Pair Of Porcelain Vases From Paris - Naturalist Décor With Birds & Butterflies - 19th Century

An important and charming pair of 19th century Paris porcelain baluster vases. These pieces are distinguished by the high quality of their polychrome, naturalistic decoration, a popular theme during the Second Empire.
The body of each vase, with its immaculate white background, features a rich composition of ornithological and entomological scenes.
Each vase features finely hand-painted birds in dynamic postures (a goldfinch, a blue tit and other passerines). The plumage is rendered with great precision, testifying to a high level of pictorial skill.
The decoration is completed by a variety of butterflies and flying insects, interspersed with scrolls of climbing ivy laden with berries.
The neck and base are outlined in a superb deep cobalt blue, enhanced by gold fillets. The upper lip features a wide gold band.
Overall good condition. Some wear to the gilding on the collars and bases.