Une jardinière impériale pour Sèvres
The Musée national de Céramique in Sèvres has acquired a rare 'Louis XV oval jardinière' at auction, preempting it for €40,000 during a Millon sale on April 10. The porcelain piece, created between 1863 and 1866 by the Manufacture impériale de Sèvres after designs by Jules Diéterle, with sculptural work by Jean-Denis Larue, features a 'pâte sur pâte' decoration and a red griotte marble base with dolphin-shaped feet. It was originally chosen by Empress Eugénie to decorate her Parisian hôtel on rue de l'Élysée.
This acquisition matters because it secures an exceptional example of neo-Louis XV style porcelain for French national collections, adding a piece with both imperial provenance and artistic significance. The jardinière will eventually be displayed at the Sèvres museum once its long renovation period concludes, ensuring it finds a worthy home alongside other masterpieces of ceramic art. The purchase also highlights the continued importance of museum preemption rights in preserving cultural heritage at auction.