemical cleansers, water, or abrasive polishes, which can strip historic patination and delicate gilded surfaces.

for sale €3,744 $4,064

£3,200

LVS Decorative Arts

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2011

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LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Id #SA1227458

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Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Japonisme Style Gilt & Patinated Bronze Incense Burner Set

Name: Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Japonisme Style Gilt & Patinated Bronze Incense Burner Set
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1227458
Price: 3200 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A fine quality late 19th century French Japonisme style gilt and patinated bronze three piece incense burner set.

This superb set consists of an incense burner (or koro) with gilt bronze pierced lid with bird decoration and pieced rim below.

This leads down to the main body of the incense burner consisting of textured patinated bronze decoration with fine quality gilt bronze long tailed cockerel and turtle decoration with gilt bronze cockerel handles to either side.

The gilt and patinated bronze base consists of geometric and foliate designs and is supported on four bronze elephant head feet.

The two ‘garnitures’, originally oil lamps consist of gilt bronze fitments to the top with pierced decoration leading down to the main body consisting of textured patinated bronze decoration with gilt bronze dragon with gilt bronze cockerel handles to either side.

The gilt and patinated bronze bases consisting of foliate and geometric decoration supported on four bronze elephant head feet.

The decoration on this set is characteristic of the popularity and taste for Japonisme items in the late 19th century in Europe: there were various makers in France of Japonisme style items at this time such as Gabriel Viardot, Perret et Vibert etc.

Japonisme is the word used to describe the appreciation of Japanese art and specifically their influence on European works.

This incense burner set is in very good condition for age and can go straight into a home.

Size:

Incense burner:

Height: 23.25’’ / 59cm

Width: 17’’ / 43cm

Depth: 13.5’’ / 34cm

Lamps:

Height: 25.25’’ / 64cm

Width: 11.5’’ / 29cm

Depth: 7’’ / 18cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

59cm (23.23")

Width

43cm (16.93")

Depth

34cm (13.39")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this French Japonisme Bronze Garniture to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1227458

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1076

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A fine quality late 19th century French Japonisme style gilt and patinated bronze three piece incense burner set.

“

This superb set consists of an incense burner (or koro) with gilt bronze pierced lid with bird decoration and pieced rim below.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. A late nineteenth-century three-piece French Japonisme bronze garniture set featuring a central incense burner flanked by two tall urns, decorated with gilt dragon reliefs and supported on elephant head feet. — fig 1. Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Japonisme Style Gilt & Patinated Bronze Incense Burner Set

This leads down to the main body of the incense burner consisting of textured patinated bronze decoration with fine quality gilt bronze long tailed cockerel and turtle decoration with gilt bronze cockerel handles to either side.

fig 2. A late nineteenth-century three-piece French Japonisme bronze garniture set featuring a central incense burner flanked by two tall urns, decorated with gilt dragon reliefs and supported on elephant head feet. — fig 2. Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Japonisme Style Gilt & Patinated Bronze Incense Burner Set

The gilt and patinated bronze base consists of geometric and foliate designs and is supported on four bronze elephant head feet.

The two ‘garnitures’, originally oil lamps consist of gilt bronze fitments to the top with pierced decoration leading down to the main body consisting of textured patinated bronze decoration with gilt bronze dragon with gilt bronze cockerel handles to either side.

fig 3. A late nineteenth-century three-piece French Japonisme bronze garniture set featuring a central incense burner flanked by two tall urns, decorated with gilt dragon reliefs and supported on elephant head feet. — fig 3. Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Japonisme Style Gilt & Patinated Bronze Incense Burner Set

The gilt and patinated bronze bases consisting of foliate and geometric decoration supported on four bronze elephant head feet.

The decoration on this set is characteristic of the popularity and taste for Japonisme items in the late 19th century in Europe: there were various makers in France of Japonisme style items at this time such as Gabriel Viardot, Perret et Vibert etc.