catalog text
PAIR OF PATINATED BRONZE TAZZAS WITH FIGURES OF POSEIDON RAISED ON SHELL CUPS OVER SATYR FIGURES ON POLISHED BLACK MARBLE
Probably French, circa mid-19th century
Item # 406TDO07P
An exquisite pair of mid-19th century bronze tazzas, they feature Poseidon figures with tridents grasped firmly in hand while hugging a gilded cornucopia in the other arm. They ride winged "North Wind" faces with mouthes that open into the dish, this being designed in lacquered and burnished bronze that is patinated to resemble gilding with a bold gadrooned edge. Note the exquisite texturing and chiseling evident throughout the body of the dish, this with hand-hammering throughout the entire body. The sides are hung with Lion masks with a ring in mouth. The vessel is raised by a Satyr figure grapsing two dolphins in his arms while stomping along the smooth ground with an oversized snail crawling along the ground between the figure's legs, this set on an octagonal polished Black marble base.
Rather rare as a pair, an identical pair raised on rouge marble may still be available through Cedric Dupont Antiques [offered at the time of this writing as a pair for $ 11,000 USD].
Measurements: 10 1/8" H x 3 3/4" D x approx. 5 1/2" W
Condition Report:
Very minor rubbing wear to patina, discoloration to gilt elements, minute bending to rod in Posedion figure hands; a very fine pair, cleaned and sealed in conservator-grade wax, an exquisite presentation.