Potpourri in Chinese porcelain and gilded bronze, Paris circa 1730

Rare potpourri composed of a small tea bowl and a saucer in porcelain of the pink family. 
The porcelains are decorated with geometric friezes and women in traditional costumes sitting on rocky mounds. 
The saucer set in a bronze mol dis connected by three legs to a central circle that serves as a support for the small bowl.  
The latter features a two-tiered bronze lid finely openworked with a trefoil, topped by a rose-shaped socket.  
 
Good condition, trace of fire on the back of the lid, small chip and hair on the rim, trace of burnt incense inside the bowl. 
 
Porcelain, China, reig of Yongzhen (1723-&735), for export to Europe through the India Company. 
The bronze frame, Paris, early Louis XV period. 
 
Dimensions : 
 
Total height : 14 cm 
Diameter : saucer : 12.5 cm ; bowl : 7 cm 
 
Our view :  
 
The precious potpourri we present was used to burn incense by placing a candle under the small bowl while the openwork lid allowed the smoke to spread in the room. 
Our example combines a very fine porcelain, decorated with polychrome enamels in delicate soft colors, with an airy bronze mount finely cut and gilded with mercury. 
These porcelains with sinister decoration were ordered by the Compagnie des Indes ; produced in the city of Jingdezhen, they then took the road to the port of Canton where they embarked on caravels for a long crossing to Lorient. 
Once in Paris, a good part was diverted from its utilitarian function to be pedestalled by merchant-merchants who then sold these ceramics as art objects. 
It is necessary for a good understanding to recall that porcelain was practically unknown in Europe at the beginning of the 18th century and that the multiple attempts to copy it were not successful. 
It was not until 1768 that the discovery of Kaolin near Limoges allowed French production of hard porcelain. 
This porcelain that the Chinese have mastered for centuries, has very sought after qualities, because unlike metal, it resists heat, allows you to drink very hot liquids without burning your hands, and has a smooth surface, easily washable. 
Although very expensive at the time, it is likely that many such pots-pourris were produced, but because of their fragility, few have survived intact.  
Our example offers us the double privilege of being presented complete, with a very pleasantly decorated porcelain.