Branches of myrtle leaves and ornamental scrolls adorn the sides of this vase and its mate (48.591), which are covered with a pale turquoise ground color. The presence of myrtle leaves could allude to an ingredient of the potpourri that was meant to fill the vases.
The scenes painted in the reserves are attributed to Charles-Nicolas Dodin, who might have used decoration from Chinese porcelains or enamels as his source.
These vases match a Sèvres clock in the Musée du Louvre. They are thought to have been owned by Madame de Pompadour.
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