French bronze and polychrome enamel vase - FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE (1810 - 1892)

This exceptional vase is probaly the result of the collaboration between Louis Constant Sevin, drawer and designer, and Ferdinand Barbedienne, bronze maker and founder of the famous 19th century foundry of the same name. This vase is very similar than a model presented on the Barbedienne's stand during the International Exhibition of London in 1862.
made in bronze and show an outstanding and abundant decoration of enamel cloisonne. The gilt bronze on the blue background and the polychromatic richness of the motif reminds of an imaginary and an inspiration coming from the East. The vase is adjoined with two gilt bronze handles with cat's heads, finished with claws on which they lean.. We notice in the shape and the decoration an eastern inspiration but above all an eclectic one, characteristic of the artistic tendency in France under the Second Empire. Indeed, Constant Sevin was inspired by the Greek style for the shape in amphora and by patterns belonging to the Arabic, or Persian decorative repertoires for the decoration, while the handles with cat's heads tend toward reminding Egypt.
Firmato "F. Barbedienne".
Height x diameter 23.5 x 11 cm, weight 1390 g.
Item condition grading:: ***** excellent.