Pair of large Neoclassical style ormolu mounted malachite vases

This pair of large Neoclassical style vases, crafted from malachite and ormolu, is a magnificent example of 20^th Century French design.

The ovoid, amphora-shaped body of each vase is wrought from beautiful green malachite. Each vase sits on a malachite wasted socle and culminates in a slender malachite neck surmounted by a domed malachite lid.

The ormolu mounts throughout are exceptionally finely cast and finished, the glistening gilt accenting beautifully the lustrous malachite. The base upon which each vase stands is a highly elaborate structure: square with canted corners, the base is mounted with a selection of ormolu forms, including medallions, fabric swags, acanthus leaves, and tassels.

From the circular ormolu acanthus leaf mount that delineates the socle from the body of each vase springs twin ormolu handles. Each elaborate handle is formed from an acanthus leaf wrapped column, upon which sits a lyre. The arms of each lyre gradually distort into acanthus leaves, which scroll ornately about the shoulders of the vase. Behind each lyre, seated upon the neck of the vase, is an ormolu putto.

Each vase is surmounted by an ormolu finial composed of two birds courting atop their nest and is set to the front of the body with an elaborate ormolu mount constituted from a variety of scrolling, foliate forms.

The vases are photographed on conforming malachite and ormolu pedestals (see second image), which are available here.