Ref.9631
Cast iron fire back with Two Headed Eagle

Particularly ornate fireback from the 18th century. A double-headed eagle with open wings dominates the composition. The two-headed eagle is a common symbol in heraldry. First used as the emblem of the Byzantine Palaiologos family, it was since adopted by several European cities and countries including Russia. The eagle bears a coat of arms on its chest, which is crowned, quarterly squirrel and chevronny. This is the shield of the family Fouquet de Belle-Isle from Britanny, that died out in 1761 with Charles-Louis-Auguste Fouquet, Marshal of Belle-Isle.

Ref.11998
Silver plated metal plate with japanese decoration of a carp and insects

Japanese-style silver-plated metal plate, on three ball feet, with a central decoration of a carp, insects, a crab and a frog on the marli.

Ref.13299
Pair of vases in malachite and gilt bronze, Russia, late 19th century

This beautiful pair of vases was made of gilt bronze and malachite. It's very likely a Russian work from the end of the 19th century. The belly of our vases was made of malachite and welcomes a Rococo style decoration of gilt bronze. The whole decoration was made of gilt bronze, like the handles which are also reminding of the Louis XV style as they are shaped of thin acanthus leaves scrolls, or even the neck where are attached the handles and the foot. Finally, from the neck a beautiful gilt bronze tulips bouquet springs while the vase rests on a small malachite square base. The malachite, is an intense green stone because of its high copper composition, which makes it very appreciated in the 19th century. This stone mainly comes from Russia where important deposit are known since the 17th century, we can name the one called Nijni Taguil, discovered in 1835 and exploited by the Count Demidoff (1812 - 1870). Used in bloc to create small objects, the malachite can't be used for big pieces as the ones we can make in marble. That's why the technic called “Rusian mosaïc” was invented during the second half of the 19th century : malachite strips are inlaid to create the illusion of a block , allowing to put this extraordinary color on walls, columns or other interior elements like in the Malachite Room in the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. It's the Royal stone manufactory of Peterhof and Ekaterinbourg that develop this art which quickly seduces the aristocracy. This technic is discovered in France when Alexander I of Russia (1777 - 1825) gifted Napoléon Ier (1769 – 1821) a set of malachite element in 1808. Candelabras, big vases and basins are placed in the Emperor Room in Trianon, which became the “Malachite Room”. The new beauty of this sophisticated art creates an important enthusiasm which lasts during the entire 19th century.

Ref.13769
19th century butcher's facade in cast iron and iron

Ref.14942
Pair of polished bronze andirons, 19th century

Ref.5320
Louis XVI style bronze mantel in Panazeau marble

Ref.3372
Louis XVI style stone mantel

Ref.15694
Cloisonné and Bronze Vase, Signed BARBEDIENNE, in the Style of Édouard LIÈVRE

Bronze vase with brown patina and polychrome cloisonné enamel, signed F. BARBEDIENNE. The decorative style reflects the japonisme trend that developed in France in the late 19th century, notably associated with Édouard LIÈVRE. The body is decorated with cloisonné enamel on a turquoise ground, featuring lotus flowers, birds, and geometric motifs. The bronze mount includes chimera-shaped swing handles, lion heads, and a tripod base. Signature: F. BARBEDIENNE Style: Japonisme, in the style of Édouard LIÈVRE Materials: Bronze, cloisonné enamel