Wong Lee Bronze & Porcelain Centrepiece with Cherubs – Chinese Export, Art Nouveau Style, c.1895

An exceptional decorative centrepiece by Wong Lee, the celebrated Chinese export porcelain manufacturer, dating to circa 1895. This opulent piece combines richly patinated bronze metalwork with hand-painted porcelain in a style that masterfully blends Western Art Nouveau aesthetics with refined Chinese craftsmanship — a testament to the extraordinary cross-cultural artistic exchange of the late Victorian era.

The raised central bowl is supported by an elaborate pedestal adorned with decorative cherub figures at the base, each rendered with remarkable detail. Imagine this piece gracing the centre of a grand dining table, commanding attention as it once did in the affluent households of the 1890s. Today it is equally at home as a statement piece on a mantelpiece, console, or collector's display.

Wong Lee produced decorative wares primarily for export to Western markets during the late 19th century, and pieces of this quality and complexity are increasingly rare.

• Maker: Wong Lee, China
• Style: Chinese export / Art Nouveau fusion
• Materials: Bronze metalwork with hand-painted porcelain
• Features: Raised central bowl, cherub figure pedestal
• Period: circa 1895
• Country of origin: China
• Condition: Good, consistent with age and patina