Ref.10265
Antique Louis XVI style overmantel with a frieze of laurel and ovals

This Louis XVI style overmantel was made in the 19th century in wood and stucco painted in white. An ovals frieze enhance the lintel. The mirror is framed by a frieze of seeded and ribbons laurels. The base is ornamented on each sides with an olive branch topped by a basket of flowers.

Ref.12047
Paul DUCUING (1867-1949) - "Casanova" sculpture in gilt bronze

"Casanova" gilt bronze proof signed Paul DUCUING (1867-1949) on the terrace. Mark of the foundryman "F. Barbedienne Fondeur Paris". Vert de Mer marble base.

Ref.13601
ESCALIER DE CRISTAL, Porcelain Serving Dish Decorated with a Crayfish, circa 1880

This porcelain serving dish adorned with a crayfish was made for L’Escalier de Cristal around 1880. Founded around 1808 by the widow Désarnaud, the prestigious L’Escalier de Cristal house was taken over by Pierre Isidore Lahoche and then by his associate, Émile Pannier, in 1863. In 1872, the store moved to the newly developed district around the Paris Opéra, under the supervision of Baron Haussmann. Émile Pannier’s two sons, Georges and Henry, succeeded him in 1885. The store closed its doors in 1923. This piece is a porcelain serving dish. It is a small stand where cakes, for instance, could be placed. The use of this item follows the tradition of the 18th century, when “silent servants” replaced domestic servants for more privacy. The shapes of this serving dish are reminiscent of some clichés of Rococo art: two different shell motifs with scalloped, yet regular and symmetrical, edges face each other; the whole piece is topped with a crayfish, a motif present in some masterpieces of Rococo art, such as the tureens from the centerpiece designed by Juste Aurèle Meissonnier for the Duke of Kingston in 1735. Émile Pannier and then his sons sought to follow the trends of their time while maintaining the high quality that made the store’s reputation. They embraced the fascination with East Asian arts that arose in the second half of the 19th century following Japan’s participation in the 1867 Universal Exhibition, a phenomenon known as “Japonism”. This trend caused a true revolution in Western art, strongly influencing many European artists across all fields. This piece is a testament to that influence: the ornamentation of butterflies and birds on flowering branches against a white background mimics the deliberate lack of depth characteristic of Japanese prints, while the crayfish resembles certain prints by Hiroshige depicting crustaceans. The L’Escalier de Cristal stamp under the base allows us to date the piece between 1872, when the store moved to the listed addresses, and 1885, when the brand was taken over by Émile’s sons under the name “Pannier frères”. The fusion of Rococo and Japanese art influences results in a truly unique object of great delicacy, worthy of being counted among the prestigious creations of L’Escalier de Cristal.

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.