Item: Pair of Figural Vases
Make: Jacob Petit, Fontainebleau (Sevres, France)
Age: Mid-19th Century
Construction: Porcelain
Dimensions: 10 1/5" Tall x 6 1/4" Long x 3 3/4" Wide
Condition: Good/fair antique condition. The lady is in good-very good condition for it's age, with the loss of several of the flowers in the garland at her base and chips in larger flowers. The gentleman is in fair condition, having sustained damage to the top of the vessel, as well as the loss of a large flower near his right foot, and chips to some of the small flowers. Please see photos.
Design Details: A lady and a gentleman kneel on rocky bases, each supporting a large mauve curving flared vase. Both figures are dressed in the Rococo style. The lady wears a bodice, bustle, and skirts. Her hair is held back in a French blue bow. The gentleman sports a light green jacket lined in French blue, a waistcoat and striped knee breeches. The large floral component that would be next to his right foot is largely gone, but the dahlia beneath is and garland of flowers is mostly intact. the rock bases of both figures rest on reticulated supports of white porcelain decorated with gold spots and arabesque scrolls. The underside of each vase is marked in blue and a hand-drawn "JP" along with a series of dots.
Jacob Petit joined the famous Sevres manufactory in 1822. After travelling and studying around Europe he returned to France in 1830-31, and together with his brother, opened a porcelain factory in Fontainebleau, and later, a workshop in Paris. He was well known and celebrated in his time for his distinctive ornamental works, using pastel colors and a delicate touch.
