A rare French late 19th century 'Japonisant' gilt-bronze and cut-crystal vase on elephant support. By Baccarat

the crystal vase decorated in taillegravure with a duck and cherry blossom tree, supported by an elephant with tassels and pendeloques, on an oriental pierced shaped base, the Baccarat pastille to the underside of the elephant, 23cm wide, 18.5cm deep, 35.5cm high (9" wide, 7" deep, 13.5" high). Sold for £18,000

Footnote: The elephant was a very fashionable theme in late 19th century France. At that time, the elephant figure was used by Japanese artists, especially in ceramics or metal work and it is not surprising that it became one of the principal "Japonisant" motifs. Notably, the use of elephant heads can be seen on "Japonisme" pieces designed by Edouard Lièvre (see lot 152).

In the 1870s, the firm of Baccarat developed the process of decoration called taillegravure and used it for the creations in the Japonism style, depicting motifs which can be seen on Japanese prints or lacquers such as the cherry blossom.

The "Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat" has long been considered as the greatest French glass manufacture. It was founded in 1764 to compete with the Bohemian glass industry, producing the very best quality in glassware, reknown for its crystal glass since the mid-19th century.

Bonhams. Fine Continental Furniture & Works of Art, 4 Dec 2008. New Bond Street. Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved. www.bonhams.com