Pair of Rouleaux Vases

Artist:Russian Imperial Glass Factory, design by Ivan Ivanov (director from 1815 to 1848)

Date:1820 circa

Geographic area :Russia

Technique:crystal and gilded bronze


Description

These imperial cut crystal vases were mounted with bronze handles decorated with children’s heads and masks. The foot and the square base are also in gilded bronze. The bronze elements are likely the work of master goldsmith Pierre-Philippe Thomire (Paris 1751 – 1843). The Russian Imperial Glass Factory probably acquired the precious handles from France because there were no customs fees on French bronzes.