This pair of vases is crafted from opaline glass. Each amphora-shaped vase is raised on a circular foot and a waisted socle, while each culminates in a curved neck with a flared rim. Moreover, each is mounted with twin scrolled handles, each handle springing from the shoulder and reattaching at the top of the neck.
The body of each vase is profusely decorated with painted and gilt scenes and motifs. The foot and neck of each feature parcel gilt classicising foliate forms, while the body of each is adorned with images of Renaissance-style grotesque masks, superbly ornate dragons, and putti contained within foliate wreaths. The white-ground spaces in between are filled with flowers and sprays, fluttering birds, and flowing ribbons. The colour scheme, of bright, vibrant primary tones, contrasts beautifully with the white ground. The pair is a joyful example of decoration for its own sake, and is a superb example of 19th Century eclecticism.