French ‘Japonisme’ Cloisonné Enamel, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Double Fish Form Vase, Christofle et Cie, 1874
designed by Emile Reiber (1826-1893), signed and dated in the bird form cartouche and with impressed number 878306 to foot
height 15.5 in — 39.4 cm
June 14, 2018
Estimate $50,000-$70,000
Realised: $204,000
‘Japonisme’ is a French term coined in the late 19th century to describe the craze for Japanese art and design in the West. The term is generally said to have been coined by the French critic Philippe Burty in the early 1870s. It described the craze for Japanese art and design that swept France and elsewhere after trade with Japan resumed in the 1850s, the country having been closed to the West since about 1600.
The rediscovery of Japanese art and design had an almost incalculable effect on Western art. The development of modern painting from impressionism on was profoundly affected by the flatness, brilliant colour, and high degree of stylisation, combined with realist subject matter, of Japanese woodcut prints. Design was similarly affected in as seen in the aesthetic movement and art nouveau.
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Russian Gem-Set Silver Parcel-Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Large Kovsh, Maria Semenova, Moscow, 1899-1908
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length 8.5" — 21.5 cm.
June 20, 2016
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Pair of Japanese Totai Enamel Porcelain Vases on Stands, early 20th century
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Russian Silver and Cloisonné Enamel Cup and Saucer with Spoon, Gustav Klingert, Moscow, c.1890
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Decorative Arts & Design
Decorative Arts and Design at Waddington’s offers a wide-ranging selection of historic and modern works, spanning silver, ceramics, glass, sculpture, decorations, objects of historical and cultural significance, and works of art. Our expertise focuses on antique and modern silver; early English and European porcelain; studio and art pottery; art glass; clocks and scientific instruments; lighting and mirrors; fine rugs and carpets; bronzes and marble sculpture; arms and armour; militaria and maps; Canadian historical documents and artefacts; ethnographic art; and finely crafted objects such as enamel, gold and silver boxes, and devotional works of art.
Meet the Specialist
Bill Kime
Senior Specialist, Ceramics, Glass and Silver