A rare French Japomisme "Mokume" style gilt and silvered bronze gueridon Paris, circa 1965-70, POSSIBLY DESIGNED BY EUGÈNE CORNU AND EXECUTED BY G. VIOT & CIE

surmounted by a red onyx top, the support entwined with cherry blooming flower branches and decorated with a finely cast gilt and silvered full-figure of a stork, on an openwork circular base with outswept feet. 



 

Overall in very good condition and presentation. It is most probably a unique piece. Light scratches to red onyx top. The gueridon is sturdy.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Four very closely related tables and neither one identical, attributed  to Eugène Cornu, were sold at Christie's London, February 7, 2001, lot 441, £21,500; November 28, 2001, lot 465, £9,400; September 23, 2010, lot 75, £34,850 and in the same sale lot 76, £32,450.

The sculptor and bronzier Eugène Cornu (d. 1875) was a prominent Parisian artist to involve himself with new medium and had a paricular interest in Algerian marble and onyx mines. Working closely with G. Viot, he exhibited extensively at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867. He also exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1874 and was a director of a bronze foundry as well as several other establishments in Paris. Amongst his numerous entreprise and partnership, the one with G. Viot et Cie was the most succeful and both were recorded at the premises of G. Viot & Cie. 'The Algerian Onyx-Marbles Co.', 24, boulevard des Italiens, Paris. They both had a huge success at the London 1862 and Paris 1867 Exposition Universellem, consequently winning the médaille d'or in 1867. See Calalogue de la Exposition Universelle de 1862, Section francaise, London 1862; Masterpieces of Industrial Art and Sculpture, J.B.Waring, London 1862.

Here with the present model, one can appreciate the "Japonism" taste made fashionable in Paris mostly by Émile Reiber (1826-1893) and Édouard Lièvre (1829-1886). For a note on Edouard Lièvre please see the preceding lot in this sale