Pair of Medici vases, Paris porcelain, circa 1820

Pair of Medici Vases
Porcelain decorated with animated landscapes
Restoration period, circa 1820
Paris porcelain

Height: 23 cm
Width (at the opening): approx. 18 cm

Provenance: Private collection, Belgium

Charming pair of Medici vases in gold-ground porcelain, each decorated with a hand-painted polychrome medallion depicting lake and mountain landscapes enlivened by village scenes. The reverse is simply gilded. The side handles are finely modeled in the form of stylized anthropomorphic figures, with a neoclassical appearance, evoking mythological or allegorical figures. The slender pedestal rests on a square base also enhanced with gilding, in the spirit of luxury productions from the first third of the 19th century. Made of wheel-thrown and molded porcelain, these vases feature a rich, hand-applied polychrome decoration framed by an all-over gold background. The gilding, meticulously applied with a brush, is enhanced with agate-carved details, demonstrating particularly meticulous workshop craftsmanship.
This pair of vases elegantly illustrates the refinement of Parisian productions from the Restoration period, blending the richness of a gold background with the delicacy of hand-painted scenes, in a picturesque style that was very fashionable in the 19th century. The unusual use of anthropomorphic figures as handles reinforces the decorative and unique character of this piece, perfectly representative of late Neoclassical taste.

Condition: Very good overall condition. Light wear to the gilding, with no cracks or visible restoration.

Ref: R5L42LZ5Z0