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Pair superb Louis XVI ormoulu chenets with original two-color gilding. The upper portion of each chenet is centered with a large flaming urn supported by doubled bands of scrolling acanthus leafage; four eagle heads on the rim of the urn terminate in four lion paws at the base of the urn. The bow-fronted design of the lower section of each chenet is embellished in the center with a motif of three arrows tied together with a bow, against a wreath of flowers. Swags with tassels are hung below banded square reserves and the chenets rest on fluted tapering legs below paterae. The chenets are raised on an unusual flat plinth. [One swag with two tassels is missing. The eagle beaks were formerly connected with chains. One arrow point is missing. Some wear to the gilding, notably on the flat plinths.] Another pair of similar design, resting on a nearly identical base, is in the Petit Trianon. Ex collection: Colonel and Mme. Jacques Balsan Literature: La Collection de Madame et du Colonel Balsan: Prost; Paris, 1936. Plates LXIV and CX.
Height (ins.): 16 (41 cm.)      Length/Width (ins.): 14 (36 cm.)      Depth (ins.): 6 (15 cm.)
Origin: France     Period: Louis XVI