The ensemble is essentially a curiosity. Resting on an elaborately scrolled, asymmetrical terrace in gilt bronze, the Vincennes vase, with painted scenes recalling those of early Meissen porcelain, is filled with a bouquet of flowers on green-lacquered brass wire. In the centre of the arrangement is a gilt bronze clock dial disguised as the seeding centre of a sunflower. The original piece was enhanced in the early nineteenth century. The additions include the gilt bronze snake handles, the twin-branch candelabra, the drum supporting the vase and an assortment of later porcelain flowers of German and English origin. Of particular interest is the jewelling on the vase, which in places can be seen to overlay the original Vincennes painted insects and moths.