Vase-shaped chimney ornaments in red marble mounted in ormolu, Henry Dasson, Paris, 1850-94

Vase-shaped chimney-piece ornaments of red marble mounted in ormolu (gilt bronze), the mounts with child-fauns on the shoulder, a laurel wreath with masks and lyres round the body, foliage at the base and fruit on the top. Square plinth inwards curving corners.

Bequeathed by Henry Louis Florence.

These vases were formerly in the Hartmann Collection (Christie's November 1909) and were acquired by the Museum in 1917 as "German, style of the period of Louis XVI". They were later identified as the work of the French bronzier and furniture maker Henry Dasson working in the late nineteenth century.

Historical significance: Henry Dasson was a celebrated furniture maker of the second half of 19th century who specialised in making ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts. His work was mainly inspired by the art of the period of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI style.

In 1870 he bought the company of Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen at 106, rue Vieille-du-Temple. The company closed in 1894. Dasson exhibited at international exhibitions including Paris in 1878 where he was lauded by Louis Gonse, (1846-1921), art critic and Director of the Gazette des Beaux-Arts, for the perfection of his work. Dasson won the Grand Prix Artistique, Légion d’honneur for his work.

Intended for furnishing a mantelpiece

The maker of these chimney ornaments, Henry Dasson, was a celebrated furniture maker of the second half of 19th century who specialised in making ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts. Dasson exhibited at international exhibitions including Paris in 1878 where he was lauded by Louis Gonse, (1846-1921), art critic and Director of the Gazette des Beaux-Arts, for the perfection of his work. Dasson won the Grand Prix Artistique, Légion d’honneur for his work.

M.235-1917