Pair of Chinese Qing dynasty cloisonné enamel and ormolu vases

Each trumpet-form vase is supported on three ormolu (gilt bronze) feet which take the form of Chinese Imperial lions (or foo dogs). The vases’ rounded bodies and tall flared necks are beautifully decorated with colourful cloisonné enamel designs. These include yellow, navy, white, red and green geometric patterns, scrollwork and depictions of eyes, offset against a light blue background. The bases and mouths of the vases are encircled by gilt and navy meanders (Greek key borders). Ormolu beast heads with ring handles in their mouths are mounted onto the shoulders of the vases. The vases’ necks are encircled by pairs of parallel ormolu bands, and they are fitted with curved ormolu handles in the form of stylised birds.