Ref.12893
Maison GIROUX and Ferdinand DUVINAGE - Exceptional and rare cup with waders with iridescent glass and electroplated decor, circa 1870-1880

This cup made in the 1870-1880’s by the maison Giroux, as indicates the signature on the mount, is a piece extremely rare because of the material used. Indeed, few models with iridescent glass are known today. The Japanese inspiration of the decor and the model of our cup indicate that it is a creation of Ferdinand Duvinage who takes the direction of the maison Giroux between 1867 and 1876, then taken by his widow when he dies. This store which was originally selling all kind of supplies and small objects such as paints, varnishes, albums, writing-papers, fans, toys, boxes and souvenirs, but also lithographs, drawings and watercolors, considerably developed in the first decades of the 19th century. First, because they count among the clients, important persons such as the Duchesse de Berry, Louis XVIII or even Charles X, then by the drive given by Alphonse Giroux’s sons who joined the firm in 1833. Thus, Alphonse-Gustave Giroux, the eldest son, had the idea to sell small furniture. Even though he was an artist himself, he worked like furniture dealers of the 18th century, with artists who did not have the right to put their signature and exerted a hold over the design of the creation that he chose. He also decided to move the store in the new Opera district on the corner of the 43 boulevard des Capucines and the 24 rue Neuve des Capucines in 1855. On this same year, the company which had already won medals for the quality of its production during previous events, sells during the World Fair, to the Impress Eugénie, a bonheur du jour, conserved today in the château de Compiègne. In 1867, the store direction is given to Ferdinand Duvinage, Harinkouck and Brune. Little things are known about Harinkouck and Brune who seem to have been associated for a short period of time as Duvinage remains the only one in 1874. Ferdinand Duvinage (1813-1876) who seems to be cousin with Alphonse-Gustave Giroux, joins the company during a few years before taking its direction, without changing the name. He files in 1874, 1876 and 1877 patents for a marquetry technique of mosaic with metallic partitioning for furniture and art objects. His method is really original because it involves the combined union of ivory as a base, wood for the designs or ornaments, and copper or other metal to partitioning the ivory fragments. The firm continues to participate to World Fairs where they win many medals, even though they are not that much mentioned by the critics, we know that the productions with the Japanese vocabulary created under the direction of Duvinage were also very appreciated and were a real commercial success.

Ref.15025
Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, Small Glazed Stoneware Vase, late 19th century

This glazed stoneware vase was crafted by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat in the late 19th century. Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (Limoges, 1844-Paris, 1910) is recognized as one of the most significant European ceramists of the late 19th century, particularly for his mastery of flamed stoneware. He worked for various faience factories before establishing his own workshop in Bourg-la-Reine. Dalpayrat’s near-exclusive avoidance of the potter’s wheel showcases his exceptional skill in the art of glazing. He often collaborated with Adèle Lesbros, and their works were met with considerable acclaim at various exhibitions. The vase’s shape is inspired by a gourd, a common motif among Art Nouveau ceramists. The bulbous body culminates in a narrow opening, mimicking the natural form of a stem. The glaze is a testament to Dalpayrat’s extraordinary technical prowess. The rich oxblood red, a signature of Dalpayrat, transitions into a matte gray on the body, with intermediate hues of blue and yellow. Subtle white scratches in relief enhance the already profound texture and depth of the piece. Dalpayrat’s pomegranate mark is visible on the underside of the vase. The Gourd-Shaped Vase housed in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, featuring similar color schemes, is another striking example of the artist’s inspiration and technique.