Chased and gilded bronze centerpiece, the circular base decorated with water leaves and flowery trellis bearing three putti supporting an openwork basket with nine light arms decorated with lotus leaves. By Pierre-Philippe Thomire, unsigned Empire period. With a lining Height : 55 cm 55 - Diameter : 45 cm Provenance : Count James-Alexandre de Pourtalès (1776-1855) or his son Count Jacques-Robert de Pourtalès (1821-1874), then by descent Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) : Student of Pajou and Houdon at the Academy of Saint-Luc, he joined the workshop of Gouthière. From 1787, he succeeded Gouthière in supplying the royal family with bronzes. During the Empire, Thomire became the main supplier to the crown and was given the title of Ciseleur de l'Empereur. His works are distinguished by the quality of their chasing and gilding. Bibliography: Ottomeyer Proschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich 1986, p. 384 to 389 Expert : Mr Cédric Hénon.