Rare Pair of 8th Century Matthew Boulton Perfume Burners

An extremely rare pair of 18th century Matthew Boulton, Birmingham England parfumerie ( perfume burners ) in wonderful original condition not having been re gilded .
The Matthew Boulton name is synonomous with the highest calibre of art creation specialising in ormolu ( gilded bronze ) and sculpted marble . His creations were sought in the 18th century by wealthy patrons of the arts . One of his leading clients was Catherine the Great of Russian who was probably the most significant purchaser of art in the18th Century ( worldwide ).
This rare matched pair of contra marble and ormolu mounted sculptures according to Nicholas Goodison are named as the Venus Vases which proved to be a very popular
product , mainly used as models for clocks , though some were made as perfume burners .
In a sale of 1778 at Christies Auction London , there were five Venus vase described as " Venus and Cupid in Ormolu , at the tomb of Adonis .
Many were exported from the Birmingham factory and in 1772 the Paris marchand mercier Charles Raymond Grancher advertises for sale a " Venus weeping at the tomb of Adonis on white marble bases . NOTE......This matched pair , coincidently were purchased in Paris France , one from the collection of Madame Cheruit Paris .

Dimensions 30 cms high 16 cms square


Reference .......See Illustration in Nicholas Goodison ....Matthew Boulton Ormolu Page 3555

Reference........See Ronald Phillips Catalogue 2013 Page 182 Venus Mourning the death of Adonis