.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
In 1879 Rodin joined the Sèvres porcelain factory as 'an extraordinary member, non-permanent, paid monthly 170 francs, 3 francs per hour'. He was hired by his friend, the sculptor Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887), then the artistic director of the factory. Sèvres had a long tradition of working with sculptors, and for Rodin it was a great opportunity to improve his financial situation. He worked there until the end of 1882. Subsequently, Rodin embarked on the long process of creating his monumental masterpiece, La porte de l'Enfer, in which part of the figures of Les Limbes reappeared.
Les Limbes, based on a type of vase called 'Saigon' designed by Carrier-Belleuse, was part of a series of three vases created in 1880 by Rodin in collaboration with the sculptor Jules Desbois (1851-1935) and executed in different pastel colours. The present one employs an exquisite tender green-glazing called celadon, reminiscent of the pinnacle of Korean and Asian vases. These vases were manufactured until 1939.
Les Limbes, based on a type of vase called 'Saigon' designed by Carrier-Belleuse, was part of a series of three vases created in 1880 by Rodin in collaboration with the sculptor Jules Desbois (1851-1935) and executed in different pastel colours. The present one employs an exquisite tender green-glazing called celadon, reminiscent of the pinnacle of Korean and Asian vases. These vases were manufactured until 1939.