A Suite Of Four Enamelled Japonisme Leaded-glass Windows. Signed J.p. Imberton. Dated 1890

An important and impressive suite of four interior architectural leaded-glass windows in translucent blown glass, entirely decorated with polychrome hard enamels fired in high-thickness and relief, according to the celebrated process patented by the artist. The work features an exceptional and continuous naturalistic decorative cycle in the Japonisme style, designed to be read harmoniously across the entire surface of the four panels. In the lower section, a dense and stylized pond with geometric channels is populated by water lilies, marsh leaves, and smooth pebbles, from which lush clusters of irises and peonies emerge. Rising from this base are two monumental, sinuous, and asymmetrical trunks of flowering fruit trees (presumably cherry or plum), whose elegant branches intertwine gracefully, defying the geometric grid of the leadwork. The composition is animated by a rich avian fauna, featuring exotic birds with brightly colored piumage caught in flight or perched on branches, and a large water bird (a stylized pheasant or heron) positioned in the lower right extremity of the cycle. The panels are set within their original period light wood frames.

A closely comparable lot in terms of importance and structural function (a pair of 'Persian-style' leaded-glass double-doors dated 1882) was historically sold at Sotheby's with estimates in the region of £40,000 - £60,000, confirming the extreme rarity and exceptional collectable interest of Imberton's large structural glass cycles on the international market.

Note on the photographic illustrationPlease note that the catalogue illustrations show the glass panels photographed against a damask fabric background. This technical arrangement was adopted exclusively to document the high degree of transparency of the background glass, highlighting the play of light, refraction, and the brilliance of the polychrome relief enamels.

HxLxD 73,23in x 72,05in x 0,90in

Private collection

In good general condition consistent with age and use. The lead came structure is solid and stable. Light surface wear and minor age-related cracking consistent with age to the wooden frames.