The pair of vases are formed with large, ovoid bodies, veneered in malachite. The centre of each vase features a band of ormolu decorated with floral swags and shells in relief, leading to twin handles in the form of perched eagles. The lower section of the body of each vase is mounted in ormolu, connecting the body to a waisted socle, set onto a robust, square-form base. Each vase is topped with a circluar cover, mounted with an ormolu flame finial.
The vases, which date originally from the 19th Century, feature a later malachite veneer. The glittering, green semi-precious stone malachite has been used by Kings, Queens, Emperors and Tsars for the decoration of palaces, castles and important buildings since antiquity. The green malachite bodies of these vases contrasts beautifully against the 19th Century gold ormolu mounts, which are expertly cast in the exuberant Napoleon III style.