A pair of Sèvres blue-ground vases and covers circa 1770

the ovoid body probably painted by Jean-Louis Morin, with two gilt-edged oval panels, one with a harbour scene showing figures moving cargo, the other with figures and ruins in a hilly landscape, the white and gilt fluted handles each rising from the brick gilt basal knop and folding inwards at the shoulder, gilt flower garlands around the handles, mounted in an ormolu laurel wreath above a square socle

Each foot with extended firing crack (5cm. and 2cm.), one handle with firing fault, one 1cm. flake and other minor flakes to gilt reserves, line border on shoulders perhaps with some re-touched gilding, two very minor scratches to painting, one cover with extended firing crack, the other with large chip (5cm.) from interior rim.
"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."

This rare form is a slimmer variation of the 'vase à ruban' or 'vase à couronne'; see R. Savill, Catalogue of Sèvres porcelain, Vol. I, C267-9. This slimmer form is better known in nineteenth century Sèvres, but period examples sold at auction include a pair of apple-green ground vases, lacking covers, sold at Christie's 30th May 1963 lot 159; and a blue-ground pair, described as 'Vases Semi-Ovoïdes Allongés' sold at Sotheby's New York, 16^th October 1987 lot 167.
The quay scenes after Claude-Joseph Vernet were particularly popular and appear on several Sèvres shapes. However since not all of them are signed by J.-L. Morin and the scenes continue to appear on Sèvres vases four years after the painter's death, it is difficult to attribute them with certainty to J.-L. Morin's hand