Despite their simple and unassuming form, these porcelain ewers are exquisite in their decoration, both in terms of the gilding, and the painted porcelain faces on either side. Standing just over 40cm tall, they are signed 'Wagner' and are marked to the underside, with one piece titled 'Sehnsucht' (Longing) and the other titled'Echo' (Echo) for the cartouches on each piece, which are allegorical/mythological female figures.Â
The gilding is quite simply exceptional. Beautifully ornate and intricate patterns span the length of the vases, glimmering as the light reflects off the body of each ewer. The interaction and harmony of the shape of the porcelain and the gilding towards and around the base is particularly indicative of the skill and talent of the craftsmen involved. The elegance of the gilding is matched only by the execution of the paintings. The two female figures, depicted wistfully relaxing in misty and dreamlike Classical spaces, are painted sumptuously and beautifully, their gentle manners and features perfectly compliment the refinement and grace of the completed works.