Edouard Lièvre 1829 - 1886 A FRENCH CHINOISERIE GILT BRONZE AND CHAMPLEVÉ ENAMEL FISH BOWL ON STAND Paris, circa 1875, the execution attributed to Ferdinand Barbedienne

Purchased at Aldo Frères, Paris, 1978
Corinthian Studios Collection

Connaissance des Arts, "Edouard Lièvre," H.S. no. 228, pp. 30-31 for an illustration of the present model of fish bowl set on another model of pedestal. 

This is an excellent lot in good condition and good presentation, with the original glass hand blown bowl showing several little bubbles within as well as light scratches. The dark blue, red and sky blue enamels are in good condition and have no losses. One sky blue enamel roundel shows light discoloration. Please note that this lot is not gilt-bronze, but polished bronze. There are traces of dirt to the backs of tortoises that will need to be cleaned, and some minor green oxidation in places. Green oxidation to top of pedestal, and black staining to top of pedestal base.
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 lot, the Chinese French revival in France derived from both Japanese and Chinese designs, though the use and interpretation of these elements was entirely Parisian and thoroughly modern at the time.
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; it was 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. The suite of furniture designed for Vieillard included the Cabinet Japonais now in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris. Following Lièvre's death, his estate was sold in two auctions in 1887 and 1890. These auctions 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.