French Sèvres Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Vases, 1880, Set of 2

Details

Description

A highly decorative pair of late 19th-century french sèvres-style porcelain and gilt-bronze vases, circa 1880, distinguished by their rich cerise … Read more A highly decorative pair of late 19th-century french sèvres-style porcelain and gilt-bronze vases, circa 1880, distinguished by their rich cerise ground, elaborate gilding and finely hand-painted romantic scenes.

each baluster-form porcelain body is finished in a vibrant deep pink to burgundy ground and centred by a large hand-painted reserve depicting an elegant 18th-century courting figure within an idyllic landscape.

conceived as a complementary pair, one vase portrays a seated young woman while the other depicts a gentleman turned towards his companion, together creating a charming romantic narrative.

the painted scenes are surrounded by elaborate gilt cartouches of scrolling foliage, latticework and rococo-inspired ornament. Further hand-painted gilt decoration extends across the richly coloured porcelain grounds, enhancing the opulent character of the pair.

the painted panels appear to bear an artist's signature.

particularly impressive are the extensive gilt-bronze mounts. Each vase is flanked by dramatically scrolling foliate handles modelled with acanthus-leaf ornament, while an elaborate pierced gallery crowns the upper rim.

additional bronze mounts connect the porcelain bodies to their spreading pedestal feet and substantial square plinth bases.

the combination of richly coloured porcelain, romantic figure painting and architectural gilt-bronze mounts reflects the renewed enthusiasm for louis xvi and 18th-century french decorative arts during the latter half of the 19th century.

at approximately 10 inches high, the pair is ideally proportioned for display on a mantelpiece, console or commode, particularly when arranged symmetrically alongside a clock or other decorative object.

product details

date: circa 1880
period: late 19th century
origin: france
style: sèvres style / louis xvi revival
material: hand-painted porcelain, gilt decoration, gilt bronze

measurements

height: approximately 25.4 cm (10 in.)
width: approximately 12.7 cm (5 in.)
depth: approximately 11.4 cm (4.5 in.)

condition

excellent antique condition with no noted chips to the porcelain and only minimal age-related wear and loss to the gilding. See less