D Roussel: Ewer With Mascaron In Solid Silver Gilt And Crystal. 19th Century. Napoleon III

Exceptional large Rococo ewer in solid silver and crystal with a mascaron decoration.

The pear-shaped body of the ewer is made of crystal engraved with wide, deep volutes forming swirls. These are accompanied by fine engravings of foliage and flowers, very organic and realistic. This undulating decoration, recalling the object's function, is of very high quality.

The silver-gilt mount is very richly decorated. The foot is formed of acanthus leaves, curves and counter-curves, trellises, and other elements characteristic of the Rococo style.

The highly developed handle is spectacular. It arises from a long acanthus leaf joining an architectural motif lined with rocaille shells, all embellished with volutes and acanthus leaves. The neck and spout are also richly decorated with a magnificent mascaron depicting a bearded, scowling face wearing a rocaille crown. A rich ornamentation of scrolls, leaves, shells, flowers, etc. enlivens the neck.
The lid, formed from a beautiful shell, is topped with a concretion-shaped handle.

The decoration of this ewer is a small masterpiece of goldsmithing, combining a profusion of ornamentation and a very organic interplay of curves, contrasting superbly with the cut crystal.

The ewer is entirely silver-gilt, but this is worn, giving a slightly warm tint to the silver.

The ewer is hallmarked.
. Goldsmith's mark: D. ROUSSEL in full with a domino for the goldsmith Eugène Doutre-Roussel, active from 1849
. Minerva, 1st grade, pre-1973, for 950/° silver

Exceptional ewer, both for its dimensions and the quality of its decoration.

31.5 cm high
970 grams gross

Capacity: approximately one liter.

Very good condition. Normal wear and tear and a very small chip at the bottom of the neck mount, to the right of the mascaron.

Hand-delivered in Paris or shipped by insured Colissimo.
France: €15
Europe: €20
Worldwide: €35