Pair Of Rocaille Vases In Jacob Petit Porcelain, Fontainebleau, Circa 1840

An imposing pair of decorative Rocaille vases made of French hard porcelain, produced around 1840 by Jacob Petit’s factory in Fontainebleau.

Their deeply flared openings were designed to hold small bouquets or rolled-paper matches, which were once used to carry a flame from a candle or a fireplace. The vases are richly modeled with wavy rims, openwork side handles, and elaborate rocaille decoration. Acanthus leaves, shells, C-shaped scrolls, and volutes cover the rims, sides, and dynamic bases, all accented with hand-applied gilding.

Each vase is painted all around with roses and other garden flowers, arranged into a central bouquet complemented by small flowering branches. The floral compositions are very similar but painted individually. The white background is accented with small gilded foliage motifs, while the broad bases feature rocaille decoration with raised scrollwork, shells, and gilded arabesques.

Both bases bear the monogram “J.P.” painted in cobalt blue under the glaze, the manufacturer’s mark of Jacob Petit.

Jacob Petit, born Jacob Mardochée (1796–1868), established a hard-paste porcelain manufactory in Belleville, Paris, in 1830, then moved his production to Fontainebleau in 1834. In contrast to the restrained classicism of the royal Sèvres porcelain manufactory, his work developed a highly personal neo-rococo style for the expanding bourgeoisie: asymmetrical forms, openwork decorations, shells, acanthus leaves, vivid enamel colors, and abundant gilding. This pair embodies the characteristics that make his Fontainebleau pieces so sought-after today: sculptural modeling, vividly colored floral painting, and the blue J.P. mark.

Dimensions

Vase 1: height 21.2 cm; width 16 cm; depth 10.2 cm; weight 694 g.

Vase 2: height 21.2 cm; width 16 cm; depth 10 cm; weight 742 g.

Condition

Minor wear on the gilding; otherwise, excellent condition. A UV examination confirms that the painted and glazed decoration is fully preserved.

Please examine the attached photographs carefully; they are an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.

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English reference translation:

Jacob Petit Pair of Rococo Porcelain Vases, Fontainebleau, c.1840

An impressive pair of French hard-paste porcelain Rococo Revival ornamental vases, made at the Fontainebleau manufactory of Jacob Petit, circa 1840, boldly modeled with undulating rims, pierced openwork side handles, and elaborate Rococo ornamentation, hand-painted with roses and garden flowers, and bearing the underglaze cobalt-blue “J.P.” monogram.

Vase 1: 21.2 cm high; 16 cm wide; 10.2 cm deep; 694 g. Vase 2: 21.2 cm high; 16 cm wide; 10 cm deep; 742 g.

Condition: Minor, minimal wear to the gilding; otherwise in excellent condition, confirmed by UV inspection.