This 144cm tall ornate vase was commissioned to decorate the Paris EXPO (Universal Exhibition) of 1900, though this particular model was cast in 1904 to be installed at the Cours-la-Reine. Two artists took to the work under the authorship of the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, one of the principal European porcelain manufacturies. Sculptor Alfred Boucher (1850-1934, an example of his other work can be downloaded here) designed the three figurative nymphs. Ceramicist Alexandre Sandier designed the surmounting vase and realised the piece in ceramic and Alexander Dubois mass-produced it.

The work depicts three nymphs, mythological spirits of nature imagined as beautiful maidens who inhabited rivers and woods, surrounding a vase typical of Troyes.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.