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Set of twelve plates in Sèvres
porcelain, c. 1794-1795.
Divided into pairs.
AUCTION RESULTS INTERNATIONAL THE MAGAZINE
£108,580
Sèvres with
chinoiserie decoration
In 18th century Europe, the economic stakes represented by porcelain were so high that it was known as white gold.
And in the 21st century it still has high potential value, as witness the £108,580 totalled on 12 February in Salisbury
(Woolley & Wallis) by a set of twelve Sèvres plates with chinoiserie decoration dating from 1794/1795. In 1998, another
set of twelve went for a mere £40,000. All of them came from the collections of Lord and Lady Fairhaven. The ones here
were divided into pairs, selling for an average of £18,100 each. Americans were the main contenders, but two lots went
to a French and a German buyer. The plates were produced when the French Revolution was in full swing, and seem
to have been commissioned by a dealer working for the Russian market. Enthusiasts’ appetites knew no bounds; they
would even brave social and political upheavals to assuage their lust for white gold! The quality of the painted decoration
and the skilful play of gold and platinum on a black background prove that despite the uncertain times, the former
royal manufactory had lost nothing of its expertise. A feat – combined with a highly popular theme, China – that was
duly appreciated by prospectors of white gold. Sylvain Alliod
HD
N° 23 I GAZETTE DROUOT INTERNATIONAL
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