Description
This pair of French champlevé enamel and onyx urns date to the late nineteenth century and are firmly attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne.
Each urn is formed in a tapered classical shape with a waisted midsection carved from warm toned onyx. The bodies are mounted with gilt bronze mounts richly decorated in polychrome champlevé enamel in tones of deep blue, white, red and turquoise, arranged in structured borders and foliate ornament.
The enamelled stems rise to flared feet and are flanked by looped handles with finely chased detailing. The balance between hardstone body and enamelled ormolu mounts reflects the technical control associated with high level Parisian decorative production during the Belle Époque.
The quality of casting, enamel work and overall design supports the attribution to the Barbedienne foundry, one of the leading French bronziers of the nineteenth century, known for combining hardstones, enamel and gilt bronze in objets d’art intended for an international market.
Who was Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892)?
Born in Saint-Pierre-en-Auge, Northwestern France. Barbedienne began life as a wallpaper salesman before going into partnership with Achille Collas in 1838 the founder of a mechanical device capable of replicating miniature models of famous sculptures. From 1838 Barbedienne grew substantially to become one of the most well known French founders and sculptures of the 19th century.
For further information see our article on Ferdinand Barbedienne: A Legacy in French Bronze Casting and Sculpture and our Makers and Retailers Profile on Ferdinand Barbedienne.
ABOUT THE BELLE ÉPOQUE PERIOD (1871-1914)
The Belle Époque, meaning “Beautiful Era,” was a golden age of French and European culture, spanning from 1871 to 1914. This period was defined by optimism, innovation, and artistic achievement, particularly in Paris, the centre of fashion, decorative arts, and design. Art Nouveau flourished, alongside exquisite creations in silver, bronze, glass, and jewellery, produced by celebrated makers for an international audience. Collectors prize Belle Époque pieces for their elegance, refined detail, and the way they reflect the cultural sophistication of late 19th and early 20th-century France.
For further information please see our article The Belle Époque Era in France: Art, Antiques and a Golden Age of Creativity.
What is BRONZE?
Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
What is ORMOLU?
is the technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré and in English it is often referred to as gilt bronze. It is a finishing technique which adds an overall gold look to any object without the massive cost and impracticality of making an object out of solid gold. Mercury was outlawed in the 1830’s in France however it was still used until the early 1900s.
What is Champlevé?
is an enamelling technique in which troughs or cells are carved, etched, die struck, or cast into the surface of a metal object, and filled with vitreous enamel. This technique is not too dissimilar to Cloisonne however with Cloisonne the enamel is contained within thin walls of metal that have been soldered to the surface of the metal vase.
Measurements
31cm High x 17cm Wide x 15cm Deep ( 12.2 x 6.7 x 5.9 Inches)
Condition
Excellent antique condition
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
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