Lot 427
  • 427

A Sèvres écuelle, cover and stand, circa 1786

Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description

  • Porcelain
  • the stand 25.1cm., 9 7/8 in. wide
écuelle et plateau 'nouvelle forme', of the first size, richly decorated with panels of profile medallions reserved in foliate scrolls, on a beau bleu ground within green frond and gilt bead borders, interlaced LL marks in blue containing date letters JJ for 1786, painter's mark X for Jacques-François Micaud (père), various incised marks,

Literature

Newbattle Abbey, Midlothian, Inventory, 1901, p.118, Decorative China in Lady Lothian's Room; 'Sevres china écuelle cover & flat with classical bands of portrait medallions, scrolls, masks & flowers in colours & gold; blue & gold borders'

Condition

Some typical minor glaze wear to well of stand, consistent with age, and three minute chips to the tips of the cover's knop. Otherwise in generally good condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Jacques-François Micaud, père (1732/5-1811) active 1757-1801 was a painter of flower and border patterns. His mark is sometimes confused with that of Philippe Xhrowet (1725-1775); see Rosalind Savill, The Wallace Collection Catalogue of Sèvres Porcelain, London, 1988, Vol. III, pp. 1049-1051 and 1077-1078.

For a discussion on this form of écuelle, cover and stand which first appeared in the sales register of 8th January 1773, see Savill, op. cit., London, 1988, Vol. II, p. 647. The form occurs in two sizes with variations to the handles of the bowl and the stand, the author categorises the present stand as form (c), 'à rubans', with ribbon-tied C-scroll foliate handles. For two bowls, covers and stands of similar form see Geoffrey de Bellaigue, French Porcelain in the Collection of Her Majesty the Queen, London, 2009, Vol. III, pp. 964-968, cat. nos. 275-6.

This style of Raphaelesque decoration proved very popular at Sèvres. Sir Geoffrey de Bellaigue points to the presence in the Sèvres Archives of leaves published by Ludovico Mirri, with engravings by Marco Carlone after Francesco Smugliewicz of Roman murals or grotesques, see Geoffrey de Bellaigue, op. cit., London, 2009, Vol. II, p. 498. The popularity of this style of decoration at the factory is perhaps best demonstrated in the 'service arabesque' or 'service Masson' which is extensively discussed by John Whitehead, 'The Sèvres `arabesque’ service and the Vatican Loggia engravings’, Journal of the French Porcelain Society, Vol. III, 2007, pp. 151-165.