MONUMENTALNY WAZON KOBALTOWY „BLEU DE ROI” – BELGIA – OK. 1930–1950 - Vase - Porcelain

MONUMENTAL COBALT VASE "BLEU DE ROI" – BELGIUM – OK. 1930–1950

BASIS DATA (AUCTION FOOTER)

Country of origin Belgium
Boch Frères Keramis La Louvière
Dating about 1930–1950
Type floor vase, monumental
Material glazed ceramic
Technique hand enamel, gilding
Color scheme cobalt blue, white, gold
Condition very good, display-case quality

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DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Height 50 cm
Top diameter 17 cm
Waist diameter 20 cm
Base diameter 13 cm
Weight 2444 g

An object of clearly monumental scale, intended as a dominant interior feature.

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CONDITION DESCRIPTION

Very good, collectible condition
No cracks
No chipping
No repairs or restorations
Original glaze and gilding preserved

The piece presents itself in a showroom condition, ready for museum display or private collection.

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CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION AND EXPERTISE
Here is a complete, expanded, professional description of the vase, prepared for a discerning buyer and in a visually descriptive form for a blind professor. The text combines hard technical data with historical context and the artistic vision of the object.
EXPERTISE AND CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION: MONUMENTAL COBALT VASE “BLEU DE ROI”
1. Introduction and Historical Genesis
The presented object is a unique, large-format floor vase, originating from one of the renowned Belgian ceramic manufactories (most likely Boch Frères Keramis in La Louvière). Dating is inferred from style, firing technology, and family provenance to the years 1930–1950. It is a classic example of European interwar and early postwar design, where Belgian ceramics in deep cobalt blue symbolized luxury and refined taste.
The vase is notable for its monumental scale, uncommon in contemporary mass production, which gives it the status of a collectible and representative object.
2. Technical Specifications (Sale Data)

• Country of origin: Belgium.
• Height: 50 cm (half meter – floor/office vase).
• Top diameter (rim): 17 cm.
• Waist diameter (widest point): 20 cm.
• Base diameter: 13 cm.
• Weight: 2444 g (about 2.5 kg of sturdy, noble ceramic).
• Color: Deep cobalt blue (Bleu de Roi), snow-white glaze, noble gold.
• Condition: Very good, showroom. No cracks, chips or restorations.

3. Form and Detail Description (For a Professor)
The vase features a classic baluster anatomy with smooth, harmonious lines.

• Base and Foot: The construction rests on a stable foot. The bottom bears a convex post-production glaze, an authentic trace of former manufacturing technology. It is a remnant of a spacer element in the ceramic kiln, confirming the artisanal nature of firing at high temperatures.
• Body (Waist): Bulky and heavy in the lower part, gradually tapering toward the top, transitioning into a slender, elongated neck. This proportion play makes the vase feel light and lofty despite its weight.
• Spout: The upper part flares like a flower cup. The edge is finished with a wide band of noble gold applied by hand, underscoring the prestigious character of the object.

4. Analysis of Decorative Motifs
Decoration was applied with white enamel on a dark, mirror-like cobalt ground, creating depth and strong contrast.

• Florally: The main decorative axis comprises dense chrysanthemums and dahlias in full bloom, with precisely delineated petals. Chrysanthemums in this style symbolize the sun, joy, and longevity.
• Accompanying Foliage: Dynamic, feathered fern leaves and stylized, delicate sprigs with small buds accompany the composition. Leaves have a crisp outline reminiscent of late Art Deco. These motifs spiral around the vase, giving the object a different yet equally striking look from every angle.
• Gilding: A hand-painted gold band on the rim of the spout forms a radiant crown that, in light, animates the dark cobalt structure.

5. Summary and Exhibits Value
The vase is in very good preserved condition, with a clearly glossy glaze. Its monumental size (50 cm) and weight near 2.5 kg make it a dominant feature in any interior—from classical salons to modern eclectic spaces.
For a collector, this is a rare example of the Belgian school of utilitarian ceramics, combining solid craftsmanship with the delicacy of white decoration. This item is not merely a vessel but a sculptural interior element that gains historical and market value over time. It represents an excellent investment and a valuable part of the artisanal legacy of the past era.

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HISTORICAL AND ARTISTIC CONTEXT
Belgian ceramics of the interwar and postwar periods were among the most important centers of European design.
Factories like Boch Frères Keramis produced luxury objects for discerning buyers.
Bleu de Roi was reserved for higher-class wares and frequently used in representative objects.

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COLLECTOR POTENTIAL
Premium-class object
Large format rarely seen on the market
Very good condition
Strong Art Deco and classical decoration
Ideal for a European ceramic collection or as a dominant interior feature.