Raphael Machiels
Associate Specialist
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European Private Collection of French Faience
Lot 154
Très rare gourde-bouteille « à surprise » en faïence de Nevers, vers 1640
A very rare Nevers puzzle jug, circa 1640
A very rare Nevers puzzle jug, circa 1640
30 – 31 October 2025, 14:00 CET
Paris, Avenue HocheSold for €9,600 inc. premium
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Nette Megens
Head of Department, Director
Sebastian Kuhn
Department Director
Sophie von der Goltz
Head of Sale
Très rare gourde-bouteille « à surprise » en faïence de Nevers, vers 1640
A very rare Nevers puzzle jug, circa 1640
A very rare Nevers puzzle jug, circa 1640
Modelled with double rope handles in the shape of a pilgrim flask, the outer body painted with figures in Chinese landscapes, the central roundel on each side consisting of a pierced pointed quatrefoil outlined in manganese with circular tips painted blue surrounded by a band of blue scrolling lotus and chrysanthemum flowers, 29.2cm high,
Footnotes
This object is so far unrecorded in the literature and differs greatly from other Nevers puzzle jugs in its distinct combination of the pilgrim flask form, derived from Italian maiolica examples by way of Lyon, and the northern European fashion for "puzzle jugs." The footed shape, high handle and flattened sides may also refer to annular jugs from Westerwald, Germany, some of which were converted into puzzle jugs by Dutch potters in the 17th century. Alternatively, the band of lotus flowers around the openwork and the rounded sides decorated with Asian landscapes belie a similarity with Chinese Export examples that were produced in blue-and-white porcelain for the Dutch and British markets.