Of the four known versions of this model, three are in the Royal Collection. This version, decorated with a bleu nouveau ground, gold œil-de-perdrix, partridge eye, pattern and low-relief medallions in biscuit porcelain, is the finest and most complete. The youthful profile head of Louis XV reproduces a medallion designed by Edmé Bouchardon (1698-1762), first cast in bronze in 1738 and later used on coinage and commemorative medals.

It is possible that this vase is one of three purchased by Madame du Barry from the factory in December 1768, shortly before she was presented at Court and acknowledged as the new official mistress of Louis XV.

The bold modelling, fine decoration and French royal association, symbolised by the profile medallion heads of Louis XV and the closed crown surmounted by the fleur-de-lis, were some of the qualities George IV admired most in Sèvres porcelain.

Text adapted from French Porcelain for English Palaces, Sèvres from the Royal Collection, London, 2009