Pair of Empire style silvered metal and malachite vases

The pair of ovoid baluster form malachite vases feature fine silvered metal mounts wrought in the grand Empire style. The vases are surmounted with silvered metal covers, topped with silvered metal pinecone finials. The metal mounts are delicately cast and finished into ribbon-tied floral garlands that issue from the twin handles, which are shaped into elegantly curved swan necks and heads—the swan being a motif particularly common in Empire period and style art and design. Each vase sits on a waisted silvered metal socle, which in turn is supported by a square malachite base.

The vases have benefited from a later malachite veneer.