Pair Of Large Polychrome Porcelain Vases, Viennese Manufacture

Pair of large polychrome porcelain vases, Viennese manufacture, late 19th century.

Austria
Polychrome porcelain and gilt bronze
Dimensions: H. 90 x w. 40 cm.
Base: 30 cm.

This splendid pair of large painted porcelain urns is characterized by the quality of their decorations: two classical scenes, finely crafted and richly detailed, occupy the body of the vases on both the front and back. The vases and their lids are a deep red, embellished with elaborate gold decorations. The handles are zoomorphic: two golden serpents coil together to create a solemn grip. The vases rest on tall pedestals, painted with phytomorphic and grotesque motifs in gold, white, and purple.

The ancient imperial Viennese porcelain factory was renowned throughout Europe for the quality and refinement of its ceramics. Like these two examples, the objects produced frequently featured sumptuous gilding, polychrome enamels and mythological scenes.