Baccarat, Crystal Cup, France Circa 1860

Elegant footed bowl in frosted and etched glass, highlighting a sumptuous amber-colored relief decoration. The central motif, of great finesse and Japanese inspiration, represents a bird in flight (evoking a crane or a phoenix) moving amidst asymmetrical branches and scrolls. This vegetal decoration extends harmoniously onto the central baluster.

The rim of the bowl is scalloped, enhanced by a beaded relief frieze. The whole rests on a finely crafted gilt-bronze four-legged mount depicting Japanese cherry trees. This type of base is typical of Baccarat models, which confirms its attribution.

BIOGRAPHY

The famous crystal manufacture of Baccarat, that dates back to the 18th century, was awarded its first medal in 1823, during the “Exposition des Produits de l’Industrie” for the “brilliance and the sharpness of its crystal” and became then the most renowned French “cristallerie”. Baccarat was undoubtedly the only French manufacture, that exhibited steadily and magnificently its products at the various Universal Exhibitions, and especially between 1855 and 1867. Reports of the Universal Exhibition, from 1855 to 1867, talk about the “perfection of the material and of its cut”, considered superior of those from Bohemia or England.