Two large gilt bronze mounted Rococo style white porcelain vases

These porcelain vases are exceptional for their size—each measuring 1m 18cm (46 inches) in height—and their beautiful decoration. The vases are designed in the Rococo style of the 18th Century, which was characterised by its use of graceful natural forms and pastel colours.

The white porcelain vases feature waisted necks, which are topped by domed lids with foliate gilt bronze (ormolu) finials. The necks and lids are finely decorated with bands of parcel gilt light blue stiff leaves and white flowers. The vases’ necks develop from ovoid bodies, which feature beautiful paintings of fairy-like winged women and cherubs playing music and dancing. These figures perch on cherry blossom branches and are accompanied by butterflies and dragonflies. The paintings are signed ‘LEROUX’.

The vases stand on splayed feet, the tops of which are encircled by gilt bronze stiff leaf bands. The vases’ feet are decorated in the same manner as their necks and they are edged with gilt bronze beading. Each vase is set on a short square gilt bronze plinth.