Pair Of Vases 19th Century

Royal Antique is proud to offer this truly magnificent pair of decorative vases, masterpieces from the Napoleon III period (mid-19th century). These exceptional pieces showcase the era's characteristic elegance, opulence, and refined artistry through their harmonious combination of radiant gilt bronze, rich black patinated bronze, and precious green malachite.

Design and Materials:

• Classical Amphora Form: Each vase adopts an elegant classical amphora shape, featuring a gracefully rounded body, a slender neck, and dynamically curved handles, evoking the grandeur of antiquity.

• Luxurious Material Combination: The vases are a testament to the period's love for contrasting and noble materials.

  • The robust, circular base of each vase is crafted from a vibrant, highly figured malachite, renowned for its unique natural green veining, lending an air of nobility and exoticism.

  • The central section of the vase body is rendered in finely patinated black bronze, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding gilding. This section is richly adorned with finely sculpted bas-reliefs depicting classical scenes, putti amidst foliage, or mythological motifs, executed with remarkable detail.

  • The upper and lower sections of the body, as well as the ornate foot, are meticulously cast in radiant gilt bronze, decorated with intricate foliage patterns, classical friezes, and delicate beading, characteristic of the era's opulent taste.

• Exquisite Figural Handles: The handles of these vases are particularly remarkable, rising gracefully and culminating in charmingly sculpted figures of putti (cherubs). Each putto holds aloft a cornucopia or similar classical attribute, symbolizing abundance, love, and romance – themes highly favored in the decorative arts of the Napoleon III era. The sinuous curves of the handles, further embellished with volutes and sculpted details, add a dynamic sense of balance and harmony to the vases' structure.

Craftsmanship and Period Significance:

These vases are not merely decorative objects but artistic masterpieces, embodying the exquisite craftsmanship and refined taste that defined the Second Empire. The expert artistry in the bronze casting, the precision of the chasing, the rich mercury gilding, the masterful patination, and the skillful integration of the malachite all speak to the highest echelons of Parisian bronziers and artisans. The perfect combination of noble materials and meticulous artistry makes them exceptional pieces, symbols of luxury and timeless elegance.

Usage and Value:

These majestic vases are ideal for enhancing the beauty of a classical living room, an opulent dining room, or an art gallery. They would serve as a magnificent statement piece adorning a fireplace mantel, a console table, or an ornate display cabinet, seamlessly integrating into a prestigious art or antique collection. More than just decorative pieces, they represent a valuable artistic investment and a cherished family heirloom, showcasing the grandeur and timeless beauty of the Napoleon III period.