An Intriguing Pair of Sèvres Vases

Among the highlights are a pair of Sèvres porcelain green-ground flower pots and pierced stands (vases ‘hollandois’), dating from 1758, which are particularly intriguing for their possible royal associations. The factory's sales registers record several purchases of second-size vases ‘Hollandois’ during 1757 and 1758, including pairs acquired by Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour and an anonymous purchaser. Each group was decorated with green ribbons, putti and elaborate ornament, although subtle variations in their decoration and factory marks help distinguish the individual commissions.

The present examples bear the date letter E, confirming their manufacture in 1758. Their distinctive form is characterised by four convex lobes, each divided by tapering pilasters. The principal panels depict putti among clouds, one holding a bow and another a spray of flowers, while the remaining surfaces feature trophies representing love, architecture, music, sculpture and painting. Particularly charming is the inclusion of a musical score inscribed ‘SONATA · VI / del · Signor Caproni’.

Beyond their ornamental appeal, the vases also served a practical purpose. Their fan-shaped upper sections were designed to accommodate planted bulbs, while the hollow lower sections functioned as small water reservoirs. Apertures in the bases of the upper sections allowed water to pass through, providing a supply for the plants above. This ingenious construction illustrates the Sèvres manufactory's ability to unite decorative sophistication with practical ingenuity.

A Service in Bleu Céleste

Also represented in the collection is an impressive Sèvres porcelain ‘Festons Bleu-Céleste’ part-composite dinner and dessert service, dating from 1786–1790. Characterised by delicate sky-blue borders, elaborate gilding and finely painted floral arrangements, the service exemplifies the manufactory's skill in creating refined tableware for fashionable entertaining. Its varied forms include dinner plates, fruit dishes, ice pails, ice-cream cups and meat-juice pots, offering an insight into the elaborate dining customs of the late 18th century.

The service has a particularly interesting commercial history. The majority of the present pieces can be traced to a purchase made between October and December 1794 by Empaytaz et Compagnie, a Parisian trading company associated with the merchant Pierre-Fédécie Empaytaz. The pattern had previously attracted the attention of London china dealer Enoch Rittener, who acquired a smaller service of the same design directly from Sèvres in March 1790. Research by Sèvres specialist David Peters has helped establish the relationship between these transactions, revealing how the manufactory continued to decorate and supplement existing stocks to fulfil orders and meet demand.

The factory marks offer further insight into the service's production, identifying the involvement of flower painter François-Marie Barrat and gilder Henri-Martin Prévost, both highly regarded craftsmen at Sèvres. Their respective skills are reflected in the finely executed floral arrangements and intricate gilding, which contribute to the service's refined appearance and demonstrate the high standards of craftsmanship achieved by the manufactory.

A Royal Gift: The Sèvres Punch-Bowl of Queen Maria Carolina

Another particularly significant highlight is a large Sèvres porcelain punch-bowl, dating from 1773, which once belonged to Queen Maria Carolina of Naples and Sicily (1752–1814). Presented by King Louis XV of France, the bowl formed part of an elaborate porcelain service gifted to the Queen in January 1774 to commemorate the baptism of her second daughter, Princess Luisa Maria Amelia Teresa, for whom Louis XV acted as godfather.

Maria Carolina was the daughter of Emperor Franz I and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, and the elder sister of Marie Antoinette, who would shortly become Queen of France. Known in France as Charlotte-Louise, her initials, CL, appear within the service's decorative scheme. Comprising 114 pieces, together with 39 biscuit porcelain figures, the commission included the present punch-bowl, or Jatte à punch, which was originally accompanied by a mortar for preparing the fruits and spices used in the drink. Valued at 720 livres, the bowl was among the most expensive pieces in the commission.

The bowl is particularly striking for its richly detailed decoration. Garlands of laurel surround gilt-edged medallions depicting winged putti among clouds, their attributes symbolising good governance, victory and love. Set against a rich dark-blue ground, the elaborate gilding further accentuates the composition, showcasing the decorative sophistication for which Sèvres was celebrated. The factory marks also identify the painters Étienne-Jean Chabry and Edme-François Bouillat, whose contributions helped realise this distinguished commission.

Following its presentation to the Queen, the service was eventually dispersed, with individual pieces beginning to appear at auction in London during the 19th century. The present bowl is almost certainly identifiable as the ‘superb bowl’ formerly belonging to the Earl of Lonsdale, which was sold at Christie's in 1856. It subsequently passed through several distinguished private collections, including that of Francis Ayerst, before entering the collection of the late Jeanette Cecilia Storton.

Combining exceptional royal provenance with direct associations to the Bourbon and Habsburg dynasties, the punch-bowl offers a remarkable insight into the role of Sèvres porcelain as both a diplomatic gift and an expression of royal patronage.

Collection Highlights

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Auction Details

Wednesday 9 December, 2.30pm GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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Viewing at Dreweatts London: 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
Wednesday 25 November: 10am-4pm
Thursday 26 November: 10am-4pm
Friday 27 November: 10am-4pm
Saturday 28 November: 10am-3pm
Monday 30 November: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 1 December: 10am-4pm

Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury: Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
Saturday 5 December: 10am-3pm
Sunday 6 December: 10am-3pm
Monday 7 December: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 8 December: 10am-4pm
Wednesday 9 November: 10am-2.30pm

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