Very large pair of antique Sèvres style porcelain and ormolu vases

Very large pair of antique Sèvres style porcelain and ormolu vases
French, Late 19th Century
Height 164cm, width 58cm, depth 46cm
 
This remarkable pair of large vases is created in the style of Sèvres, the celebrated French porcelain manufactory. Each vase features a closely matching design and is topped with an ornate lid finished with gilt pinecone finials. The necks and bases are set against a deep blue ground, beautifully accented with intricate gilded decoration, while the rims, feet, and bases are enhanced by exquisite ormolu mounts.
 
The ormolu detailing on these pieces is particularly unusual. Twin handles are cast as winged female busts, gracefully extending along the vase bodies and ending in finely detailed acanthus leaves. The accompanying stands are equally impressive, featuring four scrolled legs - two with ribbon-topped cartouches and two with acanthus leaf scrolls - highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship.
 
The slender porcelain bodies are hand-painted with charming Rococo-style genre scenes. One vase depicts two children beside a rocky path, the girl playing a flute, while the other shows a courting couple, both set within idyllic landscapes with cherubs and Cupid above. The reverse continues the whimsical scenes with cherubs among clouds and blossoms.
 
The paintings are signed, and the undersides of the lids bear a spurious Sèvres mark along with the inscription ‘Peint Par Maxent à Sèvres’.
 
Masterfully crafted, this exquisite pair offers a striking addition to any fine porcelain or decorative art collection.