A beautiful French 19th century fire-gilt and marble vase signed F. Barbedienne

A beautiful French 19th century fire-gilt and griotte marble vase, signed F. Barbedienne. The vase is lifted by a circular griotte marble base with an ormolu rim underneath. At the base of the fire-gilded urn is a finely waving grass design with a small mouse and reptile just above the signature. On the belly rich, very detailed designs of a boy sitting on a rock and playing the flute in the middle of a flower garland with flying birds above it. On the other hand, a woman is draped in a supple robe with flowers in her hand. Bamboo-shaped handles are decorated with charming leaves on each side. Completely original gold-plated. The vase is of exceptionally high quality