A MASSIVE FRENCH EARTHENWARE VASE LATE 19TH CENTURY

signed with TD monogram, possibly for Taxile Doat, modelled on the front with a cartouche in high relief enclosing a fleur-de-lis and suspsended from narrow blue ribbons held by fully modelled figures of fauns perched on each shoulder of the vase, all above swag of fruit and flowers, the reverse with a similar cartouche inscribed ARS ET LABOR, all beneath a waisted neck and scroll edged rim, the whole raised on a flared foot molded with satyr and ram's masks, painted monogram TD beneath a star. Some restoration.

A large section of the rim has been broken away and restored back on. There is a 3 in. haircrack to the rim. There is a restored area to one blue ribbon motif and to part of the curved rim beneath it. Both faun figures are restored and it is impossible to see the extent of the original damage. There is also much overpainting to the body of the vase presumably covering cracks. The lower part of the body is extensively restored. The foot has restored cracks and breaks. The restoration overall is fairly well done so the piece looks presentable.
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.

The attribution of the present piece is somewhat problematic. The monogram TD painted on the upperside of the foot is similar to that used by Taxile Doat (1851-c.1938), both in his own studio and during his employment at the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres. The style of modelling and the ceramic body however are not typical of his work.

The scale of the vase, and its inscription, 'Ars et Labor', suggest that it may have been a piece made for an exhibition. Interestingly the Sèvres pavillion at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 was a gigantic glazed stoneware edifice, manufactured by Sèvres, which shares  certain stylistic elements with the present vase. One of the facades of the pavillion, some details from it, are illustrated by Doat himself in his celebrated treatise 'Grand Feu Ceramics' , translated by Samuel F. Robineau and published in New York in 1905. The treatise also includes a stoneware fireplace surround by Sèvres, again with design elements not dissimilar to the present piece.