Pair Charles X Bronze-Mounted & Carved Alabaster Vases

FINE PAIR OF CHARLES X GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED CARVED ALABASTER VASES
Circa second quarter of 19th century
Item # 311XIP09Q
A fabulous pair of Charles X period alabaster vases from the second quarter of the 19th century, they feature brilliant crisply cast ormolu mounts against the oxidized and beautifully patinated alabaster.

The neck on each is flanked by scrolled foliate handles raised over carved masks on either side. Centrally hung Bachanalian trophy mounts are framed by draped garlands of flowers while the plinth is mounted with a large centrally situated lyre surrounded by laurel-leaves in a wreath. The vases are carved in the repeating water-leaves around the tapered stem and the plinth features lovely carved molding throughout. Both present beautifully with worn and wonderfully patinated surfaces throughout.

Provenance: Formerly with Galerie Steinitz, Paris; offered in the first of three sales performed by Christies, New York on 19 October 2007 for the Parisian antiquarian firm [sale 1887, “Le Goût Steinitz, I”, lot no. 15, estimate 10,000-15,000 USD, achieved $ 4375 USD]

Measurements: 13 3/16″ H x 3 1/4″ D x 3 1/4″ W [base]
Condition Report:
They possibly would have had lids originally, though the oxidization around the rims of the vase opening suggest that if this is the case they have been missing for an incredibly long time; old repair to foliate arm on one vase handle (note gray material – this can be colored upon request to reduce distraction of repair); handles slightly loose; both with old restorations, one being more significant and quite old (mostly visible to reverse); one vase with large chip from base; some variation in carvings between each vase, each with heavily worn molding decorations; one mask a very old restoration where it was carved from a composite material and has discolored at a slightly different rate than the other three original masks; other chips, discolorations and blemishes. A very fine presentation.