Object Description
Pair of large lidded Royal Vienna porcelain vases
Austrian, 19th Century
Height 61cm, width 42cm, depth 19cm
This exceptional pair of vases combine an intriguing form with superb painted decoration.
Of baluster form with an unusually oval stature, the two vases are identical save for the figurative panels on the body and base. A deep navy ground covers the entire composition – the trademark colour of the Royal Vienna manufactory. Gilt decoration can be seen throughout, with both foliate scrollwork and geometric designs. Further gilt-work can be seen on the lid and handles: the lid is surmounted by a golden finial, and the upright scroll handles are also gilded. The handles and finial are also decorated with painted, black linear decoration, which is highly unusual.
Painted panels adorn both the front and back of each vase, as well as the oval plinths on which the vases are raised. The panels on the main body are of significant historical events, and German inscriptions on the underside of the vases label the panels as depicting Henry IV in Paris, Cromwell and Charles V with an alchemist, and Charles V liberating the Christians in Tunis. The semi-circular panels on the base are also figurative, and depict the Arts.
The undersides are marked with the blue ‘beehive’ marks of the Royal Vienna Porcelain Manufactory.
These two vases undoubtedly showcase the superb quality of porcelainware that the Royal Vienna manufactory is renowned for.