Pair of porcelain vases

Description

Pair of cornucopia vases "Birdsong in the Tulips"

Porcelain, relief decoration, polychrome painting and fine gold gilding.
France, Paris (Paris porcelain), 19th century.
Height: 38 cm.
Condition: very good (slight wear to the gilding).
Expert attribution, attached document.

An elegant pair of decorative vases in the shape of a cornucopia, a remarkable example of French porcelain from the second half of the 19th century, probably from the Second Empire period (circa 1850–1880).

1. Shape.
The slender silhouette, flared at the top and resting on a finely contoured base, is inspired by the type cornet ou cornucopia, a symbol of prosperity and wealth. Made in pairs, these vases were intended for symmetrical placement on a mantelpiece, console or sideboard.

2. Painted decoration.
The main panels depict ornithological scenes: pairs of birds perched on branches, painted with great finesse and in the naturalistic style of the mid-19th century. The rich and nuanced palette evokes the traditions of Sèvres and Meissen, revisited according to the taste of the Second Empire.

3. Ornamentation and gilding.
The gold decoration, applied by hand to the edges and side panels, is executed in engraved gilding (chiseled gilding), a technique that gives the surface a refined play of light. The natural patina and slight wear to the gold emphasize the age and authenticity of the pieces.

4. Raised elements.
The bell-shaped floral ornaments, enameled in shades of purple and gold, accentuate the composition's rich texture. This combination of modeling and polychrome painting is typical of Parisian workshops in the mid-19th century, particularly those of Jacob Petit, Samson and other factories in the capital.

5. Function and style.
These vases belong to the category of decorative vases — decorative objects intended to enhance interiors and to reflect the refined taste of their owner. The eclectic style combines rococo elements and accents of naturalistic romanticism.

The exceptional quality of the modeling, painting and gilding makes this pair a remarkable example of the great French decorative art of the 19th century.