A monumental Jacob Petit porcelain sherbetlik made for the Ottoman market, France, 19th century

in three parts, the porcelain body richly decorated with chrysanthemums and daisies with gilt foliate handles, ensuite design to the domed lid which is surmounted by a floral basket, the base with seated deer and ducks on a mossy ground with tall gilt bulrush plants behind them, spout to front

In overall good condition, very few minor chips to some extremities, small chip near drill hole for spout, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present sherbetlik is a truly rare palatial object, produced by the Jacob Petit ateliers on private commission for the Ottoman market. Consisting of three parts (the base, body and cover), it was clearly inspired by its Ottoman tombak prototypes, resembling them in form and floral decoration. The tap attached to the body supports this statement with its tombak-like appearance. The body is richly decorated with chrysanthemums and daisies and the base with ducks and deer, altogether evoking a royal garden. No porcelain sherbetlik of this form and scale is known to be in any leading stately or private porcelain collections.       

Jacob Petit (1796-1865) was one of the most famous porcelain artists of the nineteenth century. After travelling extensively in Europe, he returned to France and established a modest porcelain manufactory in Sèvres by 1830. When his business expanded, he moved to a rented factory in Fontainebleau in 1834 and by 1838 was already offering highly-prized ornamental objects to a distinguished clientele.

His work was an innovative fusion of Neoclassical, Rococo, and Romantic elements blending complex motifs and sculptural forms using a lively and distinctive palette. He is generally credited with the introduction of Rococo to the Parisian porcelain production in 1834, which was a radical break from the prevailing Neoclassical fashion.

See R. de Plinval de Guillebon, Porcelain of Paris 1770-1850, Lausanne, 1972, fig.78 for this form as an integral part of a mantlepiece design by Jacob Petit later executed for the 8th Exposition of Paris in 1834.