Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 18

A Pair of French Japonisme Three-Light Dragon Bronze Wall Appliques, Lievre

About the Item

A Pair of French Japonisme Three-Light Dragon Bronze Wall Appliques, Sconces Attributed to Edouard Lievre, circa 1870. Exuding the opulent allure of 19th-century Japonisme, this exquisite pair of three-light dragon bronze wall appliques is attributed to the celebrated French designer Edouard Lièvre. Masterfully cast in gilt bronze, these appliques showcase intricate dragon motifs, embodying a harmonious fusion of East Asian artistry and French decorative sophistication. Each applique features a sinuous dragon with finely detailed scales, wings, and an expressive visage, elegantly holding aloft three scrolling arms that culminate in floral bobeches designed to cradle lights. Electrified at a later date. With their commanding presence and exceptional detail, these appliques epitomize the artistic dialogue between Eastern and Western design traditions during the height of Japonisme. These extraordinary wall appliques are a rare and collectible embodiment of Lièvre’s genius and the enduring allure of 19th-century French decorative arts. Literature: Connaissance des Arts, Hors-série No. 228, Édouard Lièvre, Paris, 2004, p. 31, for an illustration of the Aquarium Japonisant cast by Barbedienne and conceived by Lièvre in 1875, featuring the identical interpretation of fierce dragons showing on this present pair. 21" high x 13" wide Very good condition, ready to hang. Please note these are not electrified.
  • Attributed to:
    Edouard Lievre (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 21 in (53.34 cm)Diameter: 9 in (22.86 cm)
  • Power Source:
    Hardwired
  • Style:
    Japonisme (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    C. 1870
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1798243158772

More From This Seller

View All
An Exceptional French Japonisme Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Five Piece Clock Set
By Edouard Lievre
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptional French Japonisme Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Five-Piece Clock Set, In the Manner of Edouard Lièvre, circa 1870, Paris. This extraordinary French Japonisme clock set, ...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Japonisme Mantel Clocks

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Magnificent Pair of Ormolu-Mounted Pink Chinese Porcelain Three-Light Cadelabras
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Pair of Ormolu-Mounted Pink Chinese Porcelain Three-Light Candelabras – A Masterpiece of East and West This fabulous and large pair of 19th-century Louis XVI style orm...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Candelabras

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Figural Busts on Porphyry Bases
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Figural Busts on Porphyry Bases, circa 1875. One bust signed Marin, the other L.V.E Robert - a truly magnificent pair of busts...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porphyry, Bronze, Ormolu

A Highly Rare Pair of Monumental Qing Dynasty Rouleau Porcelain "Dragon" Vases
Located in New York, NY
A Highly Rare Pair of Monumental Qing Dynasty Rouleau Porcelain "Dragon" Vases A Masterful Display of 19th Century Chinese Artistry: The mid-19th century Qing Dynasty marked a period of artistic innovation and imperial grandeur, as exemplified by this rare and monumental pair of Rouleau vases. These exceptional porcelain works, notable for their commanding size and vibrant palette, are a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship that flourished during this era. Embellished with a dynamic tableau of dragons rendered in bold hues of red, green, blue, brown, and yellow, these vases embody both artistic brilliance and the deep cultural symbolism woven into Chinese decorative arts. Artistic Excellence and Symbolism: At the heart of these magnificent vases lies a visual narrative that channels the power and mystique of the dragon, a central motif in Chinese culture symbolizing imperial authority, strength, and cosmic energy. The intricate depiction of dragons in motion, intertwined amidst stylized ocean waves, conveys a sense of fluidity and dynamic movement. Each color used—the crimson reds, verdant greens, striking blues, earthy browns, and golden yellows—has been meticulously applied, reflecting a mastery of the high-fired, polychrome enameling techniques perfected during the Qing Dynasty. The Rouleau form, with its cylindrical body, short neck, and slightly flared mouth, was a favored shape for large-scale vases in the 18th and 19th centuries. The form’s structured elegance allowed for expansive decorative panels, serving as an ideal canvas for intricate, multi-layered designs. This pair demonstrates how artisans skillfully balanced the flowing movement of the dragons with the rhythmic motifs of waves, resulting in a harmonious composition that engages the viewer from every angle. Craftsmanship and Technique: These vases represent the pinnacle of porcelain artistry achieved under the Qing Dynasty, showcasing techniques that reflect centuries of refined craftsmanship. The precision in the application of overglaze enamels and the expert manipulation of kiln temperatures to achieve vibrant and consistent coloration are indicative of the expertise within the imperial kilns. The dragons' scales, rendered with remarkable detail, create a textured effect that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, undulating waves, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the design. The depth of color and the crisp delineation of each element point to a rigorous and time-intensive process. These qualities signify the involvement of highly skilled artisans who adhered to the imperial standards set by the royal court, ensuring that each piece was a fitting representation of the empire’s wealth and cultural prowess. Historical and Cultural Significance: Vases of this caliber were not merely decorative; they were imbued with profound symbolic meaning and often commissioned for imperial use or gifted as prestigious diplomatic offerings. The dragon motif, deeply embedded in Chinese folklore and philosophy, was associated with the emperor himself—known as the "Son of Heaven"—and symbolized his divine right to rule. These vases also reflect the Qing Dynasty's flourishing export trade and the global fascination with Chinese porcelain during the 19th century. European collectors and royal patrons prized such pieces for their artistry and the exoticism they represented, contributing to a legacy that elevated Chinese porcelain to a revered status in the annals of decorative art history. Provenance and Collectability: The extraordinary scale, exceptional craftsmanship, and rarity of this pair establish them as museum-quality works. Such vases would have held a place of honor in a palace or wealthy estate, reflecting not only the owner’s status but also an appreciation for the profound cultural and artistic traditions of China. Their provenance—potentially tied to an imperial commission or significant historical collection—underscores their importance as objects of study and admiration. Provenance: Private American Collection, acquired in London, circa 1905. Thence by descent to the current owners Solomon Treasure...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Large Pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon Vases
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon Vases, 19th century. Japanese cloisonne enamel dragon vases are highly ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel

F. Barbedienne, A Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, An Exquisite Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres / Garniture C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. Comprising of t...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Planters, Cachepots and Jardini...

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

You May Also Like

Pair of French Japonisme Ormolu Vases E. Lièvre, Executed by F. Barbedienne
By Edouard Lievre, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in New York, NY
An important and monumental pair of very fine 19th century French Japonisme/Orientalist ormolu vases designed by Edouard Lièvre and Executed by Ferdinand Barbedienne. Each body with an oval shape, finely sculpted in a floral design, fringed by orientalist style handles with cartouches, the neck surmounted by a circular pierced scrolling dragon frieze. Each vase resting on a group of four orientalist style jeweled elephant...
Category

Antique 1870s French Japonisme Vases

Materials

Bronze

Japonisme Lamp Att. to E. Lièvre , Japan-France, Circa 1880
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Edouard Lievre
Located in PARIS, FR
Height with lampshade : 133 cm (52,3 in.) / without lampshade : 125 cm (49,2 in.) ; Lampshade - Height 74 cm (29,1 in.) ; Diameter : 86 cm (33,8 in.) Important Japanese style gourd-shaped lamp, made with a polychrome Kutani porcelain vase decorated with lake scene and flowers in cartouches, in the middle of flying waders on a red background. It is covered with its original beige pleated silk lampshade, embroided with flowers and waders. It rests on an « old gold » patinated bronze base with stylized openwork decoration, topped with a Fô dog on each foot. Related work : Japanese enamel porcelain...
Category

Antique 1880s French Japonisme Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Pair of gilt-wood three light wall appliqués
Located in Cheshire, GB
Large pair of gilt-wood three-light wall appliqués, with ribbon-tied quiver, arrows and flaming torch trophy backplates. Supporting three scrolling branches with electrified sconces....
Category

Early 20th Century French Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Giltwood

Three Pairs of Bronze Appliques
Located in Washington, DC
Three pairs of bronze appliques. Priced at $1850.00 a pair.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Bronze Three-Light Wall Sconce
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of bronze wall sconces with tied loop ending in tassels holding three twisted and fluted arms. Dimensions: 23.5” high by 12” wide by 7.25” deep. Condition: Please see detail...
Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze Three-Light Wall Appliques, by Maison Millet
By Maison Millet
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine pair of Napoléon III gilt-bronze three-light wall appliques, by Maison Millet. Each applique is cast as a winged mermaid canephore figure supporting a palmette cast basket ...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Ormolu

Recently Viewed

View All