VASE

Between 1877 and 1884

Blown and hot-worked glass, polychrome enamel decoration, gilt highlights

Gilt bronze mount

H. 15.2 cm

Private collection

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Tajan, 20th Century Decorative Arts (sale 1634), Lot 2, Paris, May 25, 2016.

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Small cylindrical vase in translucent orange blown glass, enlivened by hot-applied light blue glass elements: cabochons applied to the body, lip and stretched "tears" that seem to flow from it. The surface is adorned with a polychrome enamel decoration composed of butterflies and a large dragonfly evolving among a scattering of flowers and leafy branches. Numerous gilded highlights accentuate and enrich the decoration. 

The vase rests on a tripod gilt bronze mount, treated in an East Asian style and evoking, through its uprights, bamboo stems. Placed opposite the large dragonfly in the enamel decoration, the mount also supports a perched bird in high relief, thus creating a dialogue between the two motifs.

A particularly interesting vase due to its shape, relatively rare in Auguste Jean's production, as well as the exceptional presence of a gilt bronze mount, which fully contributes to its Japonist aesthetic.