Lidded Vase

This garniture, or set of three vases, is a stunning example of jeweled enameling, the most extravagant type of decoration produced at the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory during the 18th century. The process involved applying embossed gold foils enameled in translucent or opaque colors, giving the effect of jewels. Each vase is further embellished with scenes adapted from paintings by some of the most important French artists of the 18th century. The scene on the center vase, for example, is based on The Three Graces, a painting by Carle van Loo.
Jeweled Sèvres porcelain vases were not produced in great quantities, probably because they were so costly. Only the most accomplished decorators worked on such exceptional pieces, and only the most elite customers could afford to buy them. This garniture is thought to have been owned by Queen Marie-Antoinette.