Antique red porcelain vase with bronze cast details and lion heads (5080)

Dimensions: Height — 33.5 cm Base width — 14.5 cm Antique red porcelain vase with bronze details and lion heads An artistically valuable, medium-sized, and unusually luxurious European decorative art object from the second half of the 19th century — a red porcelain vase in a magnificent brass or bronze setting (antique red porcelain vase). The vase body is made of high-quality porcelain with a deep, saturated cherry or “bull’s blood” (sang-de-boeuf) red glaze, characterized by a smooth and mirror-like surface. The porcelain body is complemented by masterfully crafted cast metal elements in the style of classicism and historicism. The upper edge of the vase is adorned with an exquisite decorative crown-shaped gallery with rhythmic Gothic and floral motifs. On the sides, near the body, are two majestic, expressively designed lion head handles, holding massive, movable rings in their mouths. The entire structure rests on an impressive, relief, and open four-legged base with flowing acanthus leaves and rococo-style scrolls. This contrast of materials and colors — the shimmering jewel-red hue combined with the warm, patinated sheen of the golden metal — makes the vase an outstanding accent piece for any room. Period of manufacture Late 19th century, approximately 1880–1890. Historicism period, France. Manufacturer / Signature / Stamp On the underside of the metal leg base, a historical cast mark or series number (visible, for example, as “V D 88”) is embedded, attesting to the handiwork and high quality of leading art bronze and porcelain manufactories. Rarity and Significance Combined porcelain and bronze vases of this type, with a fully preserved, undamaged upper gallery and original movable handles, are highly valuable interior items. Particular value is added by the expressive red glaze, which was a technologically complex and prestigious color in European porcelain of that era. Application The vase is fully functional and will serve excellently both as a standalone, attention-grabbing art object and for compositions of fresh or dried flowers. It will fit perfectly into a classic interior on a mantelpiece, console table, as a centerpiece on a dining table, or on a representative sideboard. Condition In excellent antique condition. The red porcelain body is free of cracks or glaze damage. The heavy bronze base, lion head handles, and upper crown are completely firm, stable, and straight. A noble, natural historical patina with a pleasant greenish hue in the recesses is preserved on the metal elements, which only enhances the authenticity of the object. Cultural-historical insight: Artist Kārlis Padegs sat late in the evening at his work desk in his smoky studio, quietly and calmly humming a new, modern Riga cabaret tune. He rhythmically tapped his thin cigarette holder against the edge of the table, looking out the window at the night Riga boulevards, where the yellow lamplight slowly merged with the twilight mist. Nearby, by the lit lamp on a mahogany console, stood a majestic red porcelain vase with cheap brass lion handles — its rich color sheen and metal crown details caught the reflections of the burning flames, bringing an extravagant solidity and decadent harmony of peace into the room. The space was filled with laconic and complete silence, and the magnificent art object, where the fiery red porcelain tone met the weight of the patinated brass cast, instantly transformed an ordinary working evening into a solemn and noble ritual of beauty before drawing the lines of the next sketches.