Pair of Mennecy-Villeroy vases, 18th century - Lot 190

Pair of Mennecy-Villeroy vases, 18th century An important pair of lidded vases in Mennecy-Villeroy soft-paste porcelain, each marked “D.V.” on the underside of the lid, with a hand-painted polychrome decoration of bouquets of flowers and scattered blossoms on a white background. The ribbed, pear-shaped bodies are adorned with rocaille porcelain handles and enhanced by rich original gilt-bronze mounts, cast and chiseled with foliage, rocaille motifs, garlands, and floral designs in the Louis XV style. The pre-firing openings, the threaded stems, the original nuts, and the identical construction of both pieces confirm that they were originally designed as a mounted pair. A cohesive French set dating from the mid-18th century. One of the vases has an old break that has been repaired on a handle, as well as a crack on the neck near this repair. Normal signs of age, patina, and localized wear on the gilding. Origin: France | Manufacturer: Mennecy-Villeroy | Date: ca. 1750–1765 | Style: Louis XV | Materials: soft-paste porcelain and gilded bronze | Mark: D.V. under the lid | Height: 42 cm each | Condition: a handle that was previously broken and repaired, with a crack on the neck