A pair of porcelain vases in the form of a kalpis or stamnos, with upright loop handles and a rounded shoulder tapering to a narrow foot. The surface is covered in a matte platinum ground, hand-painted with ivy vines in naturalistic shades of green and brown. Each side features an applied classical-style medallion, and the rim and foot are enriched with gilded Greek key and scrollwork borders. Signed N. Vivien on the underside.
Narcisse Vivien was a French porcelain decorator active in the late 19th century, known for his subtle metallic grounds and refined botanical motifs. His work often reflected the influence of classical form and Japonisme, combining restrained surface treatment with precise naturalistic detail. Narcisse Vivien exhibited at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1878 and was listed at 85 Boulevard Voltaire in 1883. Vivien also taught ceramic decoration at the Ecole Bernard Palissy.