Édouard Lievre 1829-1886 A FRENCH JAPONISME GILT-BRONZE AND CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL THREE PIECE CLOCK GARNITURE PARIS, CIRCA 1875, MANUFACTURED BY FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE

the white enamel clock dial signed F. Barbedienne / Paris, the twin train movement stamped Ed. MINART and numbered 5963, each inscribed F. BARBEDIENNE on the bases. 

See Roberto Polo, Un créateur inspiré, Connaissance des Arts, pp. 28, 31, 34, for illustrations of Lièvre elephant head cast mounts and p. 33 for very similar Japonisme nozzles and pendants. 

Overall in good condition with tarnishing to gilt bronze in places. Traces of dirt to enamel. One nozzle pendant reattached with later wiring. Some very minor losses to enamel in places mostly to the elephants sadle drapery.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Born in Nancy, Lièvre trained as a painter under the French academic painter Thomas Couture before turning his attention to decorative art design. His earliest important work datable with certainty is the grand vase persan designed for the Christofle firm in 1874, and exhibited by the latter at the Paris Expositions of 1878 and also in 1889 and 1900. Lièvre also designed for the illustrious bronzier Ferdinand Barbedienne. Among Lièvre's important clients were actress Sarah Bernhardt, courtesan Louise-Emilie Valtesse de la Bigne, and Albert Vieillard, director of Bordeaux's ceramics factory and an early Japonisme enthusiast.

Following Lièvre's death, his estate was sold in two auctions in 1887 and 1890. These auction were commended by the press: "It has been a long time since art lovers had the opportunity to see at auction a remarkable collection such as the work of the recently deceased master. His creations will make history..." (see Connaissance des Arts, No. 228, Un créateur inspiré by Roberto Polo, p. 8). It is believed that most of the collection was sold to George and Henri Pannier, owners of the elegant shop, l'Escalier de Cristal. The Pannier brothers produced altered versions of Lièvre's designs, including seven variants of Vieillard's Cabinet Japonais, one of which was sold to Grand Duke Vladimir of Russia and is now in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg.