Gilt with acanthus scrolls and palmettes, on faux bleu turquin marble bases.

These well-documented vases appear in the Sèvres Archives for the period 1808-1810, which reveal that very few pairs of vases were produced and even fewer with this characteristic coloured 'fond écaille' ground. The only mention that could correspond, both in the assessment sheets (PB1), and in the register of credits to the Government from 1808-1810 (Vbb2,123) is the delivery for Madame Albizzi. Here we find the mention of “2 vases etrusques carafes 2 g fond ecaille frise or Boitel... 90 (francs)” on 18 October 1809; and by order of the emperor “31 decembre 1810 / pour Mad. Albizzi / (...) 2 vases forme Etrusque fond ecaille / decor or Paire… 180 (francs)”.

The history of Sèvres porcelain from this period can be traced with precision thanks to the marks found on the underside of pieces, which enable them to be linked to the highly-detailed information in the surviving archives for the factory.

During the early 19th Century, the factory was directed by Alexandre Brongniart and created innovative and audacious designs, which are highly sought-after today, yet can be surprisingly affordable.