Cut-Crystal Centerpiece Attributed to Baccarat, France, Circa 1870

Exceptional centerpiece in silvered and gilded bronze, composed of a naiad riding a dolphin, supporting a chiseled shell decorated with reeds, adorned with the head of a river god on its bow and on which a winged love blows in a conch. The whole rests on a pedestal decorated with dolphin heads and cut-out leathers, ending with a porphyry base with molded steps. Historical and artistic context Centers and naves of tables are attested in France from the Middle Ages in order to present spices and other condiments brought from distant lands around the Mediterranean or from the trade of the Silk Roads. The importance of their presence on prestigious tables will be confirmed throughout the decorative arts, evolving during the 19th century in centerpieces, becoming a central element of decoration. Here we find a true virtuosity in the composition and representation of the human figure which is reminiscent of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance. Indeed, the fluidity of the lines of the naiad can be compared to the nymph of Fontainebleau by Benvenuto Cellini preserved at the Louvre museum and dated 1545, while the naturalist representation of the marine setting refers to the work of Wenzel Jamnitzer...

Magnificent vessel shaped chandelier in gilded bronze and engraved crystal attributed to Baccarat, suspended by four articulated chains. A ceiling pendant decorated with prisms and a...

Rare crystal aquarium with a neck decorated with a garland of alternating vine leaves and stylized flowers. The body is engraved with a lakeside landscape of flowers and plants. The...

Rich landscape in cloisonné enamel on blue and brown background imitating Aventurine stone, attributed to L.C. Sevin and F. Barbedienne. The decor represents a river surrounded by wi...

Elegant pair of square section vases attributed to Baccarat, in enameled crystal with polychrome decoration of birds of paradise, resting on an openwork patinated and gilded bronze b...

Elegant centerpiece in finely chiseled vermeil. Composed of a Baccarat cut-crystal cup from which emerge four sinuous light-arms. The whole rests on a scalloped mirrored tray adorned with foliage, with a molded contour of wrapped rushes and ending with four openwork feet. The two French goldsmiths George Boin and his son-in-law Emile Taburet created circa 1875 in Paris the company Boin-Taburet. They made many silver pieces inspired by the beautiful services of the eighteenth century. At the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878, Georges Boin presented a “service de toilette” inspired by the work of François-Thomas Germain (1726-1791), and then at the Universal Exhibition of 1889, several epergnes, including one of them executed after drawings by the famous artist Juste-Aurèle Meissonier (1695-1750), as well as tea sets of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Boin-Taburet firm also exhibited a tureen and platter after Pierre Germain...

Beautifully hand crafted baccarat crystal decorative centerpiece bowl. The piece is in excellent condition. Maker's mark etched underneath. Minor shelves wear. The centerpiece measur...

A wonderful french dore bronze & cut crystal oval basket centerpiece with pierced open work handle resting on four legs. In the manner of Baccarat.

A wonderful large French gilt bronze paw foot and diamond cut crystal oval centerpiece in the manner of baccarat.

A wonderful French Baccarat style diamond cut crystal ormolu bronze lion paw large oval centerpiece Dimensions: H 5.25" x D 18.5".

A wonderful large French gilt bronze paw foot and diamond cut crystal oval centerpiece in the manner of Baccarat.

A beautiful antique French Louis XVI style 19th century gilt bronze mounted hand diamond cut Baccarat (Attributed) crystal centerpiece on a gilt bronze mounted mirrored plateau. The ...