Pair Of Late 19th Century French Japonism Gilt And Silver Bronze Vases By Henri Picard

The vases are beautifully decorated in relief with Japanese-inspired motifs with silver inlays, with cherry blossom branches, the handles in imitation of bamboo, the two vases marked on the reverse of the bases HP for Henri Picard.

Henri Picard (1840-1890) Parisian bronzier

The important fondeur and doreur Henri Picard worked in Paris from 1831 to 1884, most notably for the Emperor Napoléon III.  He was based in Paris at 6 rue Jarente from 1831 to 1839, before moving to 10 rue de la Perle. The firm was active until around 1890.
Celebrated for the high quality of his production, Henri Picard supplied many important patrons, including garnitures and table pieces for the petits appartements of Emperor Napoléon III at the Louvre.  An important pair of twelve-light candelabra by Picard remain in the Musée du Louvre today.

Bibliography:
Mestdagh, Camille & Lécoules, Pierre. L'Ameublement d'Art Français, 1850-1900, Les Editions de L'Amateur, (Paris), 2010; p 32.