Gustafsberg Gustavsberg Swedish Ceremonial Vase from 1878 Paris Exposition Universelle

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This extraordinary ceremonial vase from Gustafsberg of Stockholm is dated 1878 and believed to have been commissioned by the Kingdom of Sweden and Norway for exhibition at the nation’s pavilion at the Exposition Universelle held in Paris in 1878.  Measuring approximately 40 in (1 m) tall, it is fashioned in the shape of an Athenian volute-krater with prominent scrolling handles, and features hand-painted scenes celebrating various industries of the kingdom.

Cast in two sections, it features a cobalt blue ground with extensive gilding decorating the scrolling handles, rim, shoulder, base and pedestal, with neoclassical motifs including acanthus scrolls, fluting, lotus leaves in a diaper pattern.

On the rear is an angel, emblematic of Victory, ushering two processions of figures to the throne of Sophia of Nassau (1836-1913), Queen consort of the Kingdom of Sweden and Norway, shown seated  beneath the country's coat of arms.  (Interestingly, King Oscar II, King of Sweden and Norway since 1872, was not chosen to be depicted.)  She welcomes each procession with wreaths, and displayed above her is the Sweden-Norway royal coat of arms. The finely painted figures dressed in the costumes of their chosen trade, carry the tools and implements of their craft with crests of the towns and cities best representing each profession. There is a farmer, architect, metalsmith, ceramicist, miner, priest, carpenter, clockmaker, hunter, ship builder, gunsmith, cheesemonger, fisherman, and industrialist. The overall theme celebrates the diversity of Swedish and Norwegian trades, while signaling to the world their rapid embrace of the Industrial Revolution.

Condition is good. We cannot rule out the possibility of minor cracks and restorations, and are selling the item "as-is".

Item Details

Reference #:
ha-1559
Quantity
1
Category
Ceramics & Porcelain
SubCategory
Porcelain
Department
Antiques (approx100yrs)
Year
1878
Dimensions
(Width x Height X Depth)
x 40.00 x
Weight
Unknown
Condition
Very Good
Material
ceramic