Pair of vases (vases cuir)

Manufactory Sèvres Manufactory French
 Figural decoration based on sculptures by Etienne-Maurice Falconet French

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 529

The curious form of these vases was inspired by pilgrim flasks made of leather-encase gourds intended for carrying water. The modeling realistically creates the impression of cut leather panels laced together, enclosing an inner container. The painted decoration makes no reference, however, to the function of the pilgrim flasks; the figures of Cupid and Psyche are based on popular sculptures by Etienne-Maurice Falconet (1716–1791).

Pair of vases (vases cuir), Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present), Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze, French, Sèvres

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Front of vases

Pair of vases (vases cuir), Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present), Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze, French, Sèvres
Pair of vases (vases cuir), Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present), Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze, French, Sèvres
Pair of vases (vases cuir), Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present), Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze, French, Sèvres
Pair of vases (vases cuir), Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present), Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze, French, Sèvres
Pair of vases (vases cuir), Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present), Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze, French, Sèvres

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