In the 18th century porcelain was one of the most highly prized commodities. Hard paste porcelain originated in China almost 2000 years ago and the process kept a secret. It was not until the early 18th century that Europeans uncovered the process and the German Meissen factory established. The French quickly followed, opening factories in Chantilly, St. Cloud and Vincennes. The Vincennes factory enjoyed the support of Louis XV and his mistress Madame de Pompadour, and in 1756 the factory was moved to the town of Sèvres, Hauts-de-Seine, near her Château de Bellevue. The factory quickly began to distance itself from its competitors and developed forms and decoration uniquely its own.
This extremely fine quality late 18th century, two-handled Sèvres vase has stunning gold and hand painted decoration. The ground of blue celeste is adorned with a painted panel depicting an intricate scene of boar hunting, with the opposite side showing expertly crafted gold decoration depicting a boar and foliage. Signed with Sevres mark on base, lid signed "Molke" underneath.
Size: 30 h x 17 w x 15 d
ZE19694