Description: French garniture console bowl. Deep cranberry glazed enameled ceramic in an oval two-handled footed form. Gilt metal mountings. Bowl is 6" H. x 21". bowl set into a gilded brass frame. Bowl features hand-painted gold scroll work all around. Porcelain is aqua blue inside and sits in a gilded brass frame with large curved handles. Maker's mark on underside. Stamped France, Dec 2251.

History: A deliciously old-fashioned word, "garniture" first entered the English language in the sixteenth century and over the years acquired several different meanings. It has its roots in the French word garnir, which translates as "garnish." But what was garnished? Initially, it was used as a term for equipment, especially that found in the kitchen. In the seventeenth century it came to mean ornamentation of furniture, swords and horse harness. By the eighteenth century it was also used to refer to the trimming of significant dishes for the table. In the nineteenth century it added yet another definition, that of clothing as the embellishment or "garnishment" of the human form. But after this diverse career, by the years of the Regency, "garniture" had acquired a more specialized meaning and was used to designate a specific type of household ornament.

Provenance: N/A

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 4.25 | Height(in) = 6 | Width(in) = 21 | Depth(in) = 7.5

Size of Artwork(in): 6 x 21 x 7.5"

Artist Name: France

Medium: Hard paste, enamel, brass.

Circa: Circa 1900

Some craquelure and aging. One very small chip on top rim under frame.