Orientalist Cold-Painted Bronze Carpet Seller Vide-Poche
 
 
A charming small Orientalist bronze style vide-poche or ashtray, depicting a seated carpet seller or rug worker beside a hanging carpet.
The scene is set on a rectangular tray decorated like an Oriental carpet, with engraved geometric and floral motifs. The small figure wears a red head covering and light-coloured clothing, while the hanging rug is painted in vivid blue, yellow and dark tones. The piece has attractive polychrome details, with age-related wear that gives it an authentic decorative character.
This type of object is inspired by the tradition of Austrian and Viennese cold-painted bronzes, which were especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Orientalist subjects such as carpet sellers, merchants and craftsmen were highly appreciated as small collectible decorative bronzes.
A lovely collector’s piece for a desk, library, cabinet of curiosities or rug-related interior decoration.
Details:
Origin: European / Vienna style
Period: 20th century, likely early to mid-20th century
Style: Orientalist / Vienna Bronze Style
Material: Cold-painted bronze or bronze alloy
Subject: Carpet seller / rug worker
Function: Vide-poche, small tray or decorative ashtray
Dimensions: 13 × 10 × 8 cm / 5.1 × 3.9 × 3.1 in
Condition: Good vintage condition with age-related patina, paint wear and small signs of use. No visible maker’s signature in the photos provided.