PORCELAIN INKWELL “LISETTE” FRANCE, JACOB PETIT MANUFACTORY, CIRCA 1840

An exceptionally rare porcelain inkwell depicting Lisette, the beloved Italian greyhound of Empress Catherine II, reclining on a luxurious silk-effect cushion. The figure is rendered with remarkable lifelike accuracy, capturing the dog’s relaxed pose and expressive gaze. The cushion is richly decorated with hand-painted floral bouquets, gilded scrolls, and voluminous fringe with gilded tassels at the corners. Two removable porcelain inkwells are integrated into the surface of the cushion as part of the composition. The original model was created in 1766 by Johann Joachim Kändler at the Meissen manufactory on personal commission from Catherine II, who had sent a drawing of her dog to Saxony. Kändler noted in his report: “Modeled a large dog from a drawing sent from Moscow… The pillow, 21 inches long, embroidered with gold and decorated with tassels on all four corners.” The French version, produced in the Jacob Petit workshop in the late 1830s – early 1840s, stands out for its rich palette, vivid painting, and theatrical flair, characteristic of Parisian Romanticism. Marks: Underglaze blue monogram “JP” – mark of the Jacob Petit porcelain manufactory, France, circa 1840. Dimensions: Height: 17 cm; Width: 36 cm; Depth: 22 cm Material: Polychrome porcelain, hand-painted, gilded. Condition: In good collector’s condition. Minor signs of age to the base. Provenance: Sotheby’s Auction, 2002

Estimate:£1,673.43

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