A pair of large Royal Vienna gilt and painted porcelain ewers

A pair of large Royal Vienna gilt and painted porcelain ewers
Austrian, late 19th Century
42.5cm high x 20cm wide x 17cm depth.
 
This superb pair of large Royal Vienna gilt and painted porcelain ewers were made in Austria in the Late 19th Century. With a rich brown base colour, they are extensively decorated with gilt patterns and friezes around the body of the vases, from the base and stepped feet right up to the mouths of the spouts. On a central cartouche on the face of each, they feature allegorical female figure paintings, one titled 'Sehnsucht' (Longing) and the other 'Echo' (Echo) on marks to the underside. The paintings are also signed 'Wagner.'
 
The quality and intricacy of the gilding is matched only by the wonderful execution of the two beautiful painted female figures. The harmony of the gilding and the shaping of the ewers around the bases is particularly elegant and indicative of the skill and artistry of the two works. The two female figures, dressed in rich red-pink drapery, are shown wistfully lounging in an ethereal Classical setting. Both are beautifully painted; their grace is matched only by the refinement and poise of the two works in their entirety.