Posted 5 years ago
aesthete1880
(29 items)
This beautiful piece is a rescue, another incredible antique that was converted to a lamp along the way (with lamp-parts removed by us). The urn-shaped vase stands 21 inches tall and has a high gloss dark blue glaze (cobalt), reminiscent of some Sèvres style pottery. Sadly, someone likely pulled off metal ormolu at some point, as can be seen by various small glaze skips throughout with geometric spacing. The bottom is marked (glazed in turquoise) E G in an Oval with a diamond and additional motif above, along with a mold number.
Our main draw to the piece was the impressive convex Limoges painted enamel plaque, presumably executed on copper. Despite some damage, the profile of the Renaissance woman draws the eye and displays rich detail and luminescent colors, unique to the Limoges School (post-1840 revival; per Erika Speel, Dictionary of Enamelling: History and Techniques, pp. 90-93).
Any help with identification of the pottery would be greatly appreciated... Based on below observations by mp.kunst and additional research, we have amended the title to reference that Galle Pottery (Emile Galle) may be the maker of this piece (see below links).
Very nice piece!
ho2cultcha, thanks much!
Additionally, there is a fairly similar Limoges enamel plaque that can be seen here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/490047639/antique-french-limoges-hand-painted
I didn't want to believe it at first but I find several ceramic pieces that are attributed to the Galle pottery, property of the father of Emile Galle the famous glass maker and from 1874 when his father stopped by Emile Gaule himself. Later when his glassware became famous, he quit the pottery.
Me myself did not know that he also made ceramics.
I'm glad I learned something new today.
https://www.incollect.com/listings/decorative-arts/decorative-objects/mile-gall-pottery-vase-emile-galle-france-19th-century-157242
https://m.skinnerinc.com/auctions/3234B/lots/614
That must be Galle and not Gaule
mp.kunst, wow, I believe you are correct! All three with central Limoges enamel roundels of similar subjects and the pottery with similar glaze colors, dark blue top and aqua underneath.
Thank you so much for your observations...this is not something we ever considered.
The vases that were sold by Skinner appear to be currently for sale at the following link, lots of detailed pictures: https://solomontreasureny.com/product/a-rare-pair-of-emile-galle-cobalt-blue-porcelain-limoges-enamel-portrait-vases/
Marking this "mystery solved," as a result of mp.kunst's observations and additional research. This piece seems to have been made by Galle Pottery.
renedijkstra, thank you for your comment. Can you explain what is strange about the mold number?
Great piece!!! and your Etsy link showed me the Framed Enamel Camille Faure my wife brought at a yard sale weeks ago. You solved the mystery for us!!! I will post it soon on CW!!
Many Thanks!!
Stuff
I wonder how much of the value is left now that there is a hole in the bottom.
renedijkstra, thank you for your expertise, super helpful research, and comments!!!!
yougottahavestuff, just saw the enamel piece by Camille Faure in the traditional Limoges style, super nice and incredible garage sale find!
mp.kunst, the large poorly drilled hole in the bottom is pretty bad! Probably worse is that they likely removed extensive ormolu from the entire piece.
We found it fully wired with a massive lamp shade (so bad we asked the shop if they would keep it), and the pottery bottom had a wooden gold spray painted, hand-made base attached to it. Even so, we loved it because of the Limoges enamel medallion and rich cobalt glaze, making it a worthy rescue (and the cost was low). It's seemingly uncommon form might count for something.