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Massive 65" pair of Japonisme style gilt + bronze urns /vases by Alban Chambon
About the Item
This exquisite and monumental unique pair of identical vases designed in Japanese style, are adorned with delicate floral motifs, elegant stilt birds, and graceful Geishas. Each base is encircled by four dragons, while the handles take on the form of elegant yet whimsical seahorses. Created by Alban Chambon, these vases echo the distinctive craftsmanship and aesthetic of the renowned Viardot house in Paris. The patina is a warm golden brown, with gilt bronze accents.
Alban Chambon was inspired by the late 19th and early 20th-century European fascination with Japonisme and Orientalism, a trend in which Western artists and designers incorporated elements from Japanese, Chinese, and other East Asian artistic traditions into their work. This movement was particularly influential in Paris, where Chambon was active, and led to the blending of European decorative arts with motifs such as floral patterns, birds, and figures like Geishas—all of which appear in Chambon’s vases.
Depicted on these vases are dragons, the most powerful symbols among all animals in Japanese art, revered as deities.
Additionally, Chambon’s designs for these vases closely resemble those of the Viardot house in Paris, which was well-known for its Japonisme-inspired creations. The inclusion of dragons and seahorse-shaped handles also suggests a playful fusion of Eastern symbolism and Western decorative sensibility, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the period and Chambon’s engagement with international design trends.
One vase was cherished within Chambon’s own family, while the other adorned the Parkschouwburg theater in Amsterdam—a venue built between 1882 and 1883 by Albert Dumont and Chambon himself, and later demolished in 1911–1912.
Albert Dumont and Alban Chambon were celebrated theater designers of their era. Chambon’s portfolio included the Beurstheater in Brussels, as well as involvement in theater construction projects in England. Additionally, he contributed to the architectural vision of coastal resorts such as Ostend and Westende, notably overseeing the renovation of the Casino-Kursaal and the Spa Casino. While many of these structures have since been lost, Chambon’s innovative work is recognized as a forerunner of Art Nouveau.
These palatial vases are sold with their verde green antico marble bases.
These spectacular and massive urns are ideal for making a bold, decorative statement in a variety of settings—whether in a theater, palace, hotel, building lobby, living room, entryway, foyer, dining room, restaurant, or any space that calls for an impressive, eye-catching accent.
Pick up is in Paris and may need additional handling time.
The lighter color in a few of the pictures is only due to the camera flash.
chimeras, dragons, birds of prey and phoenix.
Alban Chambon was born into a family of Italian origin that had settled in Burgundy. His father worked as a postman, and the family later moved to Paris, where Chambon was able to cultivate his artistic talents. From the age of fifteen, he received practical training with ornamental firms while attending evening drawing classes, honing his skills in the art of drawing.
Professional Development and Key Influences:
By 1868, Chambon had relocated to Brussels, likely drawn by the success of his compatriot Georges Houtstont, who operated a thriving workshop for decoration and ornamental sculpture in the city. In 1870, Chambon married and established his own versatile workshop, specializing in decoration, sculpture, ceiling work, and stone cardboard. He expanded his practice to include architectural projects alongside his work as a decorator. Chambon was initiated into Freemasonry on September 17, 1873
Major Achievements
1885: Théâtre de la Bourse, rue Orts 1, Brussels (destroyed by fire in 1890)
1893: Decoration of the Hôtel Métropole, place de Brouckère, Brussels
1901: Maison Les Chats, avenue Dailly 48, Schaerbeek
1902: House-workshop of Géo Bernier, rue de la Réforme 4, Ixelles
1910–1918: Extension of the Headquarters of the General Savings and Retirement Fund
Literature Reference:
Jean-Paul Midant, La fantastique architecture d’Alban Chambon, Ed. AAM, Brussels, 2009. (One of the vases is illustrated as part of the interior at the Parkschouwburg Theater in Amsterdam, page 81.)
- Creator:Alban Chambon (Sculptor)
- Dimensions:Height: 65 in (165.1 cm)Diameter: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)
- Style:Japonisme (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1900
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. In original good vintage condition commensurate with age and use. The lighter vase color in a few of the pictures is only due to the camera flash. Each vase weighs @ 265 lbs.
- Seller Location:New York City, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU901345128152
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