Josaphat TORTAT (1843-1915) - Blois : Earthenware violin decorated with two cherubs, a salamander and a swan. Signed on the reverse. Length : 60 cm. Chips, a few tiny enamel chips. Musical instruments are a rare item in Blois earthenware, but these works are among the most significant in French instrumental earthenware. An exhibition of ceramic musical instruments was held at the Château de Blois between 15 December 1984 and 27 January 1985. A violin by Tortat, now in the Musée des Beaux Arts in the Château de Blois, was on display. Two Tortat violins were also sold at auction in Enghien on 15 April 2018. Provenance: former collection of Mr Morazin (Blois)