Ref.17670
Ferdinand BARBEDIENNE - Pair of Neo-Classic bronze lamps after a model by Clodion

Signed by the famous Parisian bronze manufacturer Ferdinand Barbedienne and made circa 1880, these lamps are made out of bronze with brown patina. Executed after the marble model by Clodion which is shown at the Art Institute of Chicago, these Neo-Classic style lamps are carved with low-reliefs depicting the Sacrifice to Venus. Two chimeric monsters form the handles of these lamps.

Ref.10920
Pair of Neo-Renaissance style earthenware cones vases with brown patina bronze griffins

Ref.15025
Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, Small Glazed Stoneware Vase, late 19th century

This glazed stoneware vase was crafted by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat in the late 19th century. Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (Limoges, 1844-Paris, 1910) is recognized as one of the most significant European ceramists of the late 19th century, particularly for his mastery of flamed stoneware. He worked for various faience factories before establishing his own workshop in Bourg-la-Reine. Dalpayrat’s near-exclusive avoidance of the potter’s wheel showcases his exceptional skill in the art of glazing. He often collaborated with Adèle Lesbros, and their works were met with considerable acclaim at various exhibitions. The vase’s shape is inspired by a gourd, a common motif among Art Nouveau ceramists. The bulbous body culminates in a narrow opening, mimicking the natural form of a stem. The glaze is a testament to Dalpayrat’s extraordinary technical prowess. The rich oxblood red, a signature of Dalpayrat, transitions into a matte gray on the body, with intermediate hues of blue and yellow. Subtle white scratches in relief enhance the already profound texture and depth of the piece. Dalpayrat’s pomegranate mark is visible on the underside of the vase. The Gourd-Shaped Vase housed in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, featuring similar color schemes, is another striking example of the artist’s inspiration and technique.

Ref.15651
Escalier de CRISTAL (in the spirit of), Pair of pink porcelain potpourris, 19th century

This pair of 19th-century potpourris in the Louis XVI style consists of a porcelain bowl and lid in a magnificent matt pink colour. The “putoisage” technique used, which gives the piece its slightly speckled appearance, almost creates a relief effect that lends character to the porcelain. The resulting light effect compliments the brilliance of the original gilded bronze that adorns the pots. The gilded bronze elements on these pieces include the pinecone-shaped handle. This is a recurring motif in decorative art, symbolising fertility and regeneration. The openwork bronze necks of the containers are decorated with olive branches, an elegant and clever way of allowing the scents contained in the potpourri to escape. Finally, the pots rest on three legs finished by lion paws set on a base engraved with stylised acanthus leaves. Under the three legs, a flame reminds us of fire pots, these architectural ornaments typical of the classical and baroque periods. This set was produced in the spirit of the Escalier de Cristal by a manufacturer whose production quality is very similar to that of this great Parisian house. Heiress of the great merchant-mercers of the eighteenth century, Escalier de Cristal was a famous company during the Restoration created in 1808 and closed in 1923. Merchant-editor, the Escalier de Cristal produced small furniture and luxury objects. For the realization of its models, Escalier de Cristal most often called upon Parisian artists specializing in a specific technical field. Here is a rare photo of Escalier de Cristal pieces amongst which we can find a potpourri. Archive photo « Cl. 105 », An Escalier de Cristal potpourri, © Galerie Marc Maison.