Baccarat – Pair Of Louis-philippe Period Crystal Violet Vases Goblets With Gilt

A superb pair of moulded crystal violet vases, of so-called "conical beaker form with foot", adorned with a relief decoration of "flat ribs, leaves and almond motifs" ^[1].
Each vase features a six-panelled body with alternating relief motifs of flowering branches, stylised foliage, circular pastilles and volutes. The base is a faceted hexagonal foot enhanced with a fine gilt line.

Dimensions
• Height: 13.4 cm
• Diameter: 8.2 cm

Work attributable to the house of Baccarat, circa 1840.

Condition report
Faint annealing lines visible within the glass mass — typical of 19th-century crystal production, particularly from BACCARAT, SAINT-LOUIS, LE CREUSOT or CLICHY, even in pieces of high quality. These inherent traces from the cooling process do not affect either the solidity or the clarity of the piece.

Very fine condition overall. Minor chips to the edges of some foot facets. The original gilding is well preserved, with exceptional integrity of the decorative motifs.

These small vases were traditionally intended to hold short-stemmed flowers — such as violets, carnations or narcissi — which were especially fashionable in bourgeois and aristocratic interiors of the 19th century.
They would typically be placed on a mantelpiece, dressing table or guéridon, often displayed in pairs or suites.
The gilt decoration reflects the period's taste for refined, precious objects.

The form and decorative language are characteristic of BACCARAT's production during this period, with similar examples recorded in the 1840 catalogue.

A pair of this type is rare; to find one in such exceptional condition is truly uncommon.


^{[1] Catalogue commun BACCARAT SAINT-LOUIS for year 1840 : "gobelet conique à pied", décor à "côtes plates, feuilles et amandes"}