An exquisite Porcelain de Paris wedding vase (or Vase d’Eglise Mariée), with an undulating gilt rim, and an exuberantly moulded and gilded base. On its front side is a delightful hand-painted floral scene of wildflowers set against a cobalt blue sky. Vases such as this were chosen by a bride-to-be, and taken to the church to display floral decorations on the altar during the marriage ceremony. The vase would then be retained by the church, so to save money the craftsman would be commissioned to paint just the front panel, which was the only part that would face the congregation – the rear side would remain hidden from view! This tulip- shaped vase dates from the 19th century, and is still in excellent condition with only minor signs of wear to the gilding on the rim. A very romantic piece of French history.