Pair of ormolu mounted malachite eagle-handled vases

The vases in this pair are formed of large, ovoid bodies, veneered in malachite and mounted with ormolu (gilt bronze). The centre of the body of each vase features a mounted ormolu band cast in relief with foliate swags and anthemia. From this band spring twin ormolu handles, each formed of ornate scrolled brackets surmounted by eagle-form finials. The lower section of the body of each vase is mounted with ormolu, connecting the body to a waisted malachite socle, which is in turn set onto a robust, square-form malachite base. Each vase is topped with a circular malachite lid, mounted with an ormolu flame finial.

The vases, which date from the 19th Century, have benefited from 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 of these vases contrasts beautifully against the 19th Century gold ormolu mounts, which have been superbly cast in the exuberant Napoleon III style.