Pousse-Cornet, Mobilier classique versus moderne, lot 34, Blois, November 6, 2023.
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Small baluster vase in fine porcelain, covered with a remarkable flamed glaze in shades of red, purple, blue, and violet.
Flamed glazes, inspired by prestigious Chinese porcelains, experienced a significant revival in France thanks to research conducted at the Sèvres Manufactory from the early 1880s, followed by experiments by artists such as Ernest Chaplet.
This work belongs to a particularly little-known production by Auguste Jean. Based in Vierzon, the artist created several flamed-glazed porcelains bearing the signature "NP/V". Eleven of these pieces were given by Auguste Jean to the administrator and curator of the Manufacture de Sèvres, or acquired by them after their visit to the artist's workshops in 1892 as part of a study trip, as evidenced by several articles published in specialized press. One of these pieces, now in the reserves of the Sèvres museum, is identical in every respect.
This vase is thus a particularly valuable testament to Auguste Jean's late research and his desire to experiment with the most innovative ceramic processes and surface effects of the late 19th century.
Condition: Good state of preservation.
Signature: Signed on the reverse, under the base, in blue enamel: “NP/V.”.
