Object Description
Pair of antique Chinese café au leit porcelain and ormolu vases
Porcelain: Chinese, 18th Century
Ormolu: French, Late 19th Century
Height 33cm, width 23cm, depth 18cm
The porcelain vases were hand made in 18th century China, while the ormolu mounts were cast in late 19th century France.
The brown ground porcelain, known as Batavian ware or cafe au lait ground decorates most of the vases and is an unusual colour to feature on pieces of this type. The vases include white leaf-shaped patterns filled with famille rose floral patterns. The contrast between the darker brown ground and bright red, blue, pink, and green depictions of the natural world adds an intriguing visual effect.
The ormolu mounts are cast in several shapes. Ram-shaped handles are mounted on both sides, while the lids are surmounted by elegant finials. Bead and reel motifs or beading borders adorn the bodies of the Chinese porcelain pieces. The vases stand on ormolu bases which are supported on paw feet topped by acanthus leaf decoration.
A mix of Western and Eastern styles, this pair of vases is a desirable addition to one’s collection of porcelain.