Antique French Directoire gilt and patinated bronze mounted ecrier of blackamoor. Of very fine quality and of a very good size. Set on a naturalistic base the African is kneeling on one leg. He is wearing a form of skirt in superb ormolu. By his left hand is an ormolu bowl ( inkwell) and behind and to the left of him is an ormolu quiver ( which would hold the quill). In front of him is a patinated bronze basin for pins etc and to his left is a patinated bronze palm tree. The whole ecrier is set on a fine porphry base. Porphry was discovered in Sweden in the first half of the 18th century. Close ties between Sweden and France led to porphry being exported to France from the end of the 18th century. France circa 1800-1804. 8.5 inches high by 10.5 inches wide by 5 inches deep (21.25 cm by 27 cm by 12.5 cm).