Rare 19 C. English Mintons Pâte-Sur-Pâte Porcelain Covered Vases, by Louis Solon

Description

A Highly Important and Very Rare Pair of 19th Century English Mintons Olive Green Ground Pâte-Sur-Pâte Porcelain Covered Moon-Flask Form Vases, Signed by Louis Solon. These Mintons porcelain moon-flask form vases are executed in the pâte-sur-pâte technique on an olive-green ground. Each vase is signed by Louis Solon, the foremost pâte-sur-pâte artist of the 19th century. The large, double-sided form provides an expansive surface for intricate white slip relief decoration, featuring highly detailed classical scenes framed by ornamental borders. The vases exemplify Mintons’ finest achievements in porcelain artistry. Both vases decorated with 24k gold and platinum/white gold decorations. The primary scenes depict classical female figures in elaborate compositions. One vase features a woman bending over a balustrade, framed by Corinthian columns supporting perched winged figures. The background is filled with finely detailed floral and foliage motifs. The other vase presents a female figure in motion, her arms outstretched as cherubs guide her descent from an architectural structure adorned with openwork tracery. The figures are executed with precise detailing in their drapery, facial expressions, and gestures. The reverse sides of the vases continue the classical theme, depicting additional figures in complementary relief compositions. The decorative borders include elaborate scrollwork and floral elements, seamlessly integrated into the overall design. The pâte-sur-pâte technique, requiring the meticulous application and carving of successive layers of porcelain slip, is used to create depth and dimensionality in these compositions. The vases are mounted on their original and highly detailed bases featuring pierced geometric motifs, scrolling patterns, and applied gilt accents. The bases are multi-tiered, with alternating bands of raised and recessed decoration, providing both stability and visual complexity. Each vase is topped with a domed cover, incorporating pierced elements and a flame-like finial with additional gilt and platinum/white gold embellishments. The scrolling gilt handles extend from the shoulder to the neck, framing the scenes and enhancing the overall structure. Provenance: The Collection of Harry Harkness Flagler (1870–1952), president of the Philharmonic Symphony Society of New York from 1914 to 1934, and his wife Anne Lamont (1870–1939). A similar vase (only one, and not a pair) by Mintons, decorated in pâte-sur-pâte by Louis Solon, is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. England, Circa: 1880's

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