Very large antique Sèvres pâte-sur-pâte porcelain vase with stand

Very large antique Sèvres pâte-sur-pâte porcelain vase with stand
French, 1897
Vase: Height 102cm, diameter 40cm
Stand: Height 51cm, diameter 40cm
Overall: Height 153cm, diameter 40cm
 
This impressive and generously proportioned vase, dating from 1897, was created by Sèvres, the celebrated French porcelain manufactory. Established in the mid-18th century, Sèvres quickly rose to prominence as Europe’s foremost producer of luxury porcelain, admired for its technical innovation, artistic excellence, and royal patronage. Its elaborately decorated pieces earned international acclaim and remain a benchmark of French porcelain craftsmanship.
 
Formed in an elegant ovoid shape with a flared neck, the vase is decorated using the sophisticated pâte-sur-pâte method. Layers of liquid porcelain are meticulously applied to build up raised, relief-like designs, which are then carefully chiselled, carved, and brushed to achieve a sculptural three-dimensional effect. Once fired, the decoration takes on a translucent, glass-like quality, revealing exceptionally fine detailing. This technique was pioneered at Sèvres in the 1850s, during a period of artistic renewal under Alexandre Brongniart (1770–1847).
 
The body is adorned with several oval panels portraying Cupid, the Roman god of love, armed with bow and arrow, set within elaborate cartouches embellished with foliage. The rich blue background provides contrast to the lighter figures and pale blue framing motifs, while additional circular panels feature butterflies within a brown faux-shagreen border and scrolling foliage. Gilded highlights accentuate the intricate designs, all set against a cream ground that enhances both the decoration and the vase’s elegance.
 
The flared neck carries matching pâte-sur-pâte ornamentation, echoed on the circular, spreading socle base. Both sections are finished with ormolu mounts, the base further enhanced by a beaded ormolu trim. The inside of the neck bears the red mark ‘DECORE A SEVRES 97’.
 
The vase is presented on a later carved wooden stand adorned with flowers and foliage, harmonising with the porcelain’s design.
 
Exemplifying the extraordinary skill of Sèvres’ craftsmen, this superb vase is a coveted addition to any distinguished porcelain collection.
 
Artist/Maker: Sèvres (French, founded 1738)