Cobalt Blue Vases Appraisal

Pair of Decorative Cobalt Blue and Cream Floral Vases

This is a pair of highly decorative ceramic vases, each featuring a predominant color scheme of cobalt blue and cream (or a very light yellow/off-white) with intricate floral and scrollwork designs. The material appears to be glazed ceramic or porcelain. Both vases exhibit hand-painted details, suggesting a certain level of craftsmanship. The taller vase on the left has a bulbous body tapering to a narrower neck and an everted rim. It features two prominent, three-dimensional floral or foliate handles on its shoulders, also painted in cobalt blue. The base of this vase is supported by three small, delicate feet. The body of the vase is primarily cream-colored, adorned with elaborate brown/gold scrollwork and accents, punctuated by pinkish-purple flowers with green leaves. The neck and foot are solid cobalt blue, with some gold detailing around the rim and at the base of the neck. There is visible wear and potential damage, including some chipping or loss of glaze, particularly around the rims and handles, and some signs of age-related crazing. There is a paper tag attached to its neck, indicating it might be part of an inventory from a shop. The shorter vase on the right has a more flared, scalloped neck and body that swells then tapers slightly towards the base. It also features two C-scroll handles, rendered in blue, on its sides. Similar to its counterpart, its main body is cream-colored with analogous brown/gold scrollwork and pinkish-purple floral motifs. The neck and handles are solid cobalt blue, with gold highlights accentuating the decorative elements and rim. Both pieces display a rococo-inspired or Victorian aesthetic, characterized by their ornate designs and color palette. The unevenness in some of the painted details suggests hand application rather than decal. The condition shows significant age and use, with chips, scuffs, and areas of discoloration evident on both pieces, particularly on the blue portions and edges, suggesting an estimated age from the late 19th to early 20th century. The quality of the hand-painting, while decorative, appears to be of a commercial rather than fine art standard.