Antique French Porcelain Figural Decanter - Elegant Lovely Lady

Antiques : Old Paris Porcelain Badin Freres Deleurs Decanter/Bottle

 

Dating from the late 1700's, this stunning porcelain lady is truly an eye-catching work of art. Although she is not marked, she is considered "Old Paris Porcelain" in the style of Jacob Petit. The decorations are outstanding and unless one were aware, she appears to be a decorative figurine rather than a bottle since the opening which is in the back of her head cannot be seen from the front unless looking down on it from above. She has a high gloss glaze over all. Her facial features are stunning and realistic. Both the gold headband and gold forehead band are made to look as if studded with pearls. Her short white capelet is generously decorated with gilt work - raised shells edged in gold circle the cape. A gold belt surrounds her waist and a golden rosary ending in a cross hangs from the belt. Her dress is robin's egg blue, decorated with intricate purple flowers, each differing a bit from the next one. Her coral cap covers dark brown hair short enough to reveal her elegant neck. One hand touches the rosary; the other touches the "book" which rests on a white pedestal. Faded gold letters on the book describe the original contents of this decanter. It was an oil of some sort..I can read "Huile de (oil of) and then perhaps, "Venus" - The "book" and platform are gilt decorated. She stands on a round white base on which is written in abbreviated form, "Badin Freres DeLeurs a Paris" - the company which produced the contents. This same company made many different highly decorated decanters of this sort, men and women in pairs and singles containing different fragrances, etc, many with Middle Eastern or Oriental themes to their costuming. All were exquisite in detail as is this lady. The lady herself and her clothing are in excellent condition. She is beautiful, standing 10 1/2" tall. The diameter of the round base in about 4 1/2". Damages: The base has a repair which shows on the underside. There is residue of adhesive on the base. Two small shallow chips can be felt on the top rim of the base on which she stands. An attempt to mask the chips and repair was made at some time by gold paint being applied over the original edges of the base. Please email me for more pictures or questions. Thanks for your interest.

Item ID: MK-183