Features
◆ Ornate Rococo curves
One of the defining features of the Rococo style is its liberal use of soft curves, flowers, scrolling foliage and asymmetrical ornament.
The handles, mouth, relief work on the body and the foot of this vase all show that classical vocabulary, giving it a strong European court feel.
◆ Applied roses in relief
The centre of the body is not flat painted decoration; the roses are modelled as applied ceramic relief.
The thickness and layering of the petals are clearly worked, casting natural shadows from different angles, so the effect is far more sculptural and finely made than a printed or flat-painted design.
◆ Fine gilt decoration
Gold enamel picks out the edges of the roses, the relief on the body and parts of the curves.
The gold does not cover large areas but is used to emphasise outlines, so the piece is ornate yet keeps the softness of old porcelain.
◆ The ivory-white tone of old porcelain
The body is not a cold pure white but a warmer ivory or cream tone.
This colour goes easily with wooden furniture, classical cabinets, brass lamps, patterned upholstery and retro interiors.
◆ A large two-handled form
About 29 cm high and 26 cm wide, a decorative vase of some substance.
The handles in particular extend its visual width, so it works well as the main object on a hall table, a mantelpiece, a sideboard or a display cabinet.