How do I style a french ceramic centrepiece?

Place the bowl or comport in the middle of a large dining table or upon a prominent sideboard where the gilt bronze mounts catch the light. Keep surrounding objects minimal to let the painted porcelain and ormolu draw the eye. Allow sufficient clearance around footed dishes and garniture sets so their sculptural forms remain unobstructed by other tableware.

What periods do these centrepieces cover?

The pieces span from the eighteenth century through the georgian and victorian eras up to nineteen twenty. Nineteenth century examples dominate the selection, particularly items influenced by sevres designs. Earlier eighteenth century pieces feature soft-paste porcelain and chinoiserie figure groups, while later works include art deco ceramics and majolica faience.

How are porcelain and ormolu cleaned?

Dust the ceramic surfaces gently with a soft dry brush and wipe porcelain with a damp cloth only if necessary. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that might damage hand painted enamel or gold leaf. Treat gilt bronze mounts with equal care, using a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust without disturbing the mercury gilding or patination.

What is the difference between sevres and sevres style?

Pieces attributed directly to sevres originate from the historic french royal porcelain manufactory. Items bearing the sevres style designation were produced by other factories, such as samson of paris, emulating those royal forms. Both categories utilise similar paste bodies, gilt bronze mounts and decorative blue grounds, though nineteenth century revival pieces often bear imitation marks.