This pair of French porcelain vases was hand painted during the First Empire period, circa 1810.
The vases combine finely painted floral still lifes with a rich claret-brown ground and restrained neoclassical forms.
Each has a broad, beautifully gilded flaring mouth, slender, finely curved gilt handles, and a pedestal foot resting on a gilded square base.
The classical urn forms reflect First Empire neoclassical taste.

The flower painting is exceptional.
The warm claret-brown ground gives depth and richness to the surrounding surface.
Floral panels decorate both the front and reverse of each vase.
Gilt borders frame each composition as a miniature painting.
The compositions vary: in one panel, a large pink rose hangs over the marble ledge. In another, a striped tulip rises to the upper left above pale roses, purple daisies, and small blue blossoms.
Curled petals, shaded leaves, and trailing stems give the flowers a lifelike quality.
Broad gilding emphasizes the rims and bases, while delicate Gothic-style ornament beside the handles adds detail to the claret ground.
Origin: France
Date: First Empire period, circa 1810
Material: Porcelain
Dimensions: Each 10″ tall × 6″ diameter across the top; square base 3.5″ across
Condition: Excellent
Price: $2,200 for the pair