A PAIR OF SÈVRES LARGE VASES 1844

(vases Medicis 3^{ème  grandeur), each decorated on the front and reverse with nesting birds and on the sides with cherubs resting on floral and leafy swags suspended from neoclassical devices between gilt and platinum borders, mounted on a later gilt-metal square base,  the interior of the vases with crowned script LP SEVRES 1844 circular marks and the underside of the feet with similar 1837 marks printed in blue, one inscribed 'Didier 1844'.}

Each pair has some very minor slight wear to the gilding on the inner edge of the upper rim. One vase has a 1/4-in chip to the inner rim edge; three fine stress-related haircracks to the lower bulbous part of the body, not readily apparent on the exterior; and two 1-in. areas of chipping to the upper edge of the socle where it abuts the body of the vase - both the stress cracks and the chipping probably a result of overtightening the bolt. The other vase is in good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Sèvres archives record these vases as having been delivered  to the saleroom on August 29, 1844, (Registre Vv4, folio 27, no 73) but returned to the factory shortly thereafter. They were subsequently delivered to King Louis Phillipe as a gift on September 12, 1844 (Registre Vbb, folio 38).
A vase, dated 1822, in the collection of the Hillwood Museum, Washington, D. C., painted with birds by Madame Knip and swags, similar to the decoration of the present examples, by Charles-Antoine Didier fils (active 1819-1847) is illustrated by Anne Odom and Liana Paredes Arend, A Taste for Splendor, Russian Imperial and European Treasures from the Hillwood Museum, p. 228, no. 117.
Sotheby's wishes to thank Tamara Préaud for her assistance in the cataloguing of this lot.