Jug

A thin, narrowing foot holds the slim, oval body, which is continued in a high and narrow neck and an upwardly curved spout. The handle starts from the spout, rises up and returns vertically to the shoulder of the jug with a steep curve. The surface is decorated with a beau green, opaque basic glaze, covered with an endless pattern of stylized flowers and leaves in blue and white glaze' creating a network with spots in the corners. The pattern flexibly follows the basic form, condensed in small squares at the narrow places and then expanding into large lozenges. The central, geometrical rosette of the saucer is enclosed by identical network pattern. The shape and decoration of the piece follows Indian metalwork with silver inlays called Bidri. These pieces influenced not only ceramics but also glass art. The activity of L. Celliere and E.F. Rousseau is described by Jaennicke 1879 on p.840. Similar pieces by Celliere were exhibited at the exhibition organized in the Paris Grand Palais, in 1979, see L'art en France sons le Second Empire (Paris, 1979 p.234).