Found in Paris. I was seduced by the sheer size of these. They're atypical of the usual 'scaled down' French vases, and would have been made for use in a cathedral or church. Large enough for parishioners to enjoy from a distance, filled with flowers and set on raised bracket shelves, perhaps, or side alter. They are 13" tall, 8.5" wide there at the top, and heavy! Each one made to last, and they have. Unsigned but for a slash of gold over-glazed in black (I have no idea what that means - do you?). Sturdy and substantial enough in size to have displayed iris, larger florals. Pretty enough to be left empty, as well. entirely hand painted, sides so beautifully crafted and preserved, surely you've got the perfect spot to show them off. When these are unsigned, they simply are described and known as "Old Paris", and can be from any of a lauded list of makers. Sometimes one can identify a maker by the mould/form used. I would date these Napoleon III era (c.1850-70) but could be earlier.
Very good to excellent for age and type. First of all, RARE to have both of the pair of vases still together. Made in pairs initially, not many survive with both. Nicely preserved, no chips on sides, tops, but a single tiny chip on one side of bottom of one vase. Interesting to me, the dark glaze on bottoms, sides (see images). I've wondered if perhaps they were made to have a metal base or plinth of some sort, but there are no scratches to indicate they ever were set thus. Could they be markings for alter boys to align them on their platform or shelf? I don't really know. Fabulous pair - sized for a modern large room, mantel, table. Measurements noted on the photos. I need to buy flowers and add photos showing them in use, don't I. Come back for those!
