Lot Essay
The vase's description as being 'carved' underscores the difference in pâte-sur-pâte technique as developed by Louis Marc Solon and practiced since the third quarter at Minton and that developed by Doat and practiced at Sèvres in the fourth quarter of the 19th century-- the difference between layering white slip on a colored ground and molding, building up with paste, and carving away the surface then coloring it. Known as pâte d'application, it is a melding of techniques used by both Doat and Auguste Rodin during their tenure at the Sèvres factory. For another vase designed by Carrier-Belleuse and 'carved' by Doat, see Christie's, 20 April 2005, lot 302. Also see de Villechenon, Sèvres, London, 1997, p. 101, no. 100 for an example by Rodin in the same spirit.