Ref.15235
BACCARAT - Pair of Persian ruby bottle-shaped vases, circa 1880

This pair of Persian bottle-shaped vases with Japanese vegetal decoration was made by the Baccarat crystal works around 1880. Founded under the reign of Louis XV, the French crystal manufacturer Baccarat excellence at the World's Fairs throughout the 19th century. These ruby-hued blown crystal vases feature acid-etched and gilded decoration. The Japanese-style decoration features a plant stretching its branches around the circumference, interrupted only at the ring, in the middle of the neck, and at the top. The top of the neck is decorated with geometric friezes. The influence of Japanese prints is perceptible in the theme, as well as in the way of space and the representation of the plant world. Each vase bears an antique label on the base, marked "BACCARAT - FRANCE". The Baccarat crystal works produced a number of ruby-colored vases with very similar designs similar to this one in the 1880s, including two from a set that sold at at Drouot in 2016.

Ref.12951
Ernest-Baptiste LÉVEILLÉ (attributed to), Eugène ROUSSEAU (after), Koi Carp Vase, circa 1885-1890

This koi carp vase was created by Ernest-Baptiste Léveillé based on a design initially conceived by Eugène Rousseau. François-Eugène Rousseau (1827-1890) established himself in 1855 as a merchant specializing in porcelain and faience, while also engaging in glasswork. Toward the end of his life, inspired by Venetian techniques from the 16th century, which the Chinese practiced in the 18th century, he achieved unexpected designs by layering nuanced colored layers. His works reflect his interest in Japonism. In 1885, he sold his business to his former pupil, Ernest-Baptiste Léveillé. The production of the “Maisons Rousseau-Léveillé réunies” remained characteristic of the techniques developed by Rousseau until the master’s death in 1890. Subsequently, the models became more daring and intricate. Léveillé participated in numerous Parisian Salons between 1892 and 1897, as well as the Universal Exhibitions of 1889 and 1900, during which he received a gold medal. The design of our koi carp vase, in polychrome enamel on slightly smoked glass, is treated in the vein of Japanese prints. The koi carp is a mythical animal in East Asian culture. According to an ancient legend, the bravest ones, which manage to swim up the mighty Yellow River, would transform into dragons with golden scales. An almost identical vase, although its design is entirely in relief and not enameled, is housed in the collections of the Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill.

Ref.14575
Eugène ROUSSEAU, Vase with Japanese Picker, circa 1870-1880

This vase was crafted by master glassmaker Eugène Rousseau around 1870-1880. Eugène Rousseau (1827-1890) established himself in 1855 as a merchant specializing in porcelain and earthenware while also engaging in glasswork. His works reflect his interest in Japonism. The decoration of this vase is a testament to that interest. The treatment of perspective, the extreme stylization of cherry blossoms, and the female figure straight out of a Japanese print are all elements of East Asian inspiration. In addition to this surface treatment, the glasswork evokes a mountainous landscape in the background. The entire piece rests on an imposing glass base, with broken lines echoing the cherry tree branches in the upper part. The work of art is signed under the base.