Monumental Sèvres style ormolu mounted porcelain vase of the Four Seasons

Monumental Sèvres style ormolu mounted porcelain vase of the Four Seasons
French, c.1895
Height 152cm, diameter 45cm
 
Set on a polychrome ground, dominated by a rare and fitting beige ground, which is accentuated and banded with strips in green, this beautiful and monumental porcelain vase, mounted with ormolu, was made c.1895 in Paris in the popular Sèvres style. Decorated with rich iridescent tones and heighted with gilt-foliate motifs throughout, it features four central cartouches in the round which are painted en grisaille and depict the four seasons, with maidens and putti in each frame. They are linked by a frieze against a purple ground, which shows fruits such as grapes, strawberries, peaches and plums.
 
The vase is further embellished with a pair of similar monochromatic friezes to the neck and socle, which also show processions of putti, some of which hold amatory elements. They accord in style with the main medallions, and the gilding of the vase accentuates the polychrome ground, complemented by beautiful Rococo and Classical style painted elements. The lid is inscribed inside with the letters L and S interlaced in underglaze blue, and 'France' is also painted in red.
 
Artist/Maker: (style of) Sèvres