Pair of Vases

Around 1770 vases of simple shape were made in France specifically to be mounted in elaborate gilt-bronze mounts; consequently, they were known as vases à monter (vases for mounting).  In this case, the plain dark blue color of the porcelain highlights the strong character of the gilt-bronze elements. The mounts include a heavy pedestal-like base, a swag of laurel around the upper half, and a wide gadrooned rim at the top. The overall design is in the early phase of neoclassicism known in French as the goût grec – a style characterized by bold shapes of symmetrical design with heavy ornamentation inspired by decorative elements found in ancient Greek or Roman art.