Object Description
Pair of large French and Chinese ormolu mounted gilt porcelain vases
French and Chinese, 19th century
Height 57cm, diameter 24cm
These sumptuous vases consist of rich blue-ground porcelain, gilded with elegant floral and tree motifs, which were made in China, before they were subsequently exported to France, and whereupon they were mounted with the ormolu elements, consisting of finials of flowers and fruits, and bases with paw feet. They are exemplary of pieces of this kind, whereby Chinese porcelain and other wares were mounted upon European and especially French gilt-bronze in the 19th century, making oriental works more desirable on the European market. They therefore consist of a superb combination of traditional Chinese craft and European metalwork, the gilding of which complements the vases, to create a highly successful pair of works.