Antique Turquoise Jardienere By Jules Vieillard & Co, Bordeaux

An impressive and very rare 19th century French 'Japonisme' brass mounted turquoise fine earthenware jardinière by French ceramic artist Jules Vieillard & Co, dated between 1880-1895 when the ceramic company's favourite designs and techniques were developed. 

This balloon-shaped jardinière with ornamental openwork collar and decorative handles is richly decorated with floral compositions together with four genre scenes in various round medallions. 

On each side, we can see a kingfisher sitting on a cherry tree's branch or among peonies and cornflowers surrounded by butterflies. In Japanese culture, the kingfisher, known as the "jewel of clear streams," symbolises freedom, courage, balance, and the fulfilment of prayer, and a butterfly symbolises transformation and rebirth.

There are also four round medallions depicting various figures, including a group of Japanese men walking through snow, evoking themes of travel or winter. Two other medallions portray a genre scene in a fishing setting. This depiction contrasts with the other medallion showing a winter scene with snow and travelers. Together, they may represent the changing seasons or different aspects of rural life – a traditional narrative device in Asian decorative traditions.

The background of the vase is decorated with a pattern reminiscent of oriental fabrics - red lattice and turquoise with black elements. The base of the vase is a cast metal structure with tripartite legs, each of which is stylized as an elephant head with acanthus leaves – a popular motif in 19th-century French decorative art. 

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: 28cm width, height 34cm, depth 23.5 cm 
 
CONDITION: Worn gilding, small enamel chips on the neck

MARKS/SIGNATURES: Impressed factory mark to the base, number D878

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