BOTH SIGNED AND DATED L.(OUIS) SOLON (18)76, ONE WITH IMPRESSED UPPERCASE MARK, THE OTHER FOOT UNEXAMINED, RECORDED AS SHAPE NO. 1722

Louis Solon's Illustrated Journal records a design entry for this distinctive pair between the 11 of May and 11th of June 1876. The design for the pâte-sur-pâte surface decoration is titled 'Voyageur & Hostesse' and the margin notes a combined 68 days with Thomas Mellor assisting with the ornamentation. Solon's reputation as 'The Master of the Medium' is self-evident in the pair's execution. Additionally astounding is his originality. Each work is not only uniquely hand-tooled and carved with intricate care; his day-book confirms that no two pieces are identical. Solon revisits this sentiment almost exactly one year later in June of 1877 with a pair of vases featuring the interaction between a hostess and traveller titled 'Le depart & L'arrivee'. See Christie's, New York, 20 April 2006, lot 386. When reviewed together, these works reveal the joy of travel and the pleasure of return.

Also see B. Bumpus op. cit., p. 113, where he speculates that it is likely that this pair was shown at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, 1876.