Ref.13397
Gabriel VIARDOT, Japanese style support unit with bouquet, 1888

This piece of furniture and display was made by Gabriel Viardot in 1888, at the height of his career. A talented wood sculptor, Gabriel Viardot opened a furniture factory and store in Paris in 1853. In the 1870s, he decided to devote himself to “Chinese-Japanese furniture”. He obtained a silver medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878, then the gold medal at the International Exhibition in Antwerp in 1884, and at the Universal Exhibitions in Paris in 1889 and 1900. This piece of furniture, although adapted to European uses, is part of Viardot's Sino-Japanese production. Its base is pierced with geometric scrolls forming a heart in the center. The door is decorated with an exceptional Japanese panel from the Meiji period (1868-1912). It is decorated with a still life combining bas-relief and mother-of-pearl inlay. This representation is characteristic of Japanese art of this period. It has many stylistic and technical similarities with this other panel from the Meiji era. One of the short sides is decorated with a bamboo in bloom accompanied by an inscription made of characters chosen for their aesthetic appearance, probably taken from Japanese prints. The other is carved with mistletoe branches. The crown of the piece of furniture is inspired by Far Eastern architecture and is decorated with a roaring lion. Viardot's signature is on the right side of the piece of furniture, in the lower part. The stamp and the date, rarely indicated, which is indicative of the value of this piece of furniture, are on its left side. Gabriel Viardot created a small Japanese style cabinet known by an old drawing, the upper part of which, more especially the crowning, is very close to that of this piece of furniture.

Ref.14917
Pear in a Carafe Offered to President Sadi Carnot at the 1889 Universal Exhibition

This pear, preserved in a carafe of brandy, is a memento from the 1889 World’s Fair. It was presented to the President of the Republic at the time, Sadi Carnot, on this occasion. This pear in a carafe follows the traditional production of a particularly high-quality pear brandy. The first step occurs after the pear trees bloom: a bottle is placed over the pear, while it is still an embryo, a delicate and crucial step for the success of the operation. In August, when the pears reach maturity, the fruits and bottles are harvested. The bottles are then filled with alcohol, so the pear absorbs it; afterwards, the alcohol is removed and replaced with pear brandy. This pear in a carafe is over 130 years old. It is exceptional due to its longevity, but also because of the inscription that is still perfectly legible on the fruit. Indeed, this inscription had to be made before the pear was placed in the carafe, when it was only a few centimeters in size. It indicates the prestigious destination of this item: “Souvenir / de / L'Exposition Universelle / de / Paris 1889 / Mr Carnot President / de la / République française” (Souvenir of the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, Mr Carnot, President of the French Republic). Thus, this pear brandy carafe was presented to Sadi Carnot (1837-1894). After brilliant studies, Carnot became an engineer before engaging in the political life of his time. He was elected President of the Republic in 1887; the 1889 World’s Fair is one of the significant events of his term. He was assassinated by an Italian anarchist in 1894. Due to its origin and exceptional preservation, this pear in a carafe is therefore a historical object of prime importance.

Ref.13901
Set of 19 Concrete Planters in Willy Guhl Style

Beautiful set of 19 concrete planters in the iconic Willy Guhl style, perfect for adding a vintage touch to your outdoor space. These planters, approximately 40 to 50 years old, have developed a beautiful patina that gives them a unique character. Specifications: Height: around 20 cm Width: between 52 cm and 54 cm Depth: between 52 cm and 54 cm Some planters have broken corners but remain complete and functional. A great set for design enthusiasts and vintage outdoor decor lovers.