Magnificent antique 19th century French Sevres style hand painted porcelain lidded urn vase with gilt bronze mounts. The main body features a lovely dandelion yellow or «jaune jonquille» ground enhanced with a plethora of elaborate gold gilding. A large and exquisite hand painted scene adorns the front. Beautifully painted, the scene is reminiscent of the type of romantic pastoral paintings by Watteau or Fragonard. Featuring an allegory for the arts, and includes a couple dressed in Grecian style robes. She is seated with an artist's pallet and paint brushes as he holds up her artwork for review with the aid of a winged cherub at right. Signed Dapoigny. En verso is a colorful vignette of various flowers painted on a white ground. Framing the scenes are gold gilt patterned friezes and scrolling foliate. Flanked on the sides by a pair of gilt bronze figural handles. Superbly casted and finely detailed, the handles are large opposing mascarons depicting grinning Satyrs or Pan, with ram's horns outspread and curled. The urn is topped by a large bell shaped lid. A hand painted floral garland encircles the lid, comprising of flowers of a variety of hues and types surrounded by gilt painted trim and tracery. Topped by a bronze finial in the form of a stylized artichoke. Marked under the lid with a blue interlaced L's, letter B within and letter S below. The lid opens to reveal a metal interior, edged with a bronze gadroon rim. The piece rests atop a pedestal base decorated with neoclassical motifs and stylized foliage. In very good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age. The lid having a stable crack as shown. No chips or cracks, no signs of repair to the urn. Stands 24 1/2" height x 12 3/4" width.