Jacob Petit, Pair of polychrome enameled porcelain flasks, circa 1840

Jacob Petit, signed.

Pair of quadrangular flasks with canted corners in enameled porcelain. Two sides are decorated with birds of paradise in purple medallions on mauve background adorned with butterflies and flowers garlands. Two other sides, green background, decorated with peonies bouquets, dahlias, tulips on a white background cartouche.
Gilt enameled highlights and base base standing on four dolphin legs. Removable orange enameled covers.
Blue letters signature underneath « J.P », for Jacob Petit.

Work of the first half  19th century, between 1830 and 1850.

Good condition, some spots on the enamel surface.

Dimensions : H 23 x W 11 x D 11 cm.

Reference : LS3852251

Jacob Mardochée (1797-1868),  better known as Jacob Petit, is an eminent figure of the French ornamental porcelain’s field. He was trained at the Antoine Gros painting workshop and then he managed the Fontainebleau porcelain Factory before dedicating himself to ornamental porcelain only. His idiosyncratic shapes cause divided opinions in the criticism sphere during the French industrial exposition (*Exposition des Produits de l’Industrie Française) of 1834 : critics emphasized his high workmanship quality but reproached  excessive shapes. His usual colors are pale pink, light green, mauve, black and gold.  During his life, he never reached the desired success but nowadays his highly decorative porcelain is widely popular and especially prized by collectors.