Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: A Sceaux Pottery Wine Cooler, 1770

The Victoria & Albert Museum


This
Seau à bouteille—a bucket-shaped cooler of tin-glazed earthenware, sports elegantly scrolled handles.  It is painted in puce and green enamels with medallions of jaunty cherubs depicting the Arts.   Each scene is given drama and importance by swags of flowers and bouquets.  The rims and moldings are beautifully gilt.

Made in France between 1770-1780 by the celebrated Sceaux Pottery  Factory, this vessel would have served to keep a carafe of wine at the proper temperature.  One of two, this cooler and its sister were bought by the Victoria & Albert Museum from the Aigoin Collection.

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