Pair of lapis and ormolu mounted 'Medici' vases after Galberg

In Campana form, these vases are made in the so-called 'Medici' vase design, after works by the prestigious and leading late-Imperial Russian designer I. I. Galberg. Galberg was a leading architect and designer of the late Tsarist court, who worked at the prestigious Ekaterinburg Imperial Lapidary Factory.

These vases, the originals of which were made in malachite, are a beautiful decorative pair of works in stunning lapis lazuli, mounted with beautiful gilt-bronze embellishments. The vases' bell-shaped bodies are Neoclassical in design, reminiscent of Ancient Greek Kalyx kraters, opening out with a radiant gilt interior, and gadrooned towards the base with ormolu friezes, and mounted on either side with ormolu busts in the shaped of bearded faces. 

The combination of ormolu and lapis lazuli - an outstanding pair of precious materials - works beautifully, with the cool blue tones of the lapis lazuli sumptuously complemeting the vibrant gold of the gilt-bronze mounts. The craftsmanship and level of detailing of the highest quality, resulting in a grand and impressive pair of vases fit for the finest of homes or collections.