Ref.3438
Antique Napoleon III style fireplace in Belgian Black marble with Fior di Pesco marble inlays

This antique Napoleon III style fireplace was made in the 19th century in a beautiful Belgium black marble , also called "Fine Black of Belgium", and decorated with inlays in Fleur de Pêcher marble (Fior du Pesco). The tapered legs are fluted while the rudentures are madeout of Fleur de Pêcher marble. The frieze is composed of three molded panels also inlaid with Fleur de Pêcher marble.

Ref.03142
CARRIER BELLEUSE Louis Robert, Extraordinary vase with Urania , science allegory.

Large ovoid stoneware vase on its tripod base with decoration in high relief made of glazed stoneware. This vase has a wide collar on which unfolds a farandole of lovers having fun with the Moon in a heavenly backdrop of stars and clouds, as an allegory of the day and night.During the night, one of the lovers escapes from the mouth of the personified Moon, while another clings strongly to it. The opposite side, another comforts the Moon who cannot shine during the day.The body of the vase also has a continuous backdrop of flowers and foliage narrating two main stages from Mythology: Urania admiring the stars and the awakening of Aurora.In a setting of ancient remains of balustrades and ionic columns, the muse Urania studies the sky using her telescope and strongly holds her globe with love, while one of her disciples, an Ouranie, takes notes on her speech.The Aurora is voluptuously lying on a bed of flowers and foliage of fields in high-relief, her face still asleep.The entire decor is on a blue background subtly shaded according to whether the scenes take place during the night or day, or when necessary to highlight a character. The harmony of this vase is not only thematic, but also chromatic. Thus, the pedestal with blue ogee curves echoes the night.This vase is presented on a majestic tripod stand with very original decor of upside-down lions, with delicately created coats ranging from beige to dark brown, reflecting the great mastery of their glazes and firings.Lions also rest on a tripod base with finely coiled caryatids endings, the sides decorated with opened shells.This vase is a reflection of the creativity of Carrier-Belleuse, subtly harmonizing his neo-rococo and neoclassical inspirations.It focuses on the description of the complicated rendering of the atmosphere of heaven, floating edges of drapery, hair which frames faces. To acknowledge the reality of the details, he cut the clay still wet, after completing the general form.In the tradition of his father, he pursued his theory that was based on the idea of ??applying the human figure to the decorative arts, especially the female figure. His ability to make realistic characteristics on his models gave him great fame.Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse (1848-1913) was the son of Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, of whom he was a student. At the school of fine arts he took lessons taught by Gustave Boulanger and Alexandre Cabanel.In 1877, he acquired from Theodore Deck his first experiences with ceramic.At the 1881 exhibition, he won the prize for best painter, then for the best sculptor in the 1889 exhibition.He designed some models for the Choisy-le-Roi pottery and was its artistic director.Among his works: The National Monument of Costa Rica, A Little Curious at the Museum of Rochefort, The Little Chimney Sweeps, Bearers of flour at the Petit Palais Museum (1885). His works are also kept at the Dahesh Museum, New York; Museum of Art and Archaeology, Moulins, France and the Musée d'Orsay, Paris.

Ref.14894
CHOISY LE ROI MANUFACTURE, Coffee and tea set in the Oriental style

Made up of ten pieces, this coffee and tea set bears the mark of the manufacturing company of Choisy-Le-Roi, and is from the Hippolyte Boulenger period. Made out of enamelled faience around 1880-1890, this coffee and tea set in oriental style is characteristic of the trend at the time to move towards exotic styles, from Japan to China, whilst passing through The Orient. The two jugs for the coffee and the tea, the water container, the sugar bowl and the five cups with saucers are enamelled in green and yellow from the bottom, in order to create subtle gradations. The enamelled work is of very high quality. The abstract engraved decoration is made up of concentric and twisting lines, whilst the top of the handles of the different pieces are decorated with animal protomes, either eagles or dragons.

Ref.11309
Gabriel VIARDOT, Desk with a Buddhist monk, signed and dated 1886

This beautiful sloping desk is signed by Gabriel Viardot and dated in 1886. The presence of a date on a piece by Gabriel Viardot is a point in itself and worth noting. The great quality of production of this sloping desk probably explains its presence. Faithful to the Japanese productions, this desk with classic construction has an assymetrical composition, notably in its upper part. In the center of it is a drawer around which shelves and cabinets are distributed. The box located in the lower part is closed by a door adorned with Tonkin mother of pearl inlays, an element reused according to a then customary practice. Below, a small square-shaped box is closed by a panel with a lacquer decor from Japan. An Buddhist monk is depicted there seated and dressed in a rich tunic with gilded motifs. His face is very meticulously represented, engraved in the ivory. The panel closing the desk is also decorated with inlaid Tonkin mother of pearl. The great quality of this desk and the attention to the decor that it presents make this piece an exceptional production of Gabriel Viardot.

Ref.17256
"The Dragons", Rare pair of gilt-bronze wall sconces in the Japanese taste

Gilt-bronze A dragon in the Chinese style gracefully wraps his slender body around a branch of stylized branches. The inspiration for these sconces comes from the Orient, more specifically China, and they express the taste for Oriental art in vogue at the end of the 19th century. This was the result of the opening of Asia to the West, through their participation in international exhibitions, as well as the collections that were formed by wealthy and enlightened art collectors, such as Henri Cernuschi or the Empress Eugénie who installed a Chinese Museum at Fontainebleau. These contacts meant there was a new decorative repertory, greatly appreciated, that the designers of the 19th century could draw upon when creating elegant new objects for their clientele.    The stylized cloud motif around the dragon and the head of the monster are also characteristic of this same source of inspiration, which encouraged decoration that was both elegant and sophisticated, and was emblematic of a refined lifestyle. Such works integrated perfectly in the distinguished interiors of connoisseurs and lovers of Asian art of the period. This pair of wall sconces, formerly attributed to Édouard Lièvre, took its inspiration from the work of the greatest designers of the period, such as Reiber or Viardot.    The high quality of the chasing of the bronze and the finesse of the fabrication show that these sconces are the work of a true bronze artist who was smitten by this Far-Eastern taste and created an important work of art destined to decorate the most luxurious interiors of the period.  

Ref.11386
Christophe FRATIN (1801-1864), Taureau à la grenouille (A Bull With a Frog)

Between 1839 and 1849 (?) Chef-modèle made out of patinated bronze, base in Rouge Griotte marble. Signed « Fratin », « Fonderie de L. Richard Eyck et Durand » engraved on the base. Dimensions : L. 47 cm / 18’’ 1/2 ; H. 23 cm / 9’’ 1/16 ; P. 26 cm / 10’’ 1/4 REF. 11386 This sculpture was made out of bronze during the 19th century by the famous animal sculptor Christophe Fratin. It represents a young bull moving and more specifically chasing the little frog it has on his back. An other amphibian is set on the base. The reason why this sculpture has so many sharp details is that it is a chef-modèle (original mould) allowing the reproduction of the sculpture in order to produce commercial copies. Indeed, the details lose their quality during the overmoulding process so the chef-modèle is sculpted so as to prevent this loss. When the piece is not meant to be cast in one go, it has to be dismantle so there are bolts which link the different parts of the piece as is the case here. The quality of the beautiful brown patina should be underlined. After the 1848 Revolution, the downturn of the art market forces Fratin to sell his works during auctions, most of the time with their publishing rights which is extremeley rare for a 19th century’s sculptor. Our sculpture has been reassembled with the bolts which were added for the purpose of the sale. We don’t know any copy that would have been made from this chef-modèle, making it particularly unique. In the catalogue of one of these auctions (in July 1849), a « Taureau à la grenouille » (Bull With a Frog) is mentioned, so we can date our sculpture from before 1849.

Ref.11296
Napoleon III cabinet bottom, Louis XV style

This cabinet bottom was made in the 19th century. It opens with three doors, including a central glass door. The top is made of Fleur de Pêcher marble. Ornaments of chased and gilded bronze. Beautiful cabinetmaking work with wood veneer symmetrically, playing on the game of lines and veins of wood.

Ref.11349
Gabriel VIARDOT (attributed to) - Japanese style cupboard with dragon

This small walnut cabinet is attributed to Gabriel Viardot. The decor is quite characteristic of the production of this Parisian cabinetmaker specializing in Japanese and Chinese-style furniture. The lower part consists of multiple vertical boxes surmounted by three shelves. The upper part of this piece is decorated with latticed wood in the tradition of Japanese furniture. A gilded bronze dragon crowning this cupboard is entirely characteristic of the production of Gabriel Viardot. The vertical uprights are also decorated with gilded bronze elements that we can also find on other productions by Gabriel Viardot. Gabriel Viardot started his wood-sculpting career in 1849, when he sent some furniture pieces in natural décor to the horticultural exhibition. He then became the head of a small team of sculptors when he was just 19 years old. In 1853, he had a factory and a store of furniture located at 36 and 38 Rambuteau Road. During this time, he worked with his brother, Louis Gustave, under the name “Viardot Brothers and Company.” In 1860, he created his own workshop, “G. Viardot” at 5 Grand-Chantier road, and became head of the family business that he kept until 1872. He decided to devote himself to “Chinese-Japanese style furniture,” which he was able to observe mainly at the 1867 World Exposition. At this same exposition, he was awarded four medals. It’s with this production that he was awarded at the 1878 World Exposition with a silver medal. Following that, he practiced consecutively at 15 Chaume road, 3 Archives road in 1878 and 36 Amelot road near the end of the century. His furniture was produced thanks to lacquered and carved panels sent directly from China or Japan and decorated with mother of pearl inlays from Tonkin. He enlivened his furniture with bronze decorations, of which he made all the designs by hand. Over the course of the years, the success only continued to grow, particularly at the expositions of Nice and the 8th exposition of the Central Union of Decorative Arts in 1884. In 1885, he participated in the World Exposition of Antwerp where he obtained a gold medal. At this time, the shop employed 90 – 100 workers, sculptors or cabinetmakers, a lot of who were educated directly by Gabriel Viardot. Following this exposition, he was promoted to the rank of Knight in the Legion of Honor (December 29 1885). In 1889, he was at the World Exposition that took place in Paris and awarded a gold medal. He obtained the same award at the 1900 World Exposition.

Ref.11358
Washbasin cabinet and its mirror in the Far Eastern style

Japanese style washbasin cabinet made in the 19th century. It can receive two basins, and opens on the front with two leaves richly decorated with birds and flowers inlaid with ivory and with three large drawers and two small drawers. The top is in Breccia Sanguine marble.

Ref.12109
Albert CARRIER-BELLEUSE (1824-1887) - Young woman in statuary marble

Young woman in Antique, in statuary marble signed on the base Albert CARRIER-BELLEUSE (1824-1887).

Ref.12415
Antique trumeau with an oil on canvas representing a scene of children playing with a dog

Antique painted trumeau realized in the 19th century composed in its upper part of an oil on canvas representing a scene of children playing with a dog wearing a dress.

Ref.12494
Antique Louis XVI style trumeau painted with a wreath of flowers

Antique painted trumeau, made in the 19th century, in the Louis XVI style, decorated with a wreath of flowers and musical instruments in the upper part.

Ref.13206
Cast iron fireback with the wedding coat of arms of Joseph-François de Montecler et Hyacinthe Menon de Turbilly, 17th century

Cast iron fireback with the wedding coat of arms of Joseph-François de Montecler et Hyacinthe Menon de Turbilly. Joseph-François de Montecler, marquis of Montecler, (1694-1766) married in 1716 Hyacinthe Menon de Turbilly (1699-1742), lady of La Rongère, of who the marquis de Sourches praised the beauty.

Ref.13607
René ROZET « Young musician with a mandolin », statuary marble sculpture, late 19th century

This statuary marble sculpture was made in the last decades of the 19th century by the French sculptor René Rozet. Used to sculpt bust portraits, he represents here a young musician from the late medieval period as indicates his haircut and his outfit. Introducing the notion of movement in our bust, the young musician is represented with his body turned toward the right, while his head is turned toward the left. He holds in left gloved hand sheet of paper, a quill and a mandolin leaning against his other arm, which is making a wide movement toward the exterior, thus letting the spectator see the delicacy of his naked hand. As indicates the French newspaper, Le Matin in his publication of the 5th of February, 1905, our sculptor « has understood that it is by grinding and melting all the souvenirs by which is spirit has been impressed, that the artist makes his work, mixing unconsciously and not as a plagiarist, what dictates his imagination with what has stroke his artistic feeling in the past works. » Our bust resting on a steps base, is a beautiful example of this restyled past, inspiring the artists of the late 19th century. René Rozet (1858-1939) is an important and prolific artist of the late 19th century and the early 20th century. He was the student of the Pierre Jules Cavelier and Aimé Millet. He participates very regularly in the Salon des Artistes français between 1876 and 1912 where he presents an important number of plaster and marble portraits. Noticed for his talent by the maison Christofle, he proposes to the silver house many models made next in massive silver, receiving always praised from the contemporary critics. We can for instance speak about an extraordinary mirror depicting the theme of Echo and Narcissus exhibited a first time during the World Fair of 1900, then in the Salon of 1902. Or even, a silver-gilt surtout on the “Air and Water” theme, exhibited the same year. At the same time, he also starts to become bisque sculptor by working for the Manufacture de Sèvres between 1906 and 1923. Thanks to his incredible work, he wins many rewards, especially the First medal in the Salon, two prices during the 1900 World fair, which makes him a unique case, and finally the Légion d’Honneur in 1912. He’s also the father of Fanny Rozet (1881-1958), first female sculptor to be accepted in the Ecole des Beaux Arts of Paris in 1896 and student of Laurent Marqueste (1848-1920). Nevertheless, only few of the many marble busts he made during his career and exhibited in the Salon have been conserved until today. Of his sculpture, independent of other important names, only four bronze bas-reliefs are conserved in the musée d’Orsay in Paris and a marble sculpture untitled « Bonsoir maman » is conserved in the musée des Beaux-Arts of Lyon.

Ref.14342
18th century fireback with three crowned lilies, symbols of the arms of France

Ref.14697
Louis-Philippe period billiard table with marquetry

Magnificent billiard table made during the Louis-Philippe period in wood and gilded bronzes. It is decorated with a light wood marquetry on a dark background representing numerous small scenes and a set of circular gilt bronze rosettes all around.

Ref.14778
Pair of beautiful cast-iron planters with woven motif and lion's paws

Ref.14082
Jules Vieillard & Cie Manufacture, Japanese-style Tea Service, between 1878 and 1886

Cups : H. 6,2 cm/2'' 7/16 ; L. 9,5 cm/3'' 3/4 ; D. 7,2 cm/2'' 13/16 Saucers : H. 2 cm/13/16'' ; D. 13,5 cm/5'' 5/16 Teapot : H. 16 cm/6'' 5/16 ; L. 19,7 cm/7'' 3/4 ; P. 7,5 cm/2'' 15/16 Milk jug : H. 9 cm/3'' 9/16 ; L. 12,5 cm/4'' 15/16 ; P. 6 cm/2'' 3/8 Sugar bowl : H. 15 cm/5'' 15/16 ; L. 17 cm/6'' 11/16 ; P. 8,5 cm/3'' 3/8 This exceptional Japonism tea set was created for the Jules Vieillard & Cie Manufacture in Bordeaux between 1878 and 1886; it is attributed to Amédée de Caranza. After the death of Jules Vieillard in 1868, the Jules Vieillard & Cie Manufacture, then the third largest ceramic factory in France, passed to his sons, Albert and Charles. The Vieillard brothers then developed new designs and shapes, launching a production of artistic faience intended to decorate the finest interiors. The son of a ceramist, Amédée de Caranza (1843-1914) developed a deep understanding of the art of ceramics and constantly sought new techniques. After working in his own workshop and for the Creil-Montereau factory, he became the workshop manager at the Vieillard Manufacture from around 1878 to 1886. He then opened his own workshop before moving to New York. He served as artistic director at Henri Copillet & Cie, where he worked with glass. For more information on this work, see the video on marcmaison.art

Ref.13994
J. VIEILLARD & CIE Manufacture, Mantel Set, second half of the 19th century

Pot covers: H. 17 cm/6'' 1/2 ; L. 18 cm/7'' 1/16 ; P. 18 cm/7'' 1/16 This Japanese-style mantel set was made by the Jules Vieillard & Cie Manufacture in the second half of the 19th century. Initially a ceramics trader, Jules Vieillard worked for the David Johnston manufactory in Bordeaux from 1840. When it went bankrupt in 1844, he decided to buy it and founded the company Jules Vieillard & Cie, which enjoyed great success. After his death in 1868, the manufactory, then the third largest ceramics manufactory in France, passed to his sons, Albert and Charles. The Vieillard brothers then developed new designs and shapes. They launched a production of artistic earthenware intended to decorate the finest interiors, which continued until the end of the 19th century. After the death of Jules Vieillard in 1868, the Jules Vieillard & Cie Manufacture, then the third largest ceramic factory in France, passed to his sons, Albert and Charles. The Vieillard brothers then developed new designs and shapes, launching a production of artistic faience intended to decorate the finest interiors.

Ref.15013
BACCARAT, Crystal Vase with Neo-Greek Decoration, circa 1867

This vase was executed by the Baccarat manufacture, which presented several pieces with similar decoration at the 1867 World’s Fair; it can therefore be dated to this period. Founded under Louis XV, the French crystal manufacture Baccarat demonstrated its excellence and creativity at the World Fairs throughout the 19th century. This double-layered crystal vase, etched with acid, adopts the shape of a crater, a vessel in which wine and water were mixed before meals in ancient Greece. Its decoration, blue on a white background, is also inspired by ancient Greece: the body is adorned with a figure of a young ephebe playing cymbals and a woman, probably a bacchante, dancing. Below the handles, there is a stylized decoration of scrolls and palmettes, while the base and neck are adorned with regular friezes. These elements are highlighted with gold. The Chrysler Museum in Norfolk (USA) and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris both have a Neo-Greek vase in the shape of an amphora executed by Baccarat around 1867, whose blue and white double crystal decorations are very similar to ours.

Ref.15702
AU VASE ÉTRUSQUE – Porcelain Vase with Aquatic Decoration

Porcelain vase with lid, marked AU VASE ÉTRUSQUE, PARIS. The surface features a hand-painted and gilt aquatic design on a light blue background. The decoration includes a stylized fish with gold highlights, jellyfish, aquatic plants, and rock formations, rendered in shades of gold, gray, and brown. The rounded body rests on a fluted base with gilded accents. The matching lid has a scalloped gold border and a finial decorated with vertical gold lines.

Ref.10542
STEINER Hermann (1878-1963) faun mask in carved wood and ibex horns