Ref.12448
Pair of antique Louis XV style gilt bronze andirons with characters in costume

This beautiful pair of Louis XV style chenets was made of gilt bronze in the 19th century. It represents a couple of gallant characters in 18th century costume.

Ref.12204
Large pink and green earthenware planter with plant decoration

This large pink and green earthenware planter is decorated in the centre with a medallion surrounded by scrolls and acanthus leaves, with two horizontal bands surrounded by a plant decoration of large leaves and flowers. Two bands of gadroons on three sides of the piece frame the central decoration, and are embellished with beehives in their corners. The piece is made up of different separable parts, as earthenware pieces, which need to be fired at high temperatures in a kiln, must have volumes adapted to the kiln in which they are fired. Each part was made separately from the others and then, once all the parts had been fired, they were all assembled to obtain the final work. Each part is signed by the artist, Pierre Perret, and by the place where the planter was produced, Mont Boron in Nice. The intertwining of plant motifs in the decoration, giving an effect of movement, and the imposing size of this planter are a perfect example of Napoleon III's reinterpretation of the Baroque style, however, the colours seem more markedly Art Nouveau, particularly the green that appears in the ceramics under the direction of the Massier family. A former notary of the town of Vallauris, located on the French Riviera, Pierre Perret worked from 1895 with the Massier family, owners of a ceramic factory. This family of ceramists innovated in the artistic field through their research into old techniques, such as glazed earthenware, or metallic lustre, but also showed great originality, characteristic of the works of the factory, with the search for harmony between green and purple with a floral and plant vocabulary of the art nouveau. In 1898, Pierre Perret bought the Mont Boron and Vallauris potteries from Jérôme Massier Fils (Jean-Baptiste). He sold them in 1901, but after going bankrupt in 1908, took over his property, finally selling it to Jean-Baptiste Massier in 1909.

Ref.14637
Dolphin-shaped floor lamp in cast iron

Floor lamp composed of a lamp supported by a dolphin with a serpentine shape resting on a base flared downwards.

Ref.14229
A precious Egyptian ship, a rare earthenware piece by Emile GALLÉ

This Egyptian boat in faience was designed by Émile Gallé in the second half of the 19th century. Considered the founding father of Art Nouveau, Émile Gallé took over the workshop founded by his father and gave it a decisive impetus, which he sustained throughout his life with constantly renewed creativity. Ancient Egypt and its culture were one of his favored sources of inspiration, as evidenced by this piece. This artwork depicts a boat with raised prow and stern, inspired by frescoes of ships from Pharaonic Egypt. The body of the vessel rests on a base formed by multiple oars; the hull is adorned with various insects and a turtle on the right. At the center, a lotus flower decorated with numerous gold accents hosts a fanciful insect reminiscent of the “trucsal” design by Gallé, preserved at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. On the other side, the center of the lotus flower is occupied by a scarab, a sacred animal that held a central place in the iconography of Ancient Egypt. The only other known example of this model to date is the Grand Prix version, which required significant expertise and an expensive technique.

Ref.5443
Beautiful Regency style fireplace, in a superb Royal Red with lots of veins

This fireplace was crafted in Rouge Royal marble, a rich and nuanced material. Its surface shows a deep red background traversed by white and grey veining, creating a lively, contrasting effect that enhances the sculptural work. The overall form follows the codes of the Régence style. The mantel shelf is straight and slightly projecting, supported by a moulded entablature that curves gracefully around the opening. The firebox is tall and semi-circular, emphasised by an accentuated curve that continues into the jambs. These rest on a simple, massive rectangular base. The carved decoration remains restrained, focused on the mouldings. The entablature is enlivened by a play of profiles and chamfered angles forming discreet rectangular frames, visible on the side panels and jambs. These geometric lines lighten the structure without diminishing its imposing character.

Ref.6189
Louis XVI style fireplace in Carrara marble, decorated with ribbons and floral rosettes