Designed in an elegant Chinoiserie style and crafted from the finest possible materials, this vase is a truly wonderful piece of French decorative art.
The vase stands on an ormolu (gilt bronze) base, which is decorated with scrollwork. The base is set on three C-scroll feet, the tops of which feature ring handles. The body of the vase is crafted from the deep blue gemstone, lapis lazuli, and is composed of a bulbous lower body, topped by a tall, shaped neck fitted with two ormolu handles. These handles take the form of Chinese guardian lions (or fo dogs) with rings in their mouths. The vase is covered by a domed lapis lazuli lid, the bottom of which is edged with ormolu ruyi heads. The lid is crowned by an ormolu pomegranate finial.
