Pair of Vases (Pots Pourris à Bobèches)

c. 1759

Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory (French, founded 1740)
Designed by Jean-Claude Duplessis (French, c. 1695-1774)
Painting attributed to by André-Vincent Vieillard (French, 1717-90, active 1752-90)

These multi-functional vessels served as both candleholders and room fresheners. Potpourri or burning pastilles were inserted at the foot of each vase, and the perfume was released through the intricate piercing along the sides and the bulblike projection between the candleholders. The resulting scent created the illusion that the porcelain flowers atop the vases were alive.

Status: On View, Gallery 216
Department: Applied Arts of Europe

Artist: Jean-Claude Duplessis (Designer)
Title: Pair of Vases (Pots Pourris à Bobèches)
Origin: Sèvres
Date: 1754–1764
Medium: Soft-paste porcelain, polychrome enamels, and gilding
Dimensions: 1994.371.1: H. 24.1 cm (9 1/2 in.) 1994.371.2: H. 25.2 cm (9 7/8 in.)
Credit Line: Joseph Maier and Arthur Lewis Liebman Memorial: Gift of Kenneth J. Maier, M.D.
Reference Number: 1994.371.1-2
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