Three Sèvres style ormolu mounted porcelain vases with pedestals

The three Sèvres style porcelain vases in this listing constitute a visually striking group. While the three vases do not comprise a matching set, each one is of similar enough form and composition to complement the other two. The larger, central vase stands 10cm taller than the two smaller vases, which are both the same size, lending the trio a symmetrical grace. Each of the three vases stands on a near identical ormolu (gilt bronze) base, is mounted with near identical ormolu twin handles, and is surmounted by near identical finials. Additionally, the painted scenes on the front and back of each vase—the front depicting portrayals of courtly life, the rear illustrating scenes of idyllic pastoral landscapes—are remarkably similar in style, composition, and feeling.

Each vase, of ovoid form, stands on a highly ornate ormolu base: the square base, with canted corners, is mounted with Neoclassical ormolu elements, such as acanthus leaves, shields, drapery, and tassels. From the ormolu mount that surmounts the socle of each vase spring twin ormolu handles. Each handle is intricately and elaborately formed from a lyre mounted upon an acanthus leaf wrapped fluted column. Behind the lyre-shaped head of each handle is seated an ormolu putto. The playful, classically inspired composition of each handle is distinctly Rococo in feeling—a feeling furthered by the painted scenes that adorn the body of each vase. The front of each vase is painted with a gilt bounded scene of courtly life and love, while the reverse features a landscape expressive of the pastoral ideal. The lid of each vase is surmounted by an ormolu finial composed of birds courting upon their nest.

Each vase is supported by a beautifully wrought ormolu pedestal. The pedestals, which date from the 21st Century, have been designed after 19th Century wooden originals. Each pedestal is raised on bun feet and is supported by four cabriole legs. The top of the pedestal is made of lapis lazuli, a material whose colour perfectly complements the deep blue porcelain ground that defines each of the three vases.

The vases in the listing can be purchased individually. The larger vase, catalogued in full, is listed here, while each of the smaller vases is described fully here and here.

Larger vase: Height 146cm, width 57cm, depth 45cm
Larger vase pedestal: Height 65cm, width 44cm, depth 44cm
Smaller vases: Height 135cm, width 55cm, depth 45cm
Smaller vases pedestals: Height 66cm, width 42cm, depth 42cm