Limoges Porcelain Vase Pair (2 pcs) — Empire Style with Gold Swans and Bees (7096)

Dimensions:

• Height — 32 cm

• Width — 17.5 cm

Limoges Porcelain Vase Pair (2 pcs) — Empire Style with Gold Swans and Bees

A snapshot of the Empire era, Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte:

Behind snow-white curtains, a sunny morning unfolds, illuminating the smooth surface of a marble console in a palace hall. Frozen in radiant white and gold are two slender vessels, their relief-adorned, bare winged bird necks with delicate beaks gently embracing the rim of the neck, forming an elegant and sculptural arc of handles. Delicate fingers, adorned with gemstone rings, lightly glide over the contour of a gilded insect in the center of a laurel wreath, which, as a faithful symbol of the empire, gleams against the clear background. The air is filled with the intoxicating scent of expensive powder, freshly cut white peonies, and blooming orange trees. The sun climbs higher, and each hand-painted golden laurel branch on the base of the vessel ignites in the light, transforming the space into a palace filled with royal splendor.

Craftsmanship & Period

The pair of vases was crafted in the mid-20th century in France. It was created as an exquisite and filigree reproduction of the Empire style, honoring the court style favored by Napoleon I and Josephine Bonaparte in the early 19th century and its imperial symbolism.

Maker / Signature / Mark

On the underside of the base is the original green manufacturer’s stamp “LIMOGES FRANCE”, as well as the gilded signature of the master’s hand “Fait main M. Carrier”, attesting to the high origin of Limoges porcelain and the individualized hand-painting and gilding.

Rarity & Significance

The main artistic and collector’s value of the vases lies in their expressive Empire-style plasticity and Napoleonic imperial symbolism. Both handles are shaped as sculpturally detailed, fully gilded swans (cygne) with raised wings — a favorite symbol of love and fidelity for Josephine and the Malmaison Palace. In the center of the body on both sides, a gilded Napoleonic bee (abeille impériale) with wings is hand-painted, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The upper neck, base, and square pedestal are adorned with delicate gilded laurel and oak leaf garlands.

Application & Interior Use

This pair of Limoges porcelain vases will serve as a magnificent and aristocratic accent in any classic, eclectic, or Chateau style living room, dining room, or on a mantelpiece. They are ideally suited for grand floral arrangements or as standalone, gleaming design objects.

Condition

Both items are in good historical and visual condition. The clear white porcelain is structurally sound—free from chips or signs of restoration. The hand-executed gilding and painting have retained their vibrancy and luster. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.

Victorian snapshot:

A snapshot of the Empire era, Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte: Behind snow-white curtains, a sunny morning unfolds, illuminating the smooth surface of a marble console in a palace hall. Frozen in radiant white and gold are two slender vessels, their relief-adorned, bare winged bird necks with delicate beaks gently embracing the rim of the neck, forming an elegant and sculptural arc of handles. Delicate fingers, adorned with gemstone rings, lightly glide over the contour of a gilded insect in the center of a laurel wreath, which, as a faithful symbol of the empire, gleams against the clear background. The air is filled with the intoxicating scent of expensive powder, freshly cut white peonies, and blooming orange trees. The sun climbs higher, and each hand-painted golden laurel branch on the base of the vessel ignites in the light, transforming the space into a palace filled with royal splendor.