Antique Orivit Gilt Metal Vase Pair in Neoclassical Style

An antique two-handled gilt metal vase pair in the neoclassical style by Orivit-Metallwarenfabrik AG of Germany, dating to the Art Nouveau / Jugendstil period, circa 1905. The double-handled design resembles a pair of slim and elegant urns. The gilded metal has a warm satin gold finish and an abundance of Classical details including masks, garland swags, and greek key motif accents in low relief. The body of each vase features fluted decoration over a round flaring foot with a beaded border. Good condition with a few shallow nicks and fine scratches, some wear to the high points of the gilt finishes and a small crack on the surface of one handle that just penetrates the outer surface and perhaps only the gilt finish. The underside of each base is stamped form/shape number 3526 and one vase carries the Orivit AOG logo mark.

Wilhelm Ferdinand Hubert Schmitz founded Orivit-Metallwarenfabrik near Cologne, Germany in 1894 and the firm quickly gained attention for their artistic metalware designs. Orivit won a Gold Medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900 followed by two Grand Prix awards and a Gold Medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The company was acquired by WMF (Wurttembergische Metalwaren Fabrik) in 1905 and remained in business until 1914.