A pair of gilt-bronze mounted Chinese porcelain sang de boeuf vases the porcelain Qing and 18th century, the mounts early 19th century and in the manner of Benjamin Vulliamy (1741-1811)

the handles in the form of serpents, of baluster form, adapted as table lamps

This attractive pair of vases is in restored condition and they are now fitted for electricity as lamps. The bronze mounts are in overall good condition, with light tarnish which would benefit from a light clean. The porcelain has been restored to both necks which have been broken and there are chips around the base mounts. It displays good colour to this type of peach blum glaze; there are some wear to glaze around the mounts. Lid and base couldn't be fully inspected due to mounts.
"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."

These wonderful gilt-bronze mounted vases recall a group of similar mounted porcelains, formerly at Harewood House, Yorkshire and examples in the Royal Collection, the mounts of which are attributed or given to Benjamin Vulliamy. The Chinese vases from Harewood and in Royal Collection, feature unusually fired glazes on sinuous shaped forms, with highly stylised neo-classical mounts, much like the offered lot.

Vulliamy is linked in June 1808 with the mounts supplied for two vases at Carlton House both of which are still in the Royal Collection. These vases feature neo-classical details and exotic winged reptiles for handles. The porcelain and form of one of these vases in this pair is nearly identical to that employed in the present lot. See Carlton House, The Past Glories of George IV, London, 1991, p.97, pl. 48 for an illustration of both.

The Vulliamy firm was established by François Justin Vulliamy (1712-97) in the mid 18th century.  François Vulliamy is believed to have left his native Switzerland in the 1730s and by 1743 had set up in partnership with Benjamin Gray, Watchmaker to the King.  Following François Vulliamy's death in 1797, his son Benjamin (d. 1819) took over the running of the business.  He was joined as partner by his son, Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy (1780-1854) in 1806.  Between them the Vulliamys were responsible for some of the finest ornaments and mounts produced in England in the 18th and 19th centuries, winning commissions from the Prince Regent and other distinguished patrons of the period