CIRCA 1880, ILLEGIBLE IRON-RED INSCRIPTION, BLACK PAINTED 554/19 AND RETAILER'S MARK FOR BAILEY, BANKS & BIDDLE, SIGNED N. VIVIEN

N. Vivien is recorded as a meticulous painter of birds often in association with platinum grounds. His work was exhibited at the Paris Universelle Exposition of 1878. The enormous scale of this vase, in comparison to other works by Vivien, suggests that it was likely made for this Exposition.

A Narcisse Vivien, possibly one in the same with the present artist, is recorded at 85 Boulevard Voltaire in 1883. In that same year he displayed a faïence work at the Salon de la Société des artistes français.