THIRD QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

This pair of vases epitomises the French fascination for oriental works of art, and particularly their transformation into unique objet de luxe with the application of gilt-bronze mounts. This tradition, a continuation of the aesthetic of the 18th century, endured throughout le grand siècle of the 19th. The present vases are a perfect example of the successful merging of Japanese Imari porcelain and French ormolu. They reveal the high level of craftsmanship that existed in 19th century France, especially in Paris and the Faubourg Saint Antoine.