A MAGNIFICENT LARGE PAIR OF FRENCH JAPONISME HARD PASTE PRESENTATION VASES PARIS, CIRCA 1870-75, painted by Eugène-Louis Sieffert

each of flask form, the turquoise ground neck and feet decorated in gilt highlights with exotic birds and insects in landscapes, each front decorated with Japonese maidens in kimonos and signed E. Sieffert inv. pinx., each back with a colorful rooster within blooming branches, flanked by crouching dragon-cast handles, one plaque has been removed to reveal a pencil inscription S75 and further indistinct inscriptions.

Overall in very good original condition with slight scratches to porcelain and some losses to gilt highlights on painted porcelain mostly to the edges of the sides with Japanese figures. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze consistent with age.
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.

While European interest in the culture and design of the Far East preceded the last quarter of the 19th century, this period witnessed a strong resurgence in the appeal of oriental exoticism in the decorative arts, brought by the opening of Japan to the West and that nation's participation in the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle.  As in the design of the present pair of vases the Japonisme French revival in France derived from both Japanese and Chinese design, though the use and interpretation of these elements was entirely Parisian and thoroughly modern at the time. Although no firm attribution can be made to the design and casting of the bronze which is of the finest quality, the painter Eugene-Louis Sieffert was recorded active at Sèvres from 1881-1887 and at Brown-Westhead, Moore between 1887-1894.

The present pair of vases were purchased in these rooms, October 25, 1996, for $67,000.