Pair of large antique Royal Vienna porcelain vases with lids

This exquisite pair of vases are made by the Royal Vienna Porcelain Manufactory, famed for its pieces in the Neoclassical style. These two vases highlight the exceptional quality of Royal Vienna porcelainware, in both form and decoration.

The two vases are identical in stature, both of baluster form with an unusual, wide shape. The lids are surmounted by gilt finials with painted black line decoration, and the upright scroll handles also pair the gilt with this unusual painted design. The main body of the vases utilises the deep navy ground typical of Royal Vienna porcelain wares, which is complemented by the gilt foliate and geometric decoration that adorns the lid, neck, body, and feet.

The main body of each vase is finely painted on both the front and back with scenes of significant historical events, which include Cromwell and Charles V with an alchemist, Charles V liberating the Christians in Tunis, and Henry IV in Paris. The scenes are identified by German script on the underside of the vases.  The scenes are exquisitely painted, and are signed 'F.(ranz) Dörfl’.

The vases are raised on oval plinths, that are decorated with further gilt foliate scrollwork as well as beaded bordering. Painted within semi-circular cartouches are further figurative scenes – here of the Arts. 

As well as with the German inscriptions describing the painted scenes, the undersides are also painted with the blue ‘beehive’ marks of Royal Vienna.

With a degree of craftsmanship that is truly exceptional, this pair would make a fine addition to the appropriate interior space.