Pair of "cloisonné" Enamel Vases attributed to l'Escalier de Cristal, France circa 1870

Pair of Japanese-style roll-shaped vases, made in “cloisonné” enamel and gilded bronze. The cylindrical body is decorated with polychrom floral branches, flowers and butterflies on a blue background. The mounts made in pierced and “old gold” patinated bronze forming the neck, the handles and the bases, are ornated with stylized clouds and animal heads. They are quite characteristic of the Japanese-style creations made by Ferdinand Barbedienne in the second half of the 19th century.
For those works, Ferdinand Barbedienne produced either his own enamels described as “émaux opaques, cloisonnés et affleurés à la manière des anciens” in his sale catalogs, or he simply bought Chinese “cloisonné” enamels imported to France, then mounted within his ormolu bronzes.

Biography :
“L'Escalier de Cristal”, an old and famous Parisian firm, specialized in glass products and ceramics but also suggested furniture and bronze sculptures. It was led from 1885 to 1923 by Emile Pannier's sons, who gave the name of Pannier Frères to the society, located at the corner of Scribe street and Auber street, next to the new built Paris Opera house. Their Japanese style creations were among many others much appreciated by the critics and the public. They were awarded many medals at various exhibitions, such as the Gold medal at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition.
Lots of artists participated in that world success, such as Emile Gallé, who gave to Pannier Frères the exclusive rights of some of his models, or François-Eugène Rousseau, who designed many vases and gave the model of his successful Japanese style dining-set as well. This set was made by the Creil et Montereau Manufacture. In the Japanese style furniture branch, many famous makers such as Majorelle from Nancy, Edouard Lièvre or Gabriel Viardot worked for Pannier Frères. Some pieces are to be seen in the greatest museums : the Ermitage in Saint-Petersburg, the Orsay Museum in Paris, the Corning Museum of Glass in New York.
The Maison “L'Escalier de Cristal” was sometimes the exclusive owner of the models and then those pieces were just signed by “L'Escalier de Cristal” or sometimes beside the artist signature. But “L'Escalier de Cristal” was also very creative, completing pieces with superb gilded bronzes, glass or enamelled panels and including often authentic Japanese or Chinese elements.