Porcelain vases

Two Hand-Painted Porcelain Vases

Category: Antique Continental Porcelain
Period: Likely mid to late 19th century (circa 1850–1880)
Origin: Possibly German or French (e.g., Dresden, Meissen-style, or Old Paris porcelain)
Medium: Hand-painted porcelain with gilt decoration
Size: Approximately 7" tall by 4–5" wide
Weight (each): ~605 grams combined
Condition: Fair (both show notable wear to gilding, one with a large rim chip and possible minor edge flaking)

Description and Authentication

These ornate porcelain pieces appear to be mid-19th century Continental mantle vases or possibly spill vases, a form popular in the Victorian era used to hold thin wood spills for lighting fires or candles.

Stylistic features:

• Rococo Revival-style shaping with elaborate scrollwork, heavy base, and asymmetrical flourishes.
• Hand-painted figures in exotic or national dress (possibly influenced by the 19th-century “Chinoiserie” or Orientalist taste).
• One side features romanticized character scenes, while the reverse displays floral bouquets, a common theme for decorative display pieces in parlors.
• Gold gilding was applied by hand, much of which has worn off from age and handling.
• No visible maker’s marks, but the form, style, and quality of painting are consistent with pieces made in Dresden (Germany), Old Paris (France), or Bohemian workshops during the mid-1800s.

Condition Notes

• Gilding wear throughout.
• One vase has a large chip on the rim (as seen in your photo).
• Some age-appropriate discoloration and wear to the base and back.
• Unmarked base is not unusual for Continental porcelain of this type and era, especially pre-1891 (before “country of origin” marks were required for export under the McKinley Tariff Act).

Estimated Current Value (Fair Market)

• As-is condition (fair): $50 – $90 (for the pair)
• If both were in excellent condition: $125 – $175
• Decorative collector value—not museum-quality but attractive to collectors of Victorian or European porcelain.

Historical Context

In the 1800s, vases like these were often made for export and affluent households. The hand-painted nature, delicate features, and figurative scenes place these as parlor decorative items—more artistic than functional.

Recommendations

• No urgent need for professional appraisal unless you plan to insure or sell at a high-end auction. Most general antique dealers or collectors could evaluate these at local shows or online marketplaces.
• If seeking further identification, consider posting to:
  • Porcelain collector forums (like those for Dresden or Meissen)
  • Facebook groups such as “Antique & Vintage Porcelain Identification”
  • Or consult a specialist in 19th-century European ceramics

Care Advice

• Handle gently and avoid cleaning with abrasives due to gilding and hand-painted surfaces.
• If displaying, use padded stands to minimize risk of further damage.