Pair Of Large Engraved And Painted Crystal Vases, Attributed To Baccarat, Napoleon III

Provenance

This pair of vases is attributed to the Baccarat Crystal Works in France and can be dated to the second half of the 19th century, likely around 1870–1880. The combination of large-scale transparent crystal, an all-over engraved design, broad gold highlights, and hand-painted figurative medallions reflects the decorative style of the major French crystal manufacturers of that period.

Description

Both vases feature a monumental conical shape, with a tall body that is slightly tapered at the center, flaring toward the neck, and resting on a circular, tiered pedestal. The entire surface of the crystal is enlivened by a dense network of arabesques, rosettes, interlacing patterns, palmettes, and geometric motifs of Oriental inspiration, arranged in vertical registers and finely engraved.

Each vase features a large, recessed oval medallion on its main face, highlighted by a broad gilded border. The painted scenes form a complementary pair: a young man dressed in a red suit, wearing a tricorn hat with a feather and holding a rose, is paired with a young woman in a fanciful costume, dressed in white, ochre, and purple, her head covered with a headdress adorned with blue ribbons. The skin tones are rendered in soft hues with delicate shading, while the reds, pinks, purples, blues, and golds provide bold accents. The overall effect evokes the 19th-century historicist taste for courtly scenes and 18th-century costumes.

The wide rims, the rings on the pedestal, and the moldings are gilded. The base is punctuated by petal-shaped recesses, engraved and outlined with light fillets.

Technique and Materials

Blown and shaped clear crystal, acid-etched decoration, hand-applied polychrome paint, and gilding. The design combines transparency, frosted areas, and painted surfaces, creating a sharp contrast between the ornamental decoration and the figurative medallions.

Date

France, second half of the 19th century, circa 1870–1880, the Napoleonic III era / early Third Republic.

Condition

Good overall condition. Localized wear and loss of gilding, mainly on the bases, moldings, and the most exposed areas, as well as slight signs of use and micro-scratches consistent with the piece’s age. No significant structural damage is apparent in the photographs.

Use and Purpose

A pair designed as large-scale decorative elements, suitable for symmetrical display on a console table, chest of drawers, mantelpiece, or in a reception room.

Dimensions

height - 50 cm
diameter - 22 cm