Old Paris porcelain is a general term and there were no real defining marks so it is more of a category of French porcelain rather than a maker.

This is a small little vase, but in a style that has become typical to Old Paris Porcelain. There are no chips or cracks although there is wear to the gold, see gallery.

This style of vase is called a "mantle vase" because in the Victorian (and pre-Victorian) era they used to put these vases on the fireplace mantle, hence the reason that they usually only have one side painted/decorated. It is also called a "spill vase" as well.  A spill vase is (was) a small vase resembling a bud vase. It was usually kept on the fireplace mantle and was filled with rolled paper or very thin wood sticks (Spill) which where used to transfer fire from the fireplace to candles, lamps or a gentlemen's cigar (matches used to be costly).

At this price, wouldn't this vase make a great gift for someone? Mothers Day or even Hostess gift? Put some Lily of the Valley or two peonies inside, fill with water and give as a special present. How often do you get flowers with a vase that is over 100 years old?

DIMENSIONS: 3⅛"h x 2⅝"w x 1½" d

Width is measured across object at widest point. Depth is measured front to back at widest point of object. 

PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF MEASUREMENTS. E-MAIL OR CALL US IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT SIZE OR CONDITION.

ABOUT OLD PARIS PORCELAIN:

'Old Paris' Vases are made of porcelain in France and manufactured using Vieux Paris Porcelain. Old Paris Porcelain was made not by a single producer but more than 30 manufacturers. These producers were based in the city of Paris during the 18th century, up until 1870 which was the end of the second Empire.

The term given to this porcelain came into use in the later half of that period. The artisans were located in the northeast side of Paris and went out of business by that time.

Initially they were competing with King Louis XV own Royal Manufactory at Sèvres (a suburb of Paris. Sèvres is not only a location in France, but has become the name now for this type of fine porcelain, which is usually characterized by elaborate decoration on backgrounds of intense color.)  This factory was located only 18 miles southwest of Paris. Unfortunately, local artisans were marginalized because King Louis XV brought into force specific laws that restricted the activity of other porcelain manufacturers. Also, since Sèvres seriously limited the activities of independent porcelain makers, most of the pieces from that time were unmarked by the artisans to avoid offending the King.

However, when Old Paris Porcelain started having a positive impact on the economy the laws were abolished and artisans had more leverage in their practice.