Napoleon III Rococo Revival Porcelain Wall Plate with Gilt Brass Floral Frame

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular kind of confidence that comes from a piece which knows exactly what it is. This wall plate — circular, richly coloured, weighted by its own gilt brass architecture — announces itself from across a room. The deep wine-red porcelain border, painted over with scrolling gold acanthus tendrils, frames a central hand-painted medallion of garden roses and mixed blooms rendered in the soft, naturalistic palette favoured by the Second Empire's finest decorative painters. At the top, a gilt brass crest of ribbons and floral sprays terminates in a hanging loop; at the base, a sculpted pinecone and acanthus mount anchors the composition. This is wall decoration that functions as wall sculpture.

The design draws directly from the Napoleon III / Second Empire Rococo Revival tradition (1852–1870), when French ateliers revisited the playful ornamental language of Louis XV with heavier gilding, richer ground colours, and a more theatrical sensibility. The combination of a wine-red ground with dense gold scrollwork is a hallmark of this period — evoking the sumptuous interiors of the Palais des Tuileries and the great Parisian hôtels particuliers of the Second Empire. The addition of figurative porcelain painting at the centre elevates the piece from pure ornament into decorative art.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The plate is constructed in two distinct elements that work together as one: a hand-painted porcelain disc set within a cast and hand-chased gilt brass frame. The porcelain carries a wine-red (claret) border decorated with gilded Rococo scrollwork applied with precision to create depth and relief against the ground colour. The central roundel presents a bouquet of roses, peonies, and wildflowers painted in warm creams, blush pinks, and amber tones — a composition in the tradition of the great Sèvres decorative plates of the 18th and 19th centuries. The surrounding brass frame is cast in sections, then chased by hand to sharpen every acanthus leaf, every ribbon curl, and every petal on the crest. The finish is a warm gold that complements without overpowering the richness of the porcelain beneath.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 29 cm / Height: 54 cm
The height measurement includes the full decorative hanging bracket at the top and the cast brass pendant mount at the base. The porcelain plate diameter is approximately 27 cm. The piece arrives ready to hang, with no assembly required. Sold as a single piece.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece produced by Brass & Wood is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in traditional European decorative techniques. The gilt brass casting, hand-chasing, and porcelain painting are all executed by hand, making each plate a one-of-a-kind interpretation of a classic Second Empire form. Customization of the brass finish (gold or silver tone) is available — contact our team to discuss your requirements before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this wall plate made from?

The plate combines hand-painted porcelain with a cast gilt brass frame. The porcelain features a wine-red ground with gilded Rococo scrollwork and a central hand-painted floral medallion. The frame is solid cast brass with a hand-chased gold finish.

Is assembly required?

No assembly is required. The piece arrives complete and ready to hang using the decorative loop at the top of the gilt brass crest.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. The brass finish is available in gold or silver tone. Please contact Brass & Wood before placing your order to confirm your preferred variant and discuss any additional customization options.