A pair of Louis XVI ormolu-mounted Japanese porcelain vases the mounts circa 1780, the porcelain 18th century

The ormolu with some rubbing scattered traces of oxidation and surface dirt. Some small cracks to ormolu, not extensive. In good overall condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A design in the Municipal Library, Besançon, showing a Japanese celadon vase mounted with a crouching mermaid, very similar to the figures on the vases in this lot, is illustrated H. Ottomeyer and P. Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, vol. II, Munich, 1989, p. 579, fig. 18. The vase, mounted in ormolu by Pierre Gouthière in 1782, was lot 114 in the celebrated sale of the collection of the duc d'Aumont.

A similar crouching satyr figure appears on an ormolu-mounted verde antico garniture in a Paris private collection (see H. Ottomeyer op. cit., p. 565) which is very close to a garniture (present whereabouts unknown) supplied by Gouthière to Madame du Barry in 1770.