Pair Of Imari Vases From The Second Half Of The 19th Century

A pair of Imari porcelain vases mounted on gilded bronze bases, of French origin from the second half of the 19th century. This pair of vases is a typical example of eclectic decorative objects, which enjoyed great success on the European market beginning in the 19th century. The principal visual elements combine Far Eastern ceramic tradition with the opulence of the bronze mounts. The vases feature a central baluster-shaped body with rounded walls in the lower section and a flared neck. They are dominated by the classic Imari triad—originating in Japan but widely adopted in both China and European manufactories. The floral decoration follows this style, featuring cobalt blue underglaze, iron red (“or rust”), and extensive highlights in pure gold. Large stylized peonies and chrysanthemums with petals embellished in pure gold leaf, surrounded by jagged blue leaves and slender branches. The upper rim of the vases is finished with a circular ring of gilded, chiseled bronze, openworked with openwork motifs rich in geometric and plant scrolls. The base of the vase rests on a majestic gilded bronze structure in the full Rococo style, featuring asymmetrical elements, cartouche decorations, broad “C”-shaped volutes, and shell motifs—openwork in the central section—that elevate and slenderize the porcelain body. Objects such as these were often produced in France during the Napoleonic III period; very frequently, they consisted of imported porcelain that was then assembled by skilled Parisian bronze casters to adorn the fireplaces and salons of the upper middle class.

NAPOLEON III PERIOD

DIMENSIONS H. 32 cm base 21.5 x 21.5 cm mouth of the vase diameter 17 cm

CONDITION Excellent condition