Pair of large opaline glass parcel gilt vases by Baccarat

This beautiful pair of vases has been carefully crafted around 1850 in France. Their maker is the renowned firm of Baccarat which received royal patronage from, for example, King Louis XV and who won numerous awards at universal exhibitions of the 19th century.

The bodies of the vases are superbly painted with a rich floral composition, each one depicted in a vivid colour palette. Shades of pink, red, blue, purple, and yellow predominate. The abundant floral composition is complemented by delicate greenery adding a further eye-catching accent to the decoration. The flower bouquets vary on both vases, but each one is of a similar design creating cohesion between the two pieces. The sides and backs of the vases are painted with further, smaller floral detailing. The pure white background, created by the white opaline glass, ensures the flowers as well as other ornamentation are clearly visible.

A plethora of parcel gilt patterns and motifs adorn each vase. The neck and base of each vase are decorated similarly with a refined gilt border intertwined with turquoise detailing. Such detailing creates the illusion of the main body of the vase being framed like a painting. The turquoise colouring is also present in the central gilt patterns which are flanked by two ovals, reminiscent of a semi-precious stone in their colouring.

The bodies of the vases include more complex gilt decoration in the form of, for example, Rococo-style C and S scrolls. Each scroll is made from acanthus leaves, a motif very prominent during the 18th century.

This pair of magnificent vases made by an exceptional maker would make a stunning addition to one’s interior space and each one is an exquisite piece from which rich floral bouquets could bloom.