A tazza is a wide, yet shallow, stemmed vessel, often used as a cup. Perhaps the most famous tazza is the Egyptian Farnese Tazza (on display in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli), which is believed to be from the 2nd century BC. Our pair of bronze tazzas with décor panthère are from France, dating to the 1800s. They are after an original Victor Paillard tazza that was exhibited in 1851 at the Great Exhibition in London.

These unusual tazzas have a variety of decorative motifs, but the most striking is the pair of panthers that function as handles on each side. Both rampant felines are standing on a grapevine that covers a portion of the saucer. A pair of Bacchanalian scenes with puttis adorn the sides of the saucer between the vines. The cartouches, the panthers, and the scalloped foot are all patinated with a pewter color, while the rest of each tazza is brilliant gold. Another gilded grape cluster embellishes the neck, with leaves that trail down onto the segmented foot. Beneath the foot is an opaque circular plinth of beautiful, light green jade. Our beautiful French tazzas can be used as table centerpieces or in an entry hall, bathroom, or living room as either decorative accessories or elaborate bowls for smaller items.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition. Light buildup and verdigris, mostly to the inside of the saucer. Minor rubs to bases.