Large Pair of Swedish Blyberg Porphyry Vases and Covers, Early 19th Century

A large pair of Swedish Neoclassical Blyberg Porphyry vases and covers, early 19th century, on square bases, with bronze pineapple finials to the covers.

Carved from solid porphyry stone, these majestic vases are one of a kind, and extremely rare due to their size, color, and excellent condition that they remained in.

Measures: 18.5" high x 14" wide x 11" deep.

These vases are fine examples of Swedish porphyry from the early 19th century directly relating to the Swedish manufactures. They relate to C.F. Sundvall's designs for porphyry vases, which were executed around 1788-1790 and to those by the Court ciseleur Fredrik Ludvig Rung of 1799 (H. Sundblom, Porfyr, Stockholm, 1985, p.21 - fig.1).

Porphyry was first discovered in the valley of Älvdalen (Elfdal) in 1731 but was not commercially exploited until after 1788 by Eric Hagström under the direction of Nils Adam Bielke. Despite being always patronised by the court, commercial difficulties always existed and in 1818 the works were acquired by the new king Charles XIV, born Jean Bernadotte (1763-1844), who used them as a supplier of lavish diplomatic presents.

For several decades the workshops produced vases, urns and other monumental vessels often mounted with ormolu mounts either made in Sweden or mounted in France. Production largely ceased following the disastrous fire in 1869.

Kiruna porphyry (Swedish: Kirunaporfyr) is a group of igneous rocks found near Kiruna in northernmost Sweden. The Kiruna Porphyry formed 1,880 to 1,900 million years ago during the Paleoproterozoic Era in connection to the Svecofennian orogeny.

Very good condition. No major damages. Presents very well. Minor chips to the square bases, consistent with age and use. Ready to place.