This large pair of French Vieux Paris porcelain vases, 22 inches tall, was hand painted in the mid-19th century, circa 1860.
The flower painting gives the vases their extraordinary appeal.
Each vase is centered with a large, complex botanical bouquet painted in a naturalistic style.
The bouquets are full and richly varied, with beautifully detailed flowers including cabbage roses, white roses, a boldly striped tulip, tall sprays of pink and lavender flowers, blue blossoms, lilac-colored sprays, and smaller flowers in orange and yellow.
The two bouquets are not identical.
One is dominated by large pink and white roses surrounded by tall flowering sprays and clusters of blue and lavender blossoms.
The companion is distinguished by a striped tulip rising above roses, blue flowers, lilac-colored sprays, white blossoms, and smaller orange and yellow accents.
The different compositions give each vase its own character while keeping the pair beautifully balanced.
Elaborate gilt scrollwork surrounds the reserves and continues across the shoulders and long flared necks.
The deep cobalt blue ground gives the vases richness.
It brings out the colors of the flowers and gives the gilding greater warmth.
Small gilt flowerheads are scattered across the blue ground, and the same cobalt and gilt decoration continues around the backs of the vases.
During the mid-19th century, Paris was one of the great centers of the European luxury trade.
Numerous private porcelain factories and decorating workshops, whose products are now collectively known as Vieux Paris, produced richly decorated porcelain for an international market, often without identifying factory marks.
The quality of the porcelain, and especially the skill of the painting, was central to its appeal.
Large porcelain vases of this scale were meant to make a substantial presence in an interior, displayed on mantelpieces, grand sideboards, and consoles. At 22 inches tall, this pair has exactly that kind of scale and decorative presence.
The underside bears impressed and incised workshop marks. These are production or model marks rather than the signature of an identifiable factory, consistent with much Vieux Paris porcelain of the period.
Dimensions: 22 inches high
Condition: Very good antique condition. One vase has a restored approximately 2-inch hairline at the back of the upper rim. Minor wear consistent with age.
Origin: France
Date: Circa 1860
Material: Porcelain
Decoration: Hand painted and gilt
Price: $4,600
Pair Large Porcelain Vases French Vieux Paris (Old Paris) Hand Painted c. 1860
