Antique French Enameled Japonisme Vase by Jules Vieillard, 1880s

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An exceptional late 19th-century French enameled earthenware vase by Jules Vieillard & Cie of Bordeaux, dating to circa 1880. An … Read more An exceptional late 19th-century French enameled earthenware vase by Jules Vieillard & Cie of Bordeaux, dating to circa 1880. An elaborate example of French Japonisme pottery, combining vividly colored émaux en relief decoration with sculptural elephant-head handles. The substantial urn-shaped body is decorated in brilliant azure blue, with a finely delineated overlapping scale pattern. Two large cartouches depict pairs of exotic birds perched amongst flowering branches, set against a crackle-glazed white ground. Stylized floral motifs, black enamel reserves, yellow outlines and rich green detailing complete the complex decorative scheme. The vase is distinguished by two sculptural black elephant heads, each holding a suspended blue ring in its trunk, with silver-toned tusks. The decoration employs the French émaux en relief technique, in which raised outlines separate areas of colored enamel, creating an effect reminiscent of Asian cloisonné metalwork. The technique became particularly associated with the artistic ceramics produced in Bordeaux during the late 19th century. The Jules Vieillard manufactory was an important center of French decorative ceramics, particularly during the Japonisme movement. Its richly colored enamels reflect the technical and artistic experimentation of the period, notably the influence of ceramicist Amédée de Caranza, who worked with the factory during the late 1870s and early 1880s. The underside bears the impressed Jules Vieillard & Cie Bordeaux factory mark, together with additional production markings. Condition: Good antique condition. Restoration to a previous crack, with glaze restoration to the elephant handles, black rim and base. Some wear to the enamel decoration. Presents very well for its age. Dimensions: Height 29.5 cm (11.61 in); diameter 21 cm (8.27 in). This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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