157 - IMPERIAL PORCELAIN FACTORY

IMPERIAL PORCELAIN FACTORY A PORCELAIN VASE WITH A COBALT-BLUE GROUND. IMPERIAL PORCELAIN FACTORY. RUSSIA, ST PETERSBURG, REIGN OF ALEXANDER I, 1801–1825. An elegant porcelain vase with a rich cobalt-blue ground, attributed to the Imperial Porcelain Factory in St Petersburg during the reign of Emperor Alexander I (1801–1825). A fine example of Russian decorative art from the first quarter of the 19th century, distinguished by its harmonious proportions, purity of silhouette and remarkable depth of colour. The vase is of pear-shaped form, with softly rounded shoulders rising to a tall, tapering neck and a widely flared rim. The composition is completed by a low circular foot with a moulded edge, lending stability and architectural refinement to the silhouette. The exterior is covered in a deep, dark cobalt-blue glaze with a characteristic lustrous finish. The rich, virtually uniform colour accentuates the sculptural qualities of the form, creating subtle reflections of light across the rounded body. The interior of the neck and the underside of the base remain white, providing a striking contrast with the intense blue ground. The absence of ornamental or figurative decoration directs attention to the refinement of the proportions and the quality of the porcelain surface. The artistic conception combines classical restraint with formal elements derived from Eastern ceramic prototypes that became influential in European decorative arts. Marks: The underside of the base bears a blue Imperial monogram mark, consisting of the letter ‘A’ beneath an Imperial crown, corresponding to the marks of the Imperial Porcelain Factory during the reign of Alexander I, 1801–1825. Materials: Porcelain, cobalt-blue glaze. Dimensions: Height: 30 cm; width: 20 cm. Condition: Good condition, as assessed from the available photographs. Minor signs of natural wear consistent with age. Auction Provenance: MacDougall’s Fine Art Auctions, London, Russian Art and Photography Auctions, 8 June 2016, lot 324 A Porcelain Vase. Width: 20cm, Height: 30cm, Depth: 20cm, Weight: 2.110kg, Condition: Good, Material: PORCELAIN, ID: ID-ANTQ-16471