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Pair of French Louis XVI period gilt bronze and agate vases

Creator: Martin Baffert (Attributed)
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
These truly exceptional and rare antique Louis XVI period vases have been sculpted from agate, a precious and highly sought-after stone. The vases are set on square agate bases with gilt bronze laurel wreath socles. The burgundy and claret agate bodies of the vases are mounted with gilt bronze acanthus leaf ornamentation, and twin lion masks joined by draped swags above. The lids of the vases are mounted with gilt bronze, surmounted by pine cone finials.

The vases' design is attributed to the late 18th Century French clockmaker Martin Baffert. Baffert worked with a number of Parisian bronziers including Jean-Nicholas Fremont, Nicolas-Guillaume Jourdan and Francois-Robert Leguel, who assisted in the creation of his designs. This pair of vases is very similar to another pair of vases which Baffert designed, which form part of a clock garniture currently in the Rothschild collection at Waddesdon Manor. The Rothschild vases feature similar ormolu mounts with lion masks and drapery, and similarly shaped bodies sculpted from alabaster.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	18th Century
Materials:	agate, ormolu, gilt bronze
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	c. 1770
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Louis XVI, Neoclassical
Dealer Reference #:	15291
Incollect Reference #:	343295

Dimensions

W.	5.91 in;	H.	14.57 in;	D.	5.91 in;
W.	15 cm;	H.	37 cm;	D.	15 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.