French cloisonne bucket enamelled colored over brass champagne cooler

A beautifully decorative French vintage cloisonné bucket, richly enameled in layered colour over brass and adorned with an exquisite hummingbird poised mid-flight among sculptural leaves and blossoms. The raised gilt outlines and textured pale ground create remarkable depth, allowing the jewel-like reds, greens and burnished gold tones to glow against the warm brass rim and pedestal foot. The motif reflects the late 19th to early 20th century fascination in both France and Italy with nature, exotic birds and botanical ornamentation – a period when metalware was elevated into art through enamel, relief work and hand-finishing. Romantic and theatrical, this is a piece designed not simply to serve champagne, but to start conversations. The form is elegant and well-proportioned, with a generous flared brass rim, distinctive side handles with rounded finials, and a solid, reassuring weight of 1.8kg. The interior shows age-related patina, spotting and surface marks consistent with use as a wine or champagne cooler. The enamel exterior displays light wear in places, small areas of surface rubbing and minor imperfections visible in the photographs, all in keeping with its vintage character. The brass has developed a soft, mellow glow with gentle tarnish and age marks that enhance its authenticity. A striking collector’s piece for lovers of French and Italian decorative arts, and a luxurious addition to any bar cart or dining table. Height: 21 cm. • Diameter: 20.5 cm. • Weight: 1.8 kg.