A beautiful pair of French gros relief barbotine vases, dating to circa 1880, with hand-modeled flowers that were painstakingly applied to the painted main bodies. The slender vases have a variegated ground of black and tan, with some vibrant blue flowers, while the relief flowers are yellow, white, and pink, with light green leaves. Although the relief flowers are mostly concentrated on the front of the vases, several small vines do extend around the sides.

The vases have footed bronze bases with elements that are inspired by Japonisme. For example, the ring that surrounds the base, which is comprised of a flowering lattice that is “cropped” at the edges, implying that the lozenges and flowers repeat beyond the visual spectrum. Also, the four feet beneath are a version of taotie, which are zoomorphic personifications typically paired with scrolls and flowers. The openings of each vase have a twisted rope border flanked by a pair of pierced handles in the form of angular arabesques that are inspired by Japonisme calligraphy. Our barbotine vases were crafted by master artisans, who have realistically captured the organic beauty of gardens with the gros relief flowers. The bronze mounts allow the vases to be presented on a console, mantel, or table in any room of the house.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor losses and fleabites, specifically to some of the relief flowers. Commensurate buildup to the bronze mounts. Dimensions of the vases vary slightly, as the flower groupings on each are unique.