A pair of gilt-bronze-mounted Blue-John Medici vases, French Restauration, circa 1820-1830

with a leaf frieze, the handles with children playing the flute, the square base with acanthus spandrels; (minor losses and restorations)

Probably Collection of Sir Richard Wallace (1818-1890) after F.J.B. Watson former Director of The Wallace Collection in London

Literature:
F. J. B. Watson, "The Paris collections of Madame B.", in The Connoisseur. An illustrated magazine for Collectors, London, vol. 155, January-April 1964, p. 81, fig. 16 (ill.)

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate but the gilding is less orange in reality. The pair has been regilt at the end of the 19th century but there are old traces of mercury gilding. The gilding is slightly rubbed and tarnished. Three ormolu moldings need to be refixed. Two flutes are missing. The upper part of one vase has been restored (approx. 13 cm.) and there is one loss to the restoration (approx. 8 cm. x 1 cm.). There are also restorations to the base and to the upper part of the other vase. Nice quality of chasing and beautiful stone.
"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 spectacular Blue-John vases were particularly rare in France during the time of the Restoration and they attest to the anglomania in vogue in France at the first part of the 19th century. Blue-John, originally only from quarries in Derbyshire, England, was a British specialty that did not arrive in France until the early 19th century. This semi-precious stone was appreciated for its translucency and its amethyst colour. The famous British bronze-artist Matthew Boulton specialized in Blue-John objects mounted in gilt-bronze, such as pendulum clocks and candelabra.

Our pair of vases, however, remains very French due to the design of the bronze mounts: the children musicians on the handles are directly inspired by those adorning the wall light model formerly attributed to Pierre Gouthière. A pair of wall lights with this model is in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. 975 -1882).