Pair of Monumental 19th Century French Vieux Paris Enameled & Gilt Porcelain Vases

Details

Description

Richly decorated and exceptionally elegant, this monumental pair of 19th-century Old Paris porcelain mantel vases embodies the exuberance and refinement … Read more Richly decorated and exceptionally elegant, this monumental pair of 19th-century Old Paris porcelain mantel vases embodies the exuberance and refinement of French decorative arts at their finest. Their sculptural, Rococo-inspired forms, lavish gilding, vibrant emerald-green ground, and beautifully hand-painted floral reserves create a striking decorative presence equally at home in a grand traditional interior or a thoughtfully layered, maximalist space.

Standing an impressive 16.5 inches high, this pair possesses the scale to anchor a fireplace mantel, entry hall console, or library bookcase while maintaining an elegant, refined proportion. The graceful baluster silhouettes are flanked by elaborate, three-dimensional gilt openwork handles modeled as intertwining ivy vines and foliage. Every surface reflects the remarkable hand-craftsmanship that has made Old Paris porcelain so enduringly admired by collectors and designers.

Produced in France during the 19th century, Old Paris porcelain (Vieux Paris) is celebrated for its richly gilded decoration, imaginative forms, and exceptional hand-painted ornament. Unlike porcelain produced at the royal manufactory at Sèvres, Old Paris wares were created by numerous independent Parisian workshops whose work furnished aristocratic and fashionable bourgeois interiors throughout the nineteenth century. As is typical of authentic examples from these independent ateliers, this pair is unmarked.

Their exceptional color, sculptural silhouette, and finely executed decoration allow them to command attention whether displayed as a pair flanking a mirror, atop a substantial console, or incorporated into a carefully curated collection of European decorative arts.
The vibrant palette of emerald green, soft ivory, delicate floral tones, and burnished gilt allows them to transition effortlessly into a variety of high-end aesthetics, including Palm Beach Regency estates, Upper East Side townhouses, English Country House interiors, Paris Apartments, and today's sophisticated grandmillennial spaces.️

Professional Styling & Placement Suggestions:
Designed for the maximalist eye, this statuesque pair offers incredible versatility for high-end interior curation:

* The Grand Mantle Frame: Flank a large, gilded Louis XIV or Rococo overmantel mirror above a formal fireplace. The dual-sided finishing allows the delicate gold stenciling on the reverse side to catch the light beautifully when reflected in the mirror glass.

* The Palm Beach Console: Recreate a sophisticated, sun-drenched estate entryway by placing this pair on a carved marble-top console table. Style them alongside stacked luxury design monographs, crisp white hydrangeas, and clear crystal accents to make the vibrant emerald green pop against neutral drapery and expansive vistas.

* The Layered Library: Anchor the top of a substantial mahogany or walnut bookcase in a moody, traditional library setting. Nestled among leather-bound volumes and antique oil portraits, the burnished gilding and ivory porcelain face will beautifully illuminate darker corners.


Dimensions:
Height: 16.5 in. Width: 9 in. Depth: 5.5 in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Are these pieces hand-painted or are they transfers?
A: They are entirely hand-painted. The central floral bouquets exhibit fine, visible brushwork and layered artistry characteristic of skilled 19th-century French porcelain artisans, rather than a stamped or transfer decal.

Q: Is there a maker's mark on the bottom?
A: The bases are unmarked, which is historically correct for the vast majority of authentic Old Paris porcelain from this era. As noted in the description, independent Parisian workshops routinely produced these elite-tier decorative wares for the wealthy without adding factory stamps.

Q: How will these fragile items be shipped?
A: Due to the delicate, high-relief nature of the openwork ivy vine handles, this pair will be professionally packed, double-boxed, and heavily cushioned with premium materials to guarantee safe arrival. Full insurance and tracking are included with shipment. See less