Set of Sèvres style ormolu mounted porcelain vases with pedestals

The three Sèvres style porcelain vases in this exceptional listing constitute, a magnificent, important, and remarkably beautiful decorative group. The three vases are not a matching set, yet each piece is of a similar model: the two on either side match, while the central piece is a grander version of these, and thus they form a beautiful composition, with each piece in harmony with the other two.

The larger, central vase stands approximately 20cm taller than the two smaller vases, which are both the same size, lending the trio a pleasing symmetrical grace when the larger piece is mounted in the centre. The painted scenes on the front and back of each vase, framed within elaborate gilt cartouches, with the frontal scenes depicting portrayals of courtly life and aristocratic courtship, the rear with beautiful landscape paintings of idyllic pastoral scenes—are remarkably similar in style, composition, and feeling, united by an 18th century European Rococo lifestyle.

Each vase is of Classical ovoid shape, mounted upon a highly elaborate and intricate ormolu base. Square, with canted corners, it is mounted with an array of rich Neoclassical gilt sculptural decorative motifs, such as acanthus leaves and hanging tassels. From the gilt bronze element that sits atop the socle of each vase are a pair of ormolu handles, slender at fisrst, that grow along hthe body of the vase and turn into lyres towards the top, sitting alongside a pair of gilt-bronze putti. The whimsical yet grand Neoclassical style of the mounts' design nevertheless retains a Rococo exuberance, assisted by the painted scenes adorning each piece. 

Each vase is supported by a superbly cast ormolu pedestal. These are dated later, having been designed after 19th Century wooden originals. Each stand features bun feet supported by cabriole legs, and the top of each is inlaid with a perfect square of lapis lazuli, a beautiful rich toned material that matches the deep blue ground of the vases above.

These exceptional pieces can be purchased as a set or separately, as catalogued in full here (the larger vase) and here (the pair of vases).

Large Vase: height 162cm, width 63cm, depth 48cm
Large Vases Pedestal: height 66cm, width 48cm, depth 48cm
Smaller Vases: height 141cm, width 60cm, depth 44cm
Smaller Vase Pedestals: height 66cm, width 43cm, depth 43cm