Vase (vase à monter) (one of a pair)

Sèvres Manufactory

vase ca. 1755–60, mounts ca. 1760–75 · Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze mounts · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

These bleu-célèste vases (see companion mounted vase 1976.240.4) have been given pronounced Neoclassical mounts in the bold manner of the designer Jean-Charles Delafosse (1734–1789). Mounting either Asian or European porcelain in gilt bronze became a standard and lucrative practice for the Parisian marchands merciers. In this manner, they could enhance a piece or preserve a damaged object. These dealers also invented new models for porcelain by giving them pierced mounts and turning them into incense burners or potpourri holders.

Artist

Sèvres Manufactory

Date

vase ca. 1755–60, mounts ca. 1760–75

Medium

Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze mounts

Culture

French, Sèvres

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1976