Pair of Painted Cast Iron French Vases with Lions Mask Handles, 19th Century

Originally from France, this pair of cast iron vases would make wonderful planters for either inside or outdoors. The vases, which date to the 1800s, have been painted white; however...

After the original 18th century garden vases, entitled Autumn, by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, this pair of large cast garden vases are in the classic krater form. A sprawling scene with mascarons, rams’ heads, and grapevines are set between egg and dart molding and gadrooned lobes. Made with a mixture of crushed stone and cement (known as reconstituted stone), the tall vases were imbued with a cream coloring agent during the casting process. Each vase is supported by a thick rectangular plinth beneath a tapering neck adorned with geometric motifs and Vitruvian waves filled with flowers. These impressive garden vases will make a wonderful statement, inside or outdoors. Originally part of a set of four vases depicting the seasons of Autumn and Spring, which were designed for the Chateau de Choisy by Ange-Jacques...