Escalier de Cristal, c. 1830—large porcelain ice cream cooler — Boin period

Painted and accented with gilding.
Marked in cobalt blue underneath with "J.P." and "boin" in gold or black.
Dimensions: H. 40 (cm).
Paris, circa 1830.

Rare and large ice bucket or ice bowl in the Medicis style. It rests on a quadrangular zoomorphic base with lion’s paws. Rich openwork handles featuring shell and scroll motifs. Bouquet decoration on two sides.

Parisian excellence at the Palais Royal.
This type of piece is characteristic of the luxury goods sold under the arcades of the Palais Royal between the Empire and the July Monarchy. As a hub for talented artisans and merchants, one could find there the Robins—a dynasty of watchmakers—as well as print dealers, booksellers, the Darte brothers, and their porcelain... No fewer than four hundred shops occupied the galleries of the Palais Royal.

Our ice bucket is of historical interest. The white glaze and gilding were in fact applied in the workshop of Jacob Petit, the most iconic porcelain maker of the July Monarchy. The flowers were likely painted in the “chambre” style by artisans from the “L’Escalier de Cristal” workshop. Based on the “Boin” mark found beneath two of the three pieces, this piece can be dated to after 1829. It was indeed on that date that Madame Désarnaud sold the business to her neighbor and fellow crystal cutter and engraver, Jacques Boin. He downplayed the phrase “A l’Escalier de Cristal” in favor of his own surname. He went into partnership with Lahoche in 1840.

Condition report: in excellent condition, virtually no wear. No accidents.

On display in Paris. Free DHL shipping worldwide.