An exquisite 19th century Napoleon III compote, or centrepiece, in delicate Sèvres porcelain and gilt bronze. Designed to grab all the attention as the decorative focal point on a dining table, the interior of this fabulous dish has been hand-painted with an idyllic romantic scene set within a wide border of celestial blue. Floral-painted lozenges embellished with gilt details are set into this border, with additional matching designs adorning the exterior of the bowl. The upper rim is beautifully crafted from bronze ormolu, with very ornate foliage handles on either side. The centrepiece is raised on a rococo style circular-shaped ormolu base with richly chased foliate swirls in a satin and burnished finish.