Christofle & Cie

circular, on three Japanese blossom and bamboo feet

Associated Literature:
Henri Bouilhet, 150 ans d'orfèvrerie, Christofle, Paris, 1981 for a biography of the factory and information about Japanese cloisonnés.

some splits along rim and minor dents but no impact on the enamel bowl. pitting to gilding.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This vide-poche is an example of the 'style Japonais' pioneered by Emile-Alphonse Reiber (1826-1893), head of Christofle's design studio. Appointed in 1865, Reiber used the factory's technical capabilities in orfèvrerie, galvanoplastie (electroplating) and bronze-work to realise inventive and novel objects and works of art. Reiber designed works in Grecian, Indian and Renaissance taste, but the achievement of his career was the variety of cloisonné enamels and mixed-metal bronze-work which imitated Japanese and Chinese techniques and, as in this case, designs. 

Under the direction of Reiber, Christofle displayed some Japanese style pieces at the 1873 Vienna International Exhibition which were much acclaimed for 'their originality and perfection, rivaling the most beautiful Japanese Cloisonnés' (Exposition Universelle de Vienne, 1873, Rapport du Jury, p. 380).

In 1874, Reiber was awarded a Grand Prix and acclaimed by the exhibition's critics: '[Ces œuvres] sont dues à M. Reiber, qui a su tirer très-bon parti de ses études sur le style japonais. C'est M. Reiber qui est à la tête des ateliers de composition et de dessin: les émaux cloisonnés et les bronzes incrustés sont donc en grande partie son oeuvre et lui font le plus grand honneur' (Gazette des Beaux-Arts, Paris, 1874, p. 422).

Another coupe, or vide-poche, in Japanese style by Christofle, is at the Musee d'Orsay (n.OAO1229).