French Champleve and Onyx Urns Barbedienne

French Champleve and Onyx Urns Barbedienne. The Urns of typical form with slightly tapered onyx waisted bodies having a ribbed centre section. The vases mounted with ormolu (gilt bronze) inlaid with champleve enamel and finished upon champleve stems with a flared base and large looped handles with good quality chased decoration. The Urns are firmly attributed to renowned French foundry and caster Ferdinand Barbedienne. For more information on Ferdinand Barbedienne see our makers and retailers page and Ferdinand Barbedienne. The vases date to the late 19th century during the belle époque era circa 1875.

Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) Born in Saint-Pierre-en-Auge, Northwestern France. Barbedienne began life as a wallpaper salesman before going into partnership with Achille Collas in 1838 the founder of a mechanical device capable of replicating miniature models of famous sculptures. From 1838 Barbedienne grew substantially to become one of the most well known French founders and sculptures of the 19th century.