Object Description
Pair of large ormolu mounted cobalt-blue ground jewelled porcelain vases
French, Late 19th Century
Height 68cm, width 30cm, depth 25cm
Made in the style of the renowned French Sèvres porcelain manufactory, this pair of superb vases is adorned with several hand-painted motifs and scenes.
The front of these baluster-form vases is painted with portrait busts of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, each one topped by a crown and framed in an ornate jewelled and gilt frame applied on the cobalt-blue ground porcelain. Below the French royalty are Rococo-style illustrations of courting couples set in a woodland scenery.
The reverse of each vase is painted with rich fruit and flower compositions celebrating nature’s accomplishments. These are framed similarly to the paintings on the front. A pale colour palette is used throughout making the illustrations magnificently stand out against the navy blue porcelain.
The lids on each vase are decorated in similar gilt ornamentation and topped by a later pinecone finial. The geometric ormolu handles are applied to the sides of each vase and terminate with a bearded Bacchus mask, above which hangs a garland of foliage.
A spreading socle stand supports the vase bodies. Both pieces are displayed on refined ormolu plinths. An imitation of the blue Sèvres mark is painted on the inside of the lids.
The vases’ varied design and high-quality finish makes them a magnificent decorative pair for the appropriate space.