VASE IN NEVERS FAIENCE FROM THE LATE 17th CENTURY In the form of a flattened gourd, with scrolled handles decorated with a mascaron, the neck in the shape of an eggcup, resting on a pedestal, with blue and manganese decoration on each side of a vase with a large bouquet of flowers and birds, the sides of a Chinese man holding a flag in a landscape; restoration to the foot and a handle, small chips and chips. H. 34.5 cm (13 ½ in.) Provenance: Philippe Couque, Paris. A Nevers faience vase, late 17th century This atypically shaped vase was certainly inspired by Middle Eastern forms and decoration in the spirit of Adriaen Kocks in Delft; it is a perfect illustration of the stylistic movements that influenced European and French production from the Middle East and Asia via the Netherlands. A metal piece of a similar shape, originating in Syria and dating from the 13th century, is held in the collections of the Freer Gallery of Art in the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington. Provenance: Philippe Couque, Paris.