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Details / Information for Vase

Vase

c. 1862
made by

Firm of Ferdinand Barbedienne

(French, 1810–1892)
designed by

Louis-Constant Sévin

(French, 1821–1888)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
gilt bronze with enamel decoration
Measurements
Overall: 78.7 x 27.3 cm (31 x 10 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 1996.295
Public Domain
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Location
221 19th Century Decorative Arts
Print

Description

This vase vibrantly encapsulates the admiration for historical works of art and architecture that dominated the 1800s. It features stylistic qualities of ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek, and medieval Islamic art with its cat legs, amphora shape, and spiraling foliage ornamentation. The enameling technique itself, called champlevé, has roots in the ancient world. Champlevé enameling involves carving out sections of metal before filling those areas with colored enamel. The vase model was introduced at the International Exhibition of London in 1862, and its popularity resulted in several color and shape variations.
A gilt bronze and enamel vessel features a bright blue body decorated with golden and red stylized leaves. Two golden felines flank the sides, their sleek bodies forming tall handles and extending downward into three slender legs with paw feet. A central golden band is inset with two red circular stones. The flared rim and neck display intricate geometric patterns, while the blue body tapers to a sharp point between the legs.

Vase

c. 1862

Firm of Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sévin

(French, 1810–1892), (French, 1821–1888)
France, 19th century

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