“chinese” Tea Service, 1831-1852, Josse Allard, Brussels, Sterling Silver

Extremely rare "Chinese" tea service from the Louis-Philippe period in solid silver of the first grade (934%) by the very famous Brussels goldsmith Josse Allard (1805-1872). For several centuries, European applied arts experienced a Chinese fashion several times. Whether in the seventeenth, eighteenth or nineteenth centuries, many castles and large residences have at least one Chinese tea pavilion, a Chinese living room or a Chinese bedroom. Entirely furnished in Chinese style with objects from China or Chinoiserie made by European artisans. Our tea service is a typical example of this Chinese taste during the romantic era which began under Louis-Philippe. Made by the most prestigious goldsmith of his time, it is not only of great originality but also of exceptional quality of execution. So the goldsmith chose not to multiply the same little Chinese character for each cover but several different little Chinese musicians. The entire surface of the three pieces has been richly engraved with plant motifs and the interior of the sugar bowl is covered with thick vermilion. His master goldsmith Josse Allard was not just anyone. First a goldsmith, then director of the Belgian mint and then a banker, he was at the origin of the fortune of his family which was among the twenty richest families in the kingdom in the second half of the nineteenth century. Raised to the rank of baron, elected mayor of Uccle or senator, his descendants will mark his era. The numerous pieces by his hand reflect the luxury and refinement of the circles in which their author frequented. A piece by Josse Allard is always a pleasure for the eyes...... The whole thing weighs 1.4 kilos.