A FRENCH ORMOLU AND PATINATED BRONZE GROUP

This group consists of two Chinamen fighting and relates to the mid-18th Century oeuvre of the Martin brothers, the specialised lacquerers, who embellished similar figures with chinoiserie lacquered decoration. They were granted with a Royal patent protecting their vernis technique, and in 1744 their wares were described as 'en relief dans le goüt du Japon et de la Chine'. In 18th Century sale catalogues their names are specifically mentioned, although there were undoubtedly other specialised vernisseurs working in this technique as well.