Malachite, marble, gilt base
Russia, late 19th century
Pair of classic malachite urns or crater vases in campana form
Marble body, covered fully and in complete perfection with malachite
On square gilt brass base, underside with green felt
With removable malachite cover inside
Multi-part structure, bolted
Height: 34.5 cm
Very good condition
Luxurious pair of malachite vases; comparable examples can be found in the Hermitage for instance

This pair of vases was created in Russia in the 19th century. The marble bodies are of so-called campana form, each entirely covered with a mosaic of malachite. They are of classical shape, raised on turned socles. Both are standing on a square base made of gilt brass, which is covered with green felt on the underside. The inner malachite covers are removable to accommodate flower arrangements for example.

By the beginning of the 19th century malachite had become a favorite material for Russian jewelry, decorative pieces of art and even decorations for royal interiors, made fashionable by the Romanov dynasty. The noble and rare stone, found at the foothills of the Urals, became a signifier of prestige and wealth, enjoying the same value as diamonds.

A similar pair of vases is exhibited in the Malachite Hall of the Winter Palace of the Hermitage. The hall, designed by the master architect Alexander Briullov in 1837, used to be a drawing room for Alexandra Fyodorovna, wife of Tsar Nicholas I and is an example of the opulent taste of the period.



Literature: Aleksandra Alekseeva et al, St. Petersburg um 1800. Ein goldenes Zeitalter des russischen Zarenreichs. Meisterwerke und authentische Zeugnisse der Zeit aus der Staatlichen Ermitage, Leningrad, Recklingshausen 1990, Kat. 358



The two vases are in very good condition with hardly any signs of age. One of the inner covers with a chip. The height measures 34.5 cm. (tfa)

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.