Showrooms

Pair of Russian marble and gilt-bronze urns with covers

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Pair of Russian marble and gilt-bronze urns with covers
Russian, 19th Century
Height 41cm, width 16cm, depth 9cm

These unusual vases are after a pair found in Pavlovsk Palace, Russia, that were likely designed by the German-born bronzier Frederick Bergenfeldt (1760-1822). Whilst the original pair were cast completely from ormolu, this pair from the Mayfair Gallery collection combine ormolu mounts with veined black marble bodies and stands. The two vases are identical in design.

The urns are surmounted by domed lids capped with fruit finials and pierced anthemions. Goat-head masks are applied to the rim on each side. The tapering marble bodies are applied with a gilt-bronze frieze of dancing nymphs, and the body culminates in a further ormolu finial. The urns are held up by a pair of charming, winged putti, also cast from shining gilt-bronze.

The putti and urns rest on oval stepped plinths that are supported by toupie feet. The front of each plinth is applied with an ormolu eagle within a laurel wreath.

A similar, ormolu pair was sold at Christie’s, ‘Champalimaud Collection’, London, 6th-7th July 2005, Lot 195 (£45,600).

Contrasting unusual black marble with a host of classicised ormolu decorations, this refined pair would add a wonderful decorative touch to any interior.

More Information

Origin:	Russia
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Marble, ormolu.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	17592
Incollect Reference #:	738163

Dimensions

W.	6.3 in;	H.	16.14 in;	D.	3.54 in;
W.	16 cm;	H.	41 cm;	D.	9 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.