Pair of martin varnish pot covers

Paris, circa 1770

Dimensions : H.11cm x W.33cm x D.20 cm

Rare pair of tin pot holders with Martin varnish decoration, gilded on a red background. Oval shaped, these two-handled crenellated planters, also called Verrières, present a superb Chinese decoration in an exceptional condition. Indeed, this type of decoration is almost always quite restored, even repainted. It is also becoming increasingly rare to find these objects still in pairs, as they have often been separated as a result of inheritance.

Vernis Martin was a lacquering technique developed in 1728 by the Martin brothers in Paris. Intended to compete with decorations imported from China and Japan, Martin varnish is a lacquer based on copal. This decoration was used for furniture orders and refined objects in Paris from the beginning of the Louis XV period.