A pair of gilt-bronze mounted pierced Blanc de Chine porcelain vases, the porcelain Chinese, 18th century, the mounts Louis XV, with the crowned C mark

with pierced flowers and foliage, with two foliate scrolled handles; (restoration to porcelain)

Mrs. Eleanor Post Close's apartment, Hotel Navarro, 112 Central Park South, New York, mentioned in the appraisal April 18th, 1958

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. 8, fig. 9  and p. 76, fig. 6 (ill.)

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. The gilding is very slightly rubbed and tarnished. There are minor stains to the porcelain due to the mounts which have moved. These stains could be easily cleaned. A minute chip to the porcelain. Attractive model. Good quality of the 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."

The mounts of this pair of vases were submitted to a particular tax adopted between 1745 and 1749 probably in order to fund the Austrian Succession War. The mark certifies a dating during this period or just before (L. Moor, « L'orfèvrerie au C couronné », in L'Estampille-L'Objet d'Art, n. 320, pp. 46-53).