A pair of porcelain vases, after a model by A.K. Spiess, Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, period of Alexander II, (1855-1881)

in the form of tazzi, the deep blue bodies decorated with finely moulded fruits, and scrolls, with acanthus leaf rim and gilt and bead border, the stem formed from four putti, the scroll base applied with floral swags and vines, on four scroll feet, with Imperial cypher for Alexander II

The outstanding sculptural features of this vase are typical of the work of August Karlovich Spiess (1817-1904). Most of the important porcelain works produced at the Imperial factory in the period of Alexander II were modelled according to his designs. A very similar vase to the offered lot, with almost identical ornament is illustrated in: Baron Von Wolf, Imperial Porcelain Factory, 1744-1904, St Petersburg Orkestr, 2003, p. 233 and reproduced left. Other examples of single vases are in the permanent collection of the All-Russia Museum in Moscow, and the Imperial Porcelain Factory Museum in St Petersburg. However it is very rare to find a pair of vases, such as the offered lot.