Large Second Empire Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Vase attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne
£1,800
A large second Empire chinoiserie gilt-bronze and cloisonné enamel vase attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne, the domed lid with urn-shaped finial, the vase charmingly decorated with a mallard duck and with pierced handles, raised on a tripod stand headed by elephant masks, the base also inset with a cloisonné panel, the cloisonné all with a Royal blue ground
Born to a farmer in the Calvados region, Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) began his career as a dealer in wall-papers. In 1843 he formed a partnership with Achille Collas (1795-1859) who had perfected a procedure to produce replicas in bronze of larger statues. From 1843 they extended their range, introducing gilt-bronze objects and specialising in mounted enamels. Production stopped briefly in 1870 for the firm to produce cannon for the Franco-Prussian War, but resumed once the war ended
