Pair of vases 1880 - 1890

These are a pair of vases made by the Royal Porcelain Manufactory sometime after 1775. The vases are visually dominated by an ovoid body sitting atop a short, wide base. They are made of porcelain and feature a restrained palette, where white is accented with delicate pastels. The design elements form a hierarchy, with the cherubic figures on the lids being the most visually prominent, followed by the swags of flowers which cascade down the body of the vases. Beneath these, smaller cherubs are painted onto the surface in grisaille. The use of porcelain, with its smooth, reflective surface, and the idealized forms of cherubs and flowers, reflect the broader artistic and philosophical interests of the period. The vases invite us to consider how objects of beauty can engage with ideas of innocence, nature, and a broader aesthetic sensibility. Ultimately, this pair of vases functions not merely as decorative objects but as cultural artifacts.