Pair of porphyry potpourri dishes, Rome circa 1830

A rare pair of potpourri jars in imperial purple porphyry from Egypt and finely chased and mercury-gilded bronze.
The quatrefoil porphyry bases are surmounted by bronze pedestals decorated with radiating motifs encircled by laurel friezes.
These bases support palmette-shaped finials that hold the ovoid porphyry bodies.
The bodies are adorned with two lateral mascarons decorated with faun heads linked by garlands of vine leaves and bunches of grapes.
The rim of each body is encircled by a double bronze band, finely pierced with a circular frieze.

Above, small porphyry domes, terminating in handles shaped like seed pods, serve as stoppers.

The interiors of the porphyry bodies are hollowed out and lined with small compartments of gilt metal.

In excellent condition, with original mercury gilding.

Roman work from the Neoclassical period, circa 1830-1840.

Dimensions:

Height: 35 cm