Pair of ormolu mounted cloisonné enamel antique Meiji vases

This stunning pair of vases are exemplars of the combination pieces popular in Europe in the 19^th century. They combine colourful Japanese cloisonné enamel vases with French ormolu mounts, creating a wonderful synthesis of Eastern and Western design.

Set against a bright, sky-blue ground, the ovoid-form vases are decorated with continuous cloisonné enamel friezes, centred around a trio of feathered ducks. The birds are beautifully rendered, with the graduated sections of enamel contrasted by the light-catching gold cloisons. The birds sit within a natural landscape, surrounded by trees, leaves, and pink flowers. The neck and foot of each vase are encircled by a patterned band on black ground, providing a contrasting frame to the scene below.

The vases are decorated with French ormolu mounts to the top and base. Placed atop the vases is a handled surmount, which features a waved pierced rim and a Greek key band. The twin scrolling handles are each applied with a small figure wearing a conical hat. The gilt-bronze bases feature a similar Greek key band, with a gadrooned lip. The base is raised on stylised elephant feet, interspersed by further pierced designs.

These elegant vases are a wonderful collaboration between different styles, bringing together a variety of complex techniques and desirable materials.