Or elephant vases, fourth quarter 19th century, two magnificent elephant heads adorn the neck of the vase with draped reins, each trunk holds a gilded pomegranate, the baluster body is decorated with rose clusters within gilt edged ribbons, raised on scrolled Rococo plinth bases, one with impressed "Mintons" stamp to the base, both drilled for lamp fittings and on early 20th century pierced brass stepped bases.

12 in. tall.

Private Living Estate, Raleigh, NC

This form of vase was a revival of the Sèvres pair created for Louis XVI.

Vase #1 (with sticker on the underside and impressed Mintons mark): stable hairlines to base; small chip to one elephant ear; both trunks replaced and with restoration to both handles; tight crazing to one elephant's head and to another elephant's ear; (3) tusks are replacements, the fourth tusk appears original but with gilt re-touch.

Vase #2 (unmarked): one foot is a likely replacement; re-touch to gilding where vase meets base; both trunks replaced; gilt re-touch to tusks (with appear to be original).

$1,000 - 3,000