Swedish Neoclassical Blyberg Porphyry Covered Vase, Gustav IV Period, circa 1810

A large bowl made of Blyberg Porphyry from Älfdalen, Sweden, circa 1800.

A monumental pair of neoclassical period, Swedish Porphyry Campagna shaped vases, circa 1810. These magnificent handcrafted urns are carved from the uniquely Swedish Porphyry stone, rest on square plinths. Purchased from Didier Aaron in Paris by Michael Taylor. A vase of this shape based on the Borghese vase in the Louvre is shown in a French catalogue of 1805 advertising porphyry from Elfdal in Sweden (H. Sundblom et al., Porfyr, exhibition catalogue, December 1985-February 1986, p.31). A vase of the same shape and size in Blyberg porphyry...

An early 19th century Swedish or Russian Porphyry campana urn vase carved in a Classic shape, likely carved by the Alvdalen factory in Sweden, the vase presently mounted on a faux gr...

Pair of French Neoclassical style ormolu mounted porphyry vases French, 20th Century Height 125cm, width 48cm, depth 38cm Exuding timeless elegance and inspired by Neoclassical des...

A pair of large and extremely decorative Chinese export faux Swedish Porphyry ceramic covered vases with various sea creature designs in high relief. These are truly a gorgeous pair ...

A blue and grey semi-glazed vase designed and produced by Gustav & Ulla Kraitz, Sweden, c. 1970s “KRAITZ” written on bottom

A blue and grey semi-glazed vase designed and produced by Gustav & Ulla Kraitz, Sweden, c. 1970s “KRAITZ” written on bottom

A magnificent and monumentally scaled Italian early 19th century solid Porphyry and ormolu urn, circa 1810. The most impressive urn is raised by a circular base with a fine stepped and mottled border. At the center is an impressive and most decorative reeded design below the smooth elegantly curved body with richly sculpted scrolled handles at each side. Above the curved neck is the removable lid also decorated with a beautiful reeded design, mottled band, and centered by a striking ormolu acorn finial. All original gilt. Porphyry was Imperial Rome’s most prestigious stone for columns, vases, and other objects. The word “porphyry” comes from the Latin word for purple, which was the color of nobility to the Romans. Porphyry is considered the Imperial Stone of the Roman Empire. In the year 18 AD, the Roman Legionnaire Caius Cominius discovered a beautiful purple stone in the eastern desert of Egypt. It was a deep purple color with flecks of larger white crystals and was perfect for carving. This porphyry quickly became the most prestigious stone for the elite of Rome and Byzantium. For centuries the Romans quarried this treasured stone...

Italian porcelain vase, Doccia, circa 1810.

An exceptionally rare and quite exquisite antique Neoclassical Berlin (KPM) manufactory gold ground Campana shaped two handled vase. The continuous pattern...