Ref.03348
Nikolai Iwanowitsch Lieberich (model by) for the Woerffel Foundry in Saint-Petersbourg - Antique Bronze and black marble writing set

Important and rare bronze and black marble writing set with bears at rest decor. The set consists of a desk-top blotter, a card holder, an inkwell and a pen holder. The large inkwell features a lying adult bear. In front of him, a tree trunk is an ink reservoir where two bear cubs play. The small inkwell is in the same spirit, with a smaller bear, figured in a different position. Both bears are known models made by the great Russian sculptor Nikolai Iwanowitsch Lieberich and realized by the bronze manufacturer Woerffel in St. Petersburg which is 'Official Imperial Supplier' in 1895. The Great Bear model was designed in 1866. This complete writing set, with a superb bronze chiseling, is quite exceptional and extremely rare. It was probably made around 1880-1890 by Woerffel foundry. See illustrations in the book 'Николай Либерих. 1828–1883' published in 2012 at Palace Editions.

Ref.16022
Ferdinand BARBEDIENNE – Japonist cachepot in gilt bronze and cloisonné enamel

This skillful blend of Chinese art and French craftsmanship is attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne. Our cachepot features a polychrome decoration of peonies and stylized flowers, wild birds, and insects in cloisonné enamel against a turquoise background. On one side, a pair of wild birds frolic, while on the other, butterflies flutter across the azure ground. The copper network of the cloisonné enamels displays geometric patterns reminiscent of certain Chinese vases from the Jiaqing period (1796-1820). A common practice in French decorative arts during the second half of the 19th century, the Chinese cachepot is mounted on a modern bronze base inspired by Far Eastern designs. Given the exceptional and original bronze work, this piece can be attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne. The base is formed by three finely chiseled elephant heads adorned with a pearl diadem. Greek key motifs unfold along the base, while a tortoise appears between each elephant head. On either side of the cachepot, lion heads grasp movable handles. The manes of these menacing masks with their mischievous noses form finely chiseled scrolls. On the shoulder of the cachepot, four grimacing faces in gilt bronze punctuate the polychrome enamel floral decorations. The rim is adorned with a repeating Far Eastern motif reminiscent of the decoration found on Buddhist temple cornices.