Pair of French gilt bronze mounted lapis lazuli vases

The vases are tall and slender in shape, and are set on shaped square bases with canted angles. Each vase is mounted with an elaborate central ormolu band which is decorated with scrolling foliage, a central acanthus leaf motif and twin scrolling handles.

Above the ormolu bands the vases have slender necks, supporting dome-shaped covers, with each cover being topped with a gilt bronze pinecone finial.

These stunning lapis lazuli vases make a striking pair, both in their distinctive colouring and in their unusual design. The vases date from the 19th Century, with the lapis lazuli veneer being a later addition.