Antique porcelain wash basin and jug set on brass stand (5088)

SET:
Width: 48 cm

Antique porcelain bathroom set on a luxurious brass stand

Manufacturing period This unique set dates back to the second half of the 19th century, approximately circa 1870–1890. It is a splendid example of the Napoleonic III and Historicism periods, when such freestanding washstands served as luxurious salon and bedroom interior elements in the homes of and all European high society.

Material and design Unlike common faience items, this set is made of high-quality, fine, and resonant porcelain. The vessels have a distinctive, architectural multifaceted (hexagonal) shape. The artistic decoration uses a bold and elegant contrast of light blue turquoise and cobalt fields on a pure white background, complemented by hand-painted magnificent rose bouquets motifs and delicate gold ornament frames. The edges of the vessels and the sculptural part of the jug are accented with thick, shiny gilding. The set is completed by an original, heavy, and stable cast brass or bronze stand with three sinuous legs decorated with acanthus leaf volutes and rococo-style elements. An openwork ring is incorporated into the lower part of the stand, which historically served as a soap dish or an additional towel holder.

Application and rarity Such fully preserved three-piece sets (ensemble) with their original metal leg base are extremely rare antiques, as most stands have been lost over time. It is an excellent and monumental accent for a classic-style bathroom, bedroom, or manor salon interior, immediately bringing historical substance to the room. The jug can also be used today as a luxurious vase for large flower bouquets.

Condition The set is in excellent and complete antique condition. The porcelain has no cracks or chips, which is rare for items of this age. A red, hand-written model number (4170 / 17) is visible on the base. The glaze and gold plating are very well preserved, with only a very minimal, natural patina of age on the gilding and the metal surface of the stand.

A snapshot of Napoleon III (Second Empire): Princess Mathilde Bonaparte (Princess Mathilde Bonaparte) slowly turned towards the window, where the Parisian afternoon sun slid over the heavy velvet curtains. In the corner of the salon, on a slender, gleaming metal frame, stood a heavy and cool vessel, its hexagonal facets shimmering in shades of turquoise and gold. She reached out her hands, taking the used, warm water from the jug into the wide porcelain base, inside which a hand-painted rose garden bloomed, frozen between gold lines. The delicate material felt warm and alive under her fingers, while the sinuous metal legs firmly held this fragile beauty above the floor. These calm expectations and cozy satisfaction remained in the room long after the last rays of the sun left the gilded edges of the vessel.