Pair of large Chinese cloisonné enamel vases

This pair of cloisonné enamel vases are of baluster form, each ovoid vase raised by a flared foot and culminating in a waisted, flared neck. The body of each vase is profusely decorated with polychrome cloisonné enamel designs, all set above the beautiful rich cobalt blue enamel ground. The enamel designs depict traditional Chinese birds perched on plum blossom branches, amid a variety of flowers—including peonies, chrysanthemums, camelias, and lotus blossoms. The feet and necks of the vases are similarly decorated with cloisonné enamel designs, while the neck is bordered top and bottom with ruyi head friezes. The vases are parcel gilt on occasion, the gilding used to delineate foot from body from neck.