Pair of Vases

Probably designed by the silversmith Jean-Claude Duplessis, vases of this type are called à oreilles (with ears) because the foliar scrolls at the neck loop back to the shoulder to form ear-like handles. One of the most successful vase forms produced by Sèvres’s celebrated porcelain manufactory, vases à oreilles were made in five sizes, ranging from about four and a half to fifteen inches. Decorated with birds by Louis-Denis Armand l’aîné, these two were made en suite with the related pot-pourri à vaisseau. A set of pieces, or garniture, was intended to be displayed on a chest of drawers, pier table, or mantelpiece, often in front of a mirror.