3-008-711 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Great International Exhibition: chimneypiece by the Royal Saxon China Manufactory, 1862. 'Our Engraving represents a chimneypiece of a unique character, formed of Dresden china...Buttresslike brackets, terminated in female figures representing Spring laden with flowers and Autumn with its golden fruits, occur at the sides as the chief projecting parts of the work; and over the entire surface flowers creep as over a hedgebank, and that with a freeness and beauty which are seldom attained by art. The parts are made out with minuteness and truth, and by the addition of colour a marvellously natural effect is attained. Whether this be desirable in an ornamental object may be questioned, especially as flowers must speedily fade if in close proximity to fire, yet, as an imitative work, this chimneypiece merits the highest commendation'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.