Art Nouveau French Planter Jardiniere Longwy

This magnificent late 19th century Longwy French jardinière features a beautiful cloisonné enamel body- mounted in bronze. The rich blue enameled exterior of the jardinière is decorated with a variety of floral and tree forms, including two central white panels in the front and back and two circular panels on the right and left sides depicting a cherry tree.

The interior of this piece is decorated in white enamel and features a wonderful scene depicting a blue and yellow sparrow sitting on the branch of the Japanese cherry tree and a butterfly flying just above the bird. In Japan, the butterfly symbolizes joy and longevity.

The border is lined with a bamboo-patterned bronze ring supporting two handles featuring two dragons. The ground is further decorated with gold cloisonné wire set in an abstracted, geometric sequence of patterns together with four elephant heads.

Measurements: approx. 23 cm in height (from the leg to the dragon's head), and 28 cm in width of the jardinière.

Condition: Crazing throughout jardinière, hairline, some rubbing to mounts, light scuffing. Wear and marks due to age.