Josaphat TORTAT (1843-1915) & Arthur Withold JUST - Blois: Earthenware mandolin decorated with two cherubs, a salamander, an ermine and a porcupine. Signed J. Tortat and monogrammed AWJ, Blois on the reverse. Length: 64 cm; Diameter: 20 cm. Chips, accidents and restorations. Musical instruments are a rare item in Blois earthenware, but these works are among the most significant in French instrumental earthenware. An exhibition on ceramic musical instruments was held at the Château de Blois between 15 December 1984 and 27 January 1985. On display was a mandolin by Tortat dating from 1875, now in the Musée des Beaux Arts in the Château de Blois. Two Tortat violins were also sold at auction in Enghien on 15 April 2018. Provenance: former collection of Mr Morazin (Blois)