Pair of French parcel gilt enamelled vases for Turkish market

The vases in this pair were produced in France during the late 19^th Century for export to the Turkish market. This fact is evidenced by the decorative style of the vases: the form is reminiscent of Ottoman design, while the decorative motifs, particularly the scrolling arabesques that abound, are unmistakably Islamic in feeling.

Each vase features a circular foot below a waisted socle. The socle supports the spherical body of the vase, while in turn supports a long, slender trumpet neck with a knopped lower section. The vases are enamelled with dark and light blue and rich red enamels, the enamel surfaces throughout etched to produce scrolling arabesque decorations. The enamel is also parcel gilt, granting the colourful pair of vases a further flourish.