Benito Cut Crystal And Gilt Metal Bowl, Late 20th Century

Cut crystal bowl (very thick crystal) and gilt metal mount by Benito in Paris. Empire style, late 20th century. Bears the mark CRISTAL FRERES under the base and is signed Matin CF Benito on the bowl. Gilt bronze mount decorated with friezes of pearls and water leaves. The handles are in the form of swan heads. It rests on three tritons on a triangular base with concave sides. In very good condition. *Having arrived in France from Spain in 1925, José Benito and his brother initially opened a perfume bottle corking workshop in Colombes. The House of Guerlain became their first major client, and other leading houses followed. Thirty years of exemplary development and the turning point of the 1990s saw Martin Benito quickly become an excellent crystal cutter, recognized throughout the profession. His now-famous "32-Faceted Star" adorns vases and amphorae, planters and candy dishes…