Pair Ormolu Mounted Meissen Porcelain Filigree Vases w/ Floral Bouquet, 1750's

Description

A pair of Louis XV period Meissen porcelain vases, formed in openwork lattice and mounted with original gilt bronze ormolu. Each vase rises from a pierced rocaille ormolu base into a bulbous lower body constructed in reticulated porcelain arranged in a diamond pattern. The bodies taper to waisted necks and flaring rims, maintaining the continuous openwork structure throughout. Applied across the lattice surfaces are individually modeled porcelain flowers in high relief, including roses, chrysanthemum type blooms, daisies, and smaller blossoms. The flowers are enamel painted in pink, yellow, white, blue, and green tones with defined centers and layered petals. Leaves are molded separately and attached at varying angles across the pierced ground. One vase has a faint Blue cross sword Meissen Mark. Substantial gilt bronze mounts frame each vessel. Scrolling Rococo handles rise from the shoulders and terminate at the rim with leaf and shell motifs. The bases are composed of asymmetrical rocaille scrolls with pierced sections and cast acanthus details. The gilding remains strong with a warm surface tone, and the mounts are closely fitted to the porcelain contours without covering the applied floral decoration. Above each vase is a large bouquet composed of green painted tole stems and leaves supporting fully modeled porcelain flowers. The bouquets include layered blossoms, closed buds, and narcissus type flowers arranged at varied heights to create a dense vertical composition. The dark green painted metal foliage contrasts with the white porcelain blooms and connects visually to the applied flowers on the bodies below. The vases are by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, established in 1710 in Saxony. Meissen was the first European producer of hard paste porcelain and became known during the mid 1700s for complex openwork forms and flower encrusted decoration. Large scale lattice vases with applied flowers required multiple firings and careful assembly due to the fragility of the reticulated structure. The integration of porcelain bodies with heavy French gilt bronze mounts reflects the collaboration between German porcelain production and French ormolu workshops active during the Louis XV period.

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