Vase (2) - Bronze, Marble - Two large aquamaniles

Pair of Napoleon III in gilded bronze and red onyx, Spain late 19th century

Magnificent pair of decorative vases in the form of ewers (washbasins) of Napoleon III style or French Second Empire, Spanish-made in the late 19th century. These imposing ornamental pieces combine oval bodies of natural red onyx marble polished to a warm range from reddish-brown to amber-gold, with elaborately gilded bronze mounts, richly decorated with vegetal motifs, acanthus leaves, volutes and Rococo-inspired elements. The design includes pierced handles with dragon or griffin head finials, characteristic of Spanish production of this period that followed the French Second Empire models.

The bodies are made of natural red onyx marble of exceptional quality, with warm tones ranging from reddish-brown to amber gold, featuring characteristic white veining and a beautiful pattern of highly decorative concentric bands. The gilded bronze mounts include an elaborate pierced handle with foliate motifs and a zoomorphic terminal, a cup-shaped neck with a spouted lip and winged profile, crowns of perforated acanthus leaves embracing the upper and lower parts of the onyx body, and a base with a balustraded pedestal on a triangular pierced foot with cartouches and shells. Each piece measures 48 cm in height and weighs approximately 10 kg, underscoring the solidity and quality of the materials used, both the hefty stone body and the heavy solid bronze mounts.

The condition is good. The gilded bronze has a bright and uniform finish, with no significant loss of gilding, preserving its original lustre. The onyx marble is in excellent condition, with no visible cracks or breaks, and a well-preserved polish that allows appreciation of the natural veining and concentric patterns of the stone. The joints between the bronze and marble parts are firm and stable. There are slight irregularities in the bronze casting, typical of artisanal production of the period.

These pairs of decorative ewers were very popular as fireplace and console ornaments during the second half of the 19th century, when Napoleon III style dominated interior decoration across Europe. The Spanish production of these pieces, though less known than the French, reached a notable level of quality. The combination of red onyx marble with gilded bronze gives them a sumptuous and elegant appearance. Their considerable size and weight make them highly imposing decorative pieces. The presence of a complete pair in good condition substantially increases their market value, making them highly sought after by 19th-century decorative arts collectors and for the interior design of classical spaces.

Period: Late 19th century
Material: Gilded bronze and natural red onyx marble
Origin: Spain
Condition: Good