Style Japonism, Chinoiserie / Ref.15232

MARNYHAC House (attributed), Japanese-style crescent moon mirror decorated with a bronze dragon with a brown patina

Attributed to the Marnyhac firm, Japanese-style crescent moon mirror decorated with a dragon in bronze with a brown patina, second half of the 19th century.

By its style and the finesse of its execution, this Japanese-style crescent moon mirror decorated with a dragon is attributed to the Marnyhac firm. The design is of high quality, and the execution of the dragon in bronze with a brown patina is exceptionally fine. Considered the direct competitor of Barbedienne, the Marnyhac firm was founded by Charles de Marnyhac (1840-1897). Awarded a bronze medal at the 1867 Universal Exhibition, the firm established its first shop on the rue de la Paix in Paris. Following a successful participation in the 1871 International Exhibition, a second boutique opened in London in 1875. 1878 was a banner year: its founder was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour, and the Marnyhac firm won the gold medal at the Universal Exhibition. From then on, it developed a business focused on luxury goods and, in 1879, opened a new boutique at 26 Avenue de l'Opéra, entirely dedicated to art and furniture bronzes for a fashionable clientele. The firm's production reflected the eclectic tastes of the wealthy clientele of the second half of the 19th century and followed various stylistic movements: inspired by the Grand Siècle (the 17th century), it embraced historicism and then Japonism.

The Japonisme production was largely inspired by its founder's collection of antique Chinese and Japanese bronzes. Indeed, Charles de Marnyhac drew inspiration from these ancient models to design jardinières, bowls, and vases of all shapes adorned with fantastical dragons, like our mirror. Through its skillful arrangement, the dragon's body envelops the mirror in an upward movement, first from the front and then from the back. The beast appears firmly attached thanks to its claws and displays its open mouth menacingly. The face is particularly detailed, and a certain individuality emanates from the dragon. Only the twisted, gilded horns stand out against the brown patina. The scales across the entire body are brilliantly chiseled, while the tail and whiskers feature undulations and a complex interweaving of sinuous forms. The brown patina gives this piece a distinctive appearance and a truly exceptional presence.