A magnificent Empire silver-gilt teapot from the Demidoff Service by Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot (1763-1850). Vase shaped with applied figure of Bacchus holding a thyrsus and tazza upon a panther, the handle formed as two entwined serpents, the spout capped with a lioness mask, with later engraving on the cover, circa 1863 bearing the arms of Count Alfred de la Chapelle

Paris, dated 1817-19

Height 17 cm.

Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot was one of the most important European silversmiths of his day. He descended from a family of goldsmiths and was not only a metal chaser but also designer. He succeeded his father's business in 1785, ceased trading during the Revolution but flourished during the reign of Napoleon and the Bourbon monarchy. When Napoleon's chief silversmith, Henri Auguste went bankrupt in 1809, Odiot purchased many of the latter's designs and models. He and his rival, Martin-Guillaume Biennais were soon to become Napoleon's favourites. Many of their important works were designed by Percier and Fontaine as well as Prud'hon. Like, M-G Biennais, Odiot also received very important commissions abroad; both of them contributed to a huge service for Prince Camillo Borghese. Count Branicki of Russia, Catherine the Great of Russia and Count Nikolai Demidoff were also very important patrons.