Pair of mantelpiece vases

These two small vases, standing just over six inches tall, are a delicate example of soft-paste porcelain from the late 18th century. Their elegant, classical forms and subtle decoration would have graced a mantelpiece, reflecting the refined tastes of the era. The soft-paste porcelain itself, a prized material, allowed for a creamy, translucent quality that differs from harder, later porcelains. While the artist, William Edward West, is primarily known for his portraiture (and was born significantly later, in 1788), the museum attributes these vases to a period of French porcelain production, indicating a potential misattribution or a different artist named William Edward West. Regardless of the maker, the craftsmanship speaks to a moment when such decorative arts were central to domestic display, offering a touch of sophisticated artistry in everyday life.