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Lot Essay
The vase of this model is derived from the pattern of candle vase referred to by Boulton in a letter to William Matthews on 6 May 1771 as a 'Cleopatra' vase. Several were included in the 1771 sale at Christie's, but only referred to as Cleopatra vases in the subsequent letter, detailing unsold stock. It is thought that Boulton was referring to a model of candle vase incorporating a square pedestal with an integral portrait medallion of Cleopatra with diadem, veil and an asp at her breast. It seems that the likeness of Cleopatra was soon replaced by medallions of Ceres. Examples exist with pedestals of unadorned panels of agate, lapis, aventurine and simulated malachite. In spite of such variations, the model was still referred to as the 'Cleopatra' vase. A further variation, relating to the present model and probably slightly later in date, incorporated the Cleopatra vase with a drum pedestal mounted with laurel-swagged lion's heads and a stepped plinth with a pierced guilloche band (N. Goodison, Matthew Boulton: Ormolu, London, 2002, pp. 297, 328-330, figs. 260-262, 327-330). A pair of blue john candle vases of this model was sold by Mr. S. Jon Gerstenfeld, in these Rooms, 25 November 2004, lot 60.