Pair of Chinese Qing dynasty porcelain and ormolu vases

The Chinese vases are mounted onto circular ormolu (gilt bronze) bases, each of which is set on four scrolled acanthus leaf feet. The porcelain vases feature slightly waisted lower bodies and bulbous upper bodies, topped by slim cylindrical necks. They are finely decorated with parcel gilt navy, pink and purple flower paintings, variously set against black and light blue grounds. These paintings are framed by parcel gilt pink and purple foliate borders, which contain bands of orange decorated with navy floral motifs, and pink sections painted with deep purple foliage. The vases are covered by domed lids, which are similarly painted. These lids have flared gilt edges and are crowned by pointed red and blue finials.

These vases were crafted in China in the late 19^th Century, under the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Crafted for the export market, the items were imported into France, where they were fitted with ormolu bases.