Henry Dasson (1825-1896) Bronze Planter Stand

Henry Dasson (1825-1896) sumptuous Athenian gilt bronze planter forming a living room planter, listed model stamped three times and dated 1880 (Note a similar copy sold on November 14, 2019 at Christie's London sold for 16,250 GBP or approximately 23,750 €uros including buyer's fees). Beautiful Rocaille style composition in thick, very finely chiseled gilt bronze with a tripod base animated by moving console uprights decorated with foliage scrolls and shells, the lower part is joined by a spacer decorated with a cupid sitting on clouds. The upper part receives a large bronze cache pot with a brown patina punctuated with spiral gadrooned motifs and encircled with acanthus leaves. Good general condition, beautiful gilding. Dimensions: 1 m 07 high X 35.5 cm wide.

Henry Dasson (1825-1896) was one of the most famous Parisian bronze cabinetmakers, his business was located at 106 rue Vieille-du-Temple in Paris. Unlike other cabinetmakers of that time, Dasson began his career as a bronze sculptor, and for this reason by the quality of the carving of his bronzes, he specialized mainly in the production of Louis XVI style furniture and adorned them with the most beautiful ornaments in gilded bronze. In 1871 he purchased the flourishing business and remaining stock of Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen, who had established a reputation for high-quality furniture. Dasson had learned his skills as an engraver with Winckelsen. At the Paris Universal Exhibitions of 1878 and 1889, Dasson exhibited a number of style pieces as well as 18th century pieces he had modified to his own design. Items on display in 1878 included a table made entirely of gilt bronze, purchased by Lord Dudley and his copy of the famous King's Desk sold at the same exhibition to Lady Ashburton. Dasson ceased production in 1894 and at this time held a sale of his designs, records of this sale showed that Paul Sormani, Joseph Emmanuel Zweiner, Maison Millet and Beurdeley acquired certain designs from Dasson. Jonathan Meyer illustrates a number of exceptional objects exhibited by Dasson in 1889 in his book on major exhibitions. Bibliography of manufacturers: Camille Mestdagh, Pierre Lévolus (2010): French Art Furnishings: 1850-1900, Editions de l'Amateur. Ledoux-Lebard, Denise (1984), Cabinetmakers of the 19th century; 146-151. Meyer, Jonathan (2006), Great Exhibitions - London, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, 1851-1900, Antique Collectors' Club, Woodbridge; p. 269, please. H7, H8, H10: p. 270, pl, H12, Editions de l'Amateur, (Paris), 2010