A pair of large gilt-bronze mounted `Sèvres' style porcelain vases and covers Napoleon III, third quarter 19th century

each of baluster form, with scrolled acanthus cast handles with a berried laurel swag terminating in a ring, decorated with oval reserves depicting hunting scenes the reverse painted with landscapes decorated with scenes after Philip Wouwerman, on a trumpet foot and octagonal base, decorated in gilt on a dark blue ground; the underneath bearing an interlaced 'L' mark  

Gilding less greenish, much more golden and the colours on the porcelain in the reserves are much stronger and vibrant and the ground of the vase is not as black and more royal blue and much more attractive than appears in the catalogue illustration. There is some very minor rubbing to the gilt bronze in some places, especially to the octagonal plinths as visible from the catalogue photograph. The detail to the painted decoration is very good and is after Wouvermans. There is some very minor rubbing in places to the parcel-gilt decoration on the porcelain. These vases are in overall very good condition and are a good large size and can be placed immediately. Highly recommended.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
Birgit Schumacher, Philip Wouwerman, Netherlands, 2006, Vol. I-II, p. 253 A 206, where the scene on one of these vases is based on Wouwerman's, `Hawking Party Resting near a Fountain', circa 1662/1663, in reverse.