Circa 1800 French Copper 2-Handled Vase With Chariot and Cartouche

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Hand-worked circa 1800, this French vase is adorned with a chariot and cartouche scene. Some of the elements were hammered … Read more Hand-worked circa 1800, this French vase is adorned with a chariot and cartouche scene. Some of the elements were hammered from the front side, in a metalworking technique known as chasing, while other motifs were worked from the verso side, which is known as repousse. It is not uncommon for the two methods to be used in tandem, and the work of this particular artisan is top notch.

The 5 ¾ diameter opening is flanked by two flared out handles that terminate on the widest part of the main body. A flowing foliate margent (repousse) adorns the top of the body, beneath the lightly textured thick neck (chased). The leaf theme continues beneath a thin ring of roundels that frames the upper body, with a sprawling foliage display that wraps around the lower body, interrupted by a pair of cartouches. One scene depicts a man in a toga with a laurel wreath crown holding the reins of a hose pulling a chariot. A pair of dogs flanks the ovate illustration. On the opposite side is a shaped coat of arms topped by an open crown and supported by a pair of angels. Lozenges filled with roundels embellish the circular base. Our copper two-handled vase would make a fantastic decorative accessory on a center, side, or console table. It can also be used in a kitchen or bar area as a small chill bowl for wine or champagne. See less