Topic: Japonais blue enamelled pitcher

[chilternhills]

I picked up this attractive blue pitcher enamelled with japonais style decoration. Someone must have treasured it in the past because the damaged top has been stapled. It must be an old repair and, I guess, hard to do. The glass is quite heavy and substantial enough (obviously) to accommodate the staples.

My first thoughts were this could be Bohemian, perhaps Moser, and late 19th century, but it surprised me that a similar pitcher (the same shape, size, scrolled feet, and colour), but with different decoration, was included in a Baccarat boudoir set I found online. Here is the link:

https://www.vinterior.co/home-decor/kitchenware/glassware/baccarat-boudoir-set-engraved-turquoise-grapevine-1920s-sku52293702

The vendor says that the pieces have the original Baccarat labels attached, but don't actually provide a picture of the labels.

Would anyone care to comment on the identity of this pitcher? Many thanks in advance.

Anton

[chilternhills]

Here is a closer look at the top.

[Ivo]

Never say never but I could believe Legras.

[chilternhills]

I have spoken with the vendor of the Baccarat boudoir set. He has been dealing in Baccarat glass for more than ten years. He confirmed that the original Baccarat labels were on the boudoir set and the pitcher that I have is identical to his piece.

We discussed the different decoration on the two pitchers. Apparently the same blank was frequently decorated in different ways by Baccarat. His was engraved; mine is enameled.

Further research of my own suggests the enameling may have been done by Eugene Rousseau (1827-1913) for Baccarat around 1900. However, as we all know, Legras did some beautiful enameling; we have a fine example in the museum collection.

I hope I am going in the right direction with this.

Anton

[chilternhills]

There are contradictory dates online for Eugene Rousseau. Apparently it's 1827-1890. Presumably, therefore, the pitcher is earlier, perhaps 1880s.

[Mosquito]

Looked through my copy of Cappa’s ‘Le Génie Verrier de L’Europe’. It seems there were a number of French firms and decorators, including Clichy, August Jean and Emile Gallé, using similar Japanese inspired designs in the 1870s. Anyway, closest I’ve been able to find to your pitcher is no. 646 on p.374 which is a vase in yellow glass by Eugene Rousseau and made by Baccarat. Although not identical, the roundel with the tree and the branches and blossoms are very similar, though the example in Cappa is a little finer. Similar decor is also seen on no. 647 which is a Baccarat bowl dated 1878-1884. These are just suggestions of course, the decor isn’t a perfect match and we have since found quite a few incorrect attributions in that book.

[flying free]

This one is in the Musee d'Orsay - the link says it's Baccarat
https://www.marcmaison.com/architectural-antiques-resources/baccarat

go to right hand side where the pictures are and if you click on the jug it enlarges.
Different shape and clear glass but similar feet and enamelled.