Object Description
A Very Fine and Large Pair of Early 19th Century French Bronze and Marble Tazzas with Cornucopia Handles
French Circa – 1820
These tazzas have unusual concentric ringed detailing to the feet and the stems or socles have patterns reminiscent of strapwork on silver with additional beaded detailing which are most interesting and unexpected. This section leads to a plain collar and then an outspreading knop with large scale beading and leafwork decoration.
The bowl has a relatively low relief gadroon and the rim is ornamented with reeded detailing. The handles on these tazzas are relatively understated but what is particularly noteworthy about them is that the terminals are sculpted as overflowing cornucopias, emblems of plenty, food and entertaining.
Perhaps these pieces were originally designed to complement a fine sideboard or serving table in a grand dining room or announce the owner’s interest in entertaining to visitors to the house by being displayed prominently in an entrance hall. It is fascinating to speculate.
The remainder of the handles are formed of simple scrolls and leafwork casting of excellent quality. The casting of these pieces is very accomplished and suggests a French origin. During this period, the French bronziers were the envy of craftsmen across Europe and beyond.
The tazzas stand on double Siena marble plinths and the bronze mount on the lower plinth is particularly noteworthy. Cast in high relief, it features strapwork which complements the design used on the stem but in this case has harebell detailing on top and the outscrolling corner mounts of stylised scrolls are particularly beautiful and perhaps anticipate the coming trend for rococo revival metalwork which was soon to become fashionable across Europe. The Siena marble itself is of particularly beautiful colour with lovely figure and is of excellent quality.
A lovely pair of tazzas that would enhance any collection.
Dimensions
Width 9 inches – 23cm
Height 12 inches – 30cm
Depth 9 inches – 23cm