Pair of large ormolu mounted Sèvres style porcelain vases & stands

These beautiful porcelain wares are an unrivalled demonstration of the grandeur, beauty, and sheer magnificence of French Sèvres-style porcelain when adorned with and presented in sumptuous and indulgent ormolu (gilt-bronze) mounts.

Each of the three vases is of ovoid shape and is adorned with intricately cast gilt bronze mounts, and each features a domed cover formed as a pair of confronting lovebirds. The gilt bronze work of each vase is beautiful and elaborate: the bases and handles especially so. Each of the grand bases is square in profile, with canted corners and mounted with an assortment of ormolu elements, such as acanthus leaves, shields, bunched and draped fabric, and dangling tassels.

The entire decorative scheme is decidedly Neoclassical in nature, yet imbued with an expressive and flamboyant Rococo magnificence. Above each vase’s beautiful rich dark blue-ground porcelain socle, is a gilt bronze circular foliate surmount. From this mount, on each vase, spring twin gilt bronze handles, in between the two painted panels on each. The construction of the handles is as elaborate as is the design for base, if not more so: formed from an acanthus leaf wrapped fluted column, upon which, as a capital, sits a lyre. The arms of these gradually transform into scrolling acanthus leaves, and behind the head of each lyre-topped handle is a putto seated on the vase’s shoulder. Continuing the theme of elaborate gilt bronze mounts, the finial that surmounts each vase comprises two birds courting atop their nest.

The paintings on each are delicate, idyllic, and exquisite. Framed within elaborate scrolling gilt cartouches, the frontal scenes depict aristocratic figures enjoying the countryside with horses and dogs - decidedly Rococo in sentiment and appearance. Behind them, the countryside opens up into beautiful pastoral idylls, much like the reverse of the vases, which contain rivers, lakes, and fairytale castles. 

The vases are mounted on grand ormolu pedestals - later examples bases upon 19th century French wooden prototypes. Bright, crisp, and finely delineated, the gilt-bronze structure of each is top with a sheet of lapis lazuli, mirroring the rich ultramarine ground used on the porcelain vases above. Magnificent and beautiful, these wonderful pieces are an outstanding demonstration of Sèvres style art.

The vases can be purchased as a pair, or as a set with this larger single vase, as photographed above.

Vases: height 141cm, width 60cm, depth 44cm
Stands: height 66cm, width 43cm, depth 43cm