Potpourri vases. Paris, late 19th century

Potpourri vases. Paris, late 19th century.
Porcelain.
Marked on the base.
They show some signs of wear and tear due to use and the passage of time.
In good condition.
Measurements: 15 x 11.5 x 11.5 cm.

A pair of Parisian porcelain potpourri vases, designed in the historicist style that characterized French decorative arts in the late 19th century. Each piece features a slightly truncated conical body raised on gilded claw-shaped feet, with small side handles and an openwork lid, whose original function was to diffuse the fragrances of dried flowers and essences contained within. Particularly noteworthy is their rich pictorial decoration, featuring gallant and genre scenes inspired by the 18th century, executed with remarkable meticulousness and framed by broad gilded surfaces and polychrome floral motifs. The abundant use of gold, combined with the hallmarks provided by the delicate enamels and figurative reserves, lends the piece a distinctly sumptuous character.

Potpourri vases were decorative objects particularly prized in European interiors from the 18th century onward and continued to be produced throughout the 19th century. Their function was both ornamental and aromatic: they contained mixtures of dried flowers, petals, herbs, spices, and essences intended to perfume the rooms. For this reason, their most recognizable feature is the presence of an openwork or punctured lid, which allowed the aroma to diffuse slowly without revealing the contents. During the 18th and 19th centuries, they were crafted from luxurious materials, particularly porcelain, earthenware, and bronze, and were often designed in pairs to decorate fireplaces, console tables, and living room furniture. The most refined models featured abundant gilding, sculpted handles, flowers, courtly scenes, or landscapes, following styles such as Rococo, Neoclassical, and, later, the historicist styles of the 19th century.