French Japonisme Faience Vase In Cobalt Blue, Late 19th Century

A flat-bottomed vase in a Japanese-inspired style, made of glazed earthenware with a cobalt blue base; it rests on four carved feet. The body is decorated with a circular lakeside landscape and a geometric cartouche depicting a heron, both painted in reserve, the whole enhanced by gilded bamboo foliage.
France. Late 19th century (Japonism / Art Nouveau period).
H_26 cm.
In perfect condition.

The craze for Japonism in the late 19th century brought about a profound renewal in the French decorative arts, prompting ceramists and art manufacturers to adopt asymmetrical compositions, bamboo motifs and landscape medallions on glazes in rich colours

Our vase, which forms part of the output of French potters during the ‘Japonism’ period of the late 19th century, reflects a strong preference for Far Eastern aesthetics combined with a fine mastery of cobalt-blue glazes and gold highlights.