Napoleon III Planter Made Of 800-th Silver And Cut Crystal, Germany, Circa 1880

Napoleon III-style planter in 800-th silver and cut crystal, Germany, circa 1880

A significant Napoleon III-style planter, a German piece from the late 19th century, circa 1880, consisting of a richly decorated 800-th silver mount holding an oval bowl of fully cut crystal.

The silver mount features a richly sculpted design in high relief. The band is adorned with foliage scrolls, volutes, coils, and cartouches, set against amati backgrounds that emphasize the depth and richness of the work. Several decorative bands follow one another around the base, structuring the entire composition.

The planter rests on four richly carved legs, adorned with cartouches, foliage, and scrolls that extend the motif of the mount.

At both ends are large caryatid handles, each surmounted by a sculpted female bust. The figures are set atop an elaborate openwork composition of volutes, foliage, and scrollwork, forming particularly intricate handles that lend the piece its architectural character.

The frame holds a large, fully cut oval crystal bowl. Its sides are covered with a rich geometric design in diamond-point cut, arranged in crosshatching and radiating motifs. The rim, itself cut and carved, features a regular succession of motifs that follow the curve of the bowl.

The combination of the richly sculpted silver setting, the caryatid-style handles, and the extensive crystal cutting is characteristic of the decorative taste of the Napoleon III period.

The piece is in very fine condition, particularly the crystal. Since the crystal cannot be removed from its setting, the weight listed is a gross weight that includes both the silver and the crystal.

Characteristics:

• Origin: Germany
• Period: late 19th century, circa 1880
• Style: Napoleon III
• Mounting: 800-th silver
• Glass: fully cut crystal
• Cut: diamond point
• Decoration: foliage scrolls, volutes, spirals, and cartouches
• Handles: featuring female caryatids
• Total length: 50 cm
• Width: 28 cm
• Height: 22 cm
• Gross weight with crystal: 1,572 g