A 19th Century Bronze and Porcelain Vase By Jules Vieillard & Cie

This antique Art Nouveau French vase was realised in Bordeaux by worldwide renowned Jules Vieillard & Co and dated between 1880-1895 when the ceramic company's favourite designs and techniques were developed. This bulbous cylindrical vase has modelled turquoise, and treacle elephant handles applied on either side of the top rim.

The body of the vase has two central circular-shaped panels with a scrolled motif around them depicting a bird on a cherry blossom branch looking at the butterfly together with another scene on the left corner with two men wearing traditional Japanese clothes, with a depiction of Mt. Fuji surrounded by trees on the right. Another panel also features a bird on the cherry blossom branch looking left. Next to the bird, there is a circular panel highlighted in a bright yellow colour depicting a man wearing a yellow and brown costume and holding his Kasa (a traditional Japanese hat) surrounded by bamboo trees with a visible part of the house on the second plan.

The neck and foot of the vase are also richly decorated in treacle and turquoise glaze. The exterior of the vase is decorated in turquoise and dark blue colour. The piece features an original gilt ormolu Chinese-style stand with lion mask feet.


Jules Vieillard & Co, Bordeaux is worldwide renowned thanks to its inventiveness and inspiration taken from Persian and Japanese art. The pieces made by the company are found in collections around the world, especially in the Museum of Decorative Arts in Bordeaux or Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France.

PERIOD: Late 19th century.

MEASUREMENTS: 16 ¾in. (42.5cm), without the stand approx. 37 cm, circumference in the widest point: approx 70 cm.

CONDITION: The vase is in excellent condition considering its age. The base has a centrally drilled hole which we assume was made for lamp conversion. Some glaze loss around the rim, to the elephant handles, glaze crazing to the central panels and some gilt loss to stand. No visible cracks or chips. (Please see images for reference).

MARKS/SIGNATURES: Impressed factory mark to the base, number: 393, a letter G, and also D.7.

The vase will be securely packed and shipped in the box. Worldwide shipping.