Pair of porcelain and ormolu lidded vases in the Sèvres style

Pair of porcelain and ormolu lidded vases in the Sèvres style
French, Late 19th Century
Height 93cm, width 52cm, depth 41cm
 
This beautiful pair of vases are crafted in the highly sought-after Sèvres style. They combine a stunning and unusual blue ground with delicate hand-painted scenes.
 
Standing on ormolu plinths with winged lion paw feet, the main bodies of the vases feature painted figurative scenes inspired by classical mythology. The scenes are framed with ornamental gilt borders. The tapering ends are decorated with gilt acanthus leaves that stand out against the prominent white porcelain. The socle combines further gilt detailing with the vivid turquoise ground.
 
The porcelain handles are a rare feature on objects of this type. They are moulded in the form of two acanthus sprays connected by a foliate swag, terminating in an oval handle. The necks feature further gilt detailing as well as a beaded edge, and each vase is capped by a blue lid with a gilded pinecone finial.
 
Of an unusual design, these vases would make a pleasing addition to the appropriate interior space.