Antique French Victorian Ormolu Mounted Kingwood Jardiniere Stand Porcelain Plaque Planter

A superb quality antique French Victorian jardiniere stand in kingwood, richly mounted with ormolu and dating to the mid 19th century. This is a beautifully made and highly decorative piece, very much in the Louis XV revival taste that was so popular in France during this period. The serpentine shaped body is veneered in finely figured kingwood laid in elegant patterns, giving it a warm rich colour and depth. It is extensively mounted with crisp ormolu mounts including scrolling foliage, beaded borders and striking female mask mounts to the corners, all of very good casting and detail. To the front is a particularly attractive Sevres style porcelain plaque set within an elaborate gilt frame, hand painted with colourful birds in a landscape against a turquoise ground. This adds a real focal point and lifts the piece beyond a standard stand into something far more decorative and refined. The top retains its original removable liner, designed to hold plants or floral displays. Pieces like this were traditionally used in reception rooms or drawing rooms to display fresh flowers, allowing water and soil to be contained safely within the metal liner while protecting the cabinet below. It stands on elegant cabriole legs with ormolu mounts running down to finely cast feet, giving it a light and graceful presence. Date: 1860 Origin: French