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A Monumental Pair of Minton Pâte-sur-Pâte Urns (Circa 1873–1912)
Vaulted Finds is honored to present an investment-grade treasure of the highest order: an exceptional pair of monumental Minton vases from a distinguished private estate. Standing at an impressive 16.5 inches (42 cm), these urns are not merely decorative objects—they are a breathtaking testament to the technical triumph of the Victorian "Golden Age."
The Lost Art of Pâte-sur-Pâte
At the heart of these masterpieces lies the coveted pâte-sur-pâte (paste-on-paste) technique, a process so labor-intensive that it is virtually extinct today. Every detail—from the delicate feathers of a cherub’s wing to the soft curve of a floral garland—was hand-sculpted through months of painstaking slip-layering. Against the deep, luminous cobalt ground, the white relief achieves a magical translucency, mirroring the ethereal depth of a precious antique gemstone.
Imperial Design & Symbolism
Inspired by the timeless aesthetics of Greco-Roman antiquity, these vases command attention through their architectural presence:
* The Subject: A flowing procession of winged putti, traditional symbols of abundance and eternal youth.
* The Details: Bold, hand-gilded lion-mask handles and robust Empire-style paw feet lend a sense of palatial authority.
* The Finish: Lavish high-carat gold detailing, hand-chased with jeweler-like precision to create a striking contrast against the royal blue glaze.
Item Specifications
* Manufacturer: Minton (Staffordshire, England)
* Dimensions: Height: 16.5 inches (42 cm)
* Markings: Original gilt Minton crown and ribbon marks (1873–1912)
* Provenance: Distinguished Private Collection
Report: Museum Quality
* Integrity: Both porcelain bodies are structurally flawless, with no chips, cracks, or professional restorations detected.
* Relief Work: The pâte-sur-pâte elements remain remarkably crisp, retaining their original needle-sharp definition.
* Gilding: The original gold remains vibrant, displaying only the faintest, "noble" rubbing on high-relief areas—a hall-mark of 130 years of authentic history.
* Hardware: Original internal support rods and fastening nuts are intact and secure.
Finding a complete matching pair of Minton vases of this scale and preservation is an increasingly rare event on the global market. As museum-level examples of 19th-century luxury, they offer both a peerless interior statement and a secure store of value. These are pieces destined for the world’s most refined collections.
