Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

Polished 18th Century Copper Rafraichissoir from France

About the Item

Known as a rafraichissoir, this beautifully polished copper vessel has been hammered using both repousse and chasing metalworking techniques. Beneath the thinly rolled rim is a repetitive border of widely space recessed lobes on the neck, just above tightly grouped cabochons. Both of these motifs would have been hammered from the front side (chased). A thin protruding ring adorned with spiral fluting separates the neck from the bulbous main body, which is embellished by gadrooning that was worked from the inside (known as repousse). A rafraichissoir derives its name from a small table that usually had an inset copper bowl. The table was a common piece of furniture in upscale 18th-19th century French residences and would have been used to chill bottles of wine or champagne. Over time, the term rafraichissoir came to be used for the chill bowls themselves. Our 18th century copper rafraichissoir would make a great decorative accessory for any kitchen, bar area, or bathroom.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.625 in (21.91 cm)Diameter: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Copper,Polished,Repoussé
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1700s
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Some old, small repairs to the rim and to the interior. Wear consistent with age and use. Good antique condition, with light buildups and rubs. Wear commensurate to age and use, including minor cavitations and old, small repairs to interior and rolled rim. Please see photos for details.
  • Seller Location:
    Dallas, TX
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 422-2071stDibs: LU906332900012
More From This SellerView All
  • 19th Century Painted French Grape Hotte from La Gironde, Doisy-Védrines
    Located in Dallas, TX
    Grape hottes were used at French vineyards during the late 19th and early 20th centuries by workers when harvesting grapes. Our wide-mouthed hotte would have been used in the 1800’s ...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Decorative Baskets

    Materials

    Metal

  • 18th Century Spanish Repousse Copper and Brass Brazier Bowl
    Located in Dallas, TX
    This exquisite copper bowl is a piece of artistry, designed to bring comfort and warmth to the user during winter months. Crafted with utmost care and skill, it features ornate brass handles with two concentric circle mounts, S-scroll and roundel handle designs – all intricately detailed for an elegant effect. The rim has been thinly rolled to showcase the lobed crenellation alternating with ovals, a testament to the artisan’s deft touch and meticulous attention to detail. The main body of the bowl is adorned with chased roundels, hammered from underneath in a process known as repoussé. This technique imparts a relief-like effect to the surface, enhancing the visual depth and texture of the piece. The reservoir is yet another testament to the artisan’s mastery, adorned with five volutes surrounded by intermittent roundels over a lightly fluted background. The bowl was designed to hold hot coals, serving a practical purpose of warming the legs and feet during winter months while seated at the table. Today, it would make a lovely addition to an antique copper collection.
    Category

    Antique 18th Century Spanish Decorative Bowls

    Materials

    Metal, Brass, Copper

  • 18th Century Repousse Decorated Copper Chaudron from France
    Located in Dallas, TX
    A beautiful example of a period Louis XVI chaudron, or cauldron, the copper has been decorated with a metalworking technique known as repousse, where low relief motifs are hammered from the reverse side. Many motifs from Louis XVI were inspired by ancient civilizations (Egypt, Rome, Greece, etc.), such as the mascarons and cartouches seen on the sides of this chaudron. There are two distinct mythological scenes on opposite sides, set in between a pair of twisted loop handles emanating from the mouth of a heavily bearded mascaron with a tied bow in his hair. One image depicts Pegasus rearing up as a man with a sword...
    Category

    Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Serving Bowls

    Materials

    Metal, Copper

  • 19th Century Black Forest Walnut Wood Cave A Liqueur from France
    Located in Dallas, TX
    This large Black Forest walnut cave a liqueur is from 19th century France. The box has a working lock and key and the interior contents are visible through the beveled glass sides. I...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Black Forest Barware

    Materials

    Crystal

  • 17th Century Granite Rose Mortar from Brittany, France
    Located in Dallas, TX
    This granite rose mortar was hand-carved in Northern Brittany, France during the 1600’s. Granite is formed when magma is cooled underground, which causes various minerals to become e...
    Category

    Antique 17th Century French Decorative Bowls

    Materials

    Granite

  • Large 18th Century Copper and Wrought Iron Chaudron from France
    Located in Dallas, TX
    Hand-crafted in France, this large copper and wrought iron chaudron would have originally been used in the 1700’s to cook meals over a fire. The iron handle would have been placed onto a cremaillere, or chimney hook...
    Category

    Antique 18th Century French Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

    Materials

    Copper, Wrought Iron

You May Also Like
  • French 18th Century Silver “Rafraîchissoir” or “Verrière”, circa 1750-1760
    Located in Montreal, Quebec
    French 18th century silver “Rafraîchissoir” or “Verrière”, circa 1750-1760 Dimensions: 12.75" W x 8" D x 4" H.
    Category

    Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

    Materials

    Silver

  • 18th Century French Riveted Copper Confectioner's Pot
    Located in Chicago, IL
    An 18th century French copper confectioner's pot with wonderfully forged handles, a thick rolled rim, and a circular patch at the bottom with the most elaborate hand-hammered rivets...
    Category

    Antique 18th Century French Rustic Decorative Bowls

    Materials

    Copper

  • Early 20th Century Vintage French Four-Bottle Wine Carrier Baskets
    Located in Napa, CA
    Pair of vintage four-bottle wine carrier baskets from France. Each fit four bordeaux or burgundy style wine bottles. Priced individually.
    Category

    Early 20th Century French Decorative Baskets

    Materials

    Metal

  • Marble Mortar from 18th Century
    Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
    Marble Mortar. French. 18th Century.
    Category

    Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Decorative Bowls

    Materials

    Marble

  • Marble Mortar from 18th Century
    Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
    Marble Mortar. French. 18th Century.
    Category

    Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Decorative Bowls

    Materials

    Marble

  • Marble Mortar from 18th Century
    Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
    Marble mortar. French. 18th Century.
    Category

    Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Decorative Bowls

    Materials

    Marble

Recently Viewed

View All