• Height:
  19 3/4 Inches
• Period:
  19th Century
• Origin:
  France

In this stunning porcelain centerpiece by renowned French ceramicist Jacob Petit, a Greco-Roman brazier is re-imagined in dramatic Rococo form. A central container, with floral reserves within gilt scrollwork on a green ground, features a delicate openwork rim. The container is supported by three majestic paw-footed legs, adorned with lion heads and anthemion decorations. The pierced cover, topped by a gilded flame finial, completes the ancient effect. Standing upon a stepped faux marble rouge base, the luxury of Petit's porcelain creation is clearly evident. This exceptionally rare piece was created by Petit for the Exposition des Produits de L'Industrie in 1834, where it was enthusiastically received. Features Blue "J.P." monogram mark.

19 ¾" high

Circa 1840

French hard-paste porcelain produced by Jacob Petit, also known as Jacob Mardochée, was some of the finest of the period. Primarily known for his Rococo-inspired pieces, Petit worked at the porcelain factory at Sèvres as a painter, and bought a porcelain factory in Fontainebleau in 1830. By 1839, he employed about 200 craftsmen and enjoyed great success, finally settling in Paris in 1863. Petit won rave reviews for his decorative pieces at the 1834 Industrial Exhibition in Paris, where his work was described as novel, bold, and original, and was praised for its technical innovation.

Reference:
French Porcelain: A Catalogue of the British Museum Collection, 1994, Aileen Dawson