Pair Of Vases From The First Half Of The 19th Century, Signed By Jacob Petit

This important and magnificent pair of vases of French origin from the first half of the 19th century, signed by Jacob Petit—one of the most celebrated and imaginative 19th-century porcelain artists in Paris—confirms their exceptional collectible value. His works are distinguished by their eclectic exuberance, vibrant colors, and rich ornamentation. This pair consists of two distinct sections: the main body, shaped like a slender amphora, and the monumental, freestanding cylindrical pedestal on a square base. The vase features a baluster-shaped body flaring upward, with a wide mouth edged by a delicately undulating and scalloped rim adorned with shell motifs and Rococo foliage. The large side handles are crafted from molded porcelain with pronounced sculptural reliefs, featuring rich volutes and scrollwork shaped like curled acanthus leaves. Along the handles, accents of contrasting color—oval relief elements in coral—stand out, a hallmark of his work. The color palette is characteristic of Jacob Petit’s most refined style. It is based on the harmonious contrast between candy pink—or “Pompadour pink”—and brilliant sky blue/turquoise, two of the most prestigious and emblematic colors of 19th-century French porcelain. At the center of the vase’s body and on the front of the pedestal are large, framed panels decorated with lush bouquets of polychrome painted flowers in bright, vivid colors. The painting is characterized by extraordinary freshness and botanical precision, featuring roses, tulips, anemones, and small wildflowers with shaded petals. An abundant and dense gold decoration embellishes every structural joint, decorates the rim, highlights the veins of the acanthus leaves on the handles, and defines refined geometric and floral motifs in gold filigree “arabesques” on the pink sections of the vases and pedestals. The work fully embodies the elegant taste of the Parisian upper middle class of the mid-19th century, who loved theatricality, flowing forms, and the ostentation of luxury. This large pair of vases by Jacob Petit fully reflects that spirit, and we would like to point out that works by this artist typically found on the market are much smaller in size. The pair in question is of substantial dimensions, and it is increasingly rare to find pieces of this size and quality.

PERIOD: First half of the 19th century

DIMENSIONS: H. 42 cm x W. 22 cm

CONDITION: Excellent condition