Object Description
Meissen porcelain three-vase garniture with ormolu mounts
Porcelain: German, c. 1770
Ormolu: French, 19th Century
Large vase: Height 31cm, width 19cm, depth 15cm
Smaller vases: Height 24cm, width 14cm, depth 12cm
This striking three-vase garniture contains 18th Century Meissen porcelain and 19th Century French gilt bronze mounts. The vases are of baluster form. The decorative scheme of the porcelain is elaborate: the white ground of each vase is decorated with painted floral motifs and applied porcelain stems and flowers. The applied porcelain encircles gold-ground panels, one on the front and one on the back of each vase. These panels are painted with scenes of courtship inspired by the eminent 18th Century French artist Watteau.
Each of the vases sits on a base of scrolled and foliate gilt bronze. Gilt bronze handles spring from the base of each vase, culminating in elaborate scroll handles that clasp the rim of each vase. Each of the vases is marked underside with Meissen blue crossed swords.
Similar pieces are represented in major collections, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.