Jacob Petit French Rococo Porcelain Vase Pair, Fontainebleau, C.1840

An impressive pair of French hard-paste porcelain Rococo Revival ornamental vases, made at the Fontainebleau manufactory of Jacob Petit, circa 1840.

Their deeply flared openings could be used for small flower arrangements or for spills—rolled paper tapers formerly used to carry a flame from a candle or fireplace. The vases are boldly modelled with undulating rims, pierced openwork side handles and elaborate Rococo ornament. Acanthus leaves, shells, C-scrolls and volutes extend across the rims, sides and shaped bases, all carefully enriched with hand-applied gilding.

Each vase is hand-painted around the body with roses and other garden flowers, arranged as a principal bouquet with smaller scattered sprays. The floral compositions are closely related but individually painted. The white porcelain ground is further decorated with small gilt foliate motifs, while the broad shaped bases continue the Rococo design with moulded foliate scrolls, shell motifs and gilt arabesques.

Both undersides bear the underglaze cobalt-blue hand-painted J.P. monogram, the factory mark of Jacob Petit.

Jacob Petit, born Jacob Mardochée (1796–1868), established a hard-paste porcelain factory at Belleville, Paris, in 1830 and transferred production to Fontainebleau in 1834. Rather than the restrained classicism of official Sèvres porcelain, his work developed a distinctive Rococo Revival language for the expanding bourgeois market, combining asymmetric forms, pierced scrollwork, shells, acanthus, vivid enamel colours and rich gilding. This pair combines the features for which his Fontainebleau production is sought by collectors: sculptural modelling, brightly painted floral decoration and the blue J.P. factory monogram.

Dimensions

Vase 1: 21.2 cm high; 16 cm wide; 10.2 cm deep; 694 g.

Vase 2: 21.2 cm high; 16 cm wide; 10 cm deep; 742 g.

Condition

Minor, minimal rubbing to the gilding; otherwise in excellent condition. UV inspection confirms the painted and enamelled decoration is fully preserved.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include handling, packaging and postage.