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Exquisite Baccarat "Elephant" 'Cave A Liquor' - Exposition Universelle 1878
About the Item
The Magnificent Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor: A Majestic Exploration of a Timeless Masterpiece from the Exposition Universelle of 1878.
The Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor, created for the illustrious Exposition Universelle of 1878, stands as an exceptional work of art, crafted from frosted glass and cut crystal. Inspired by the iconic Elephant of Bastille, this extraordinary creation represents the pinnacle of Baccarat's artistry and exemplifies the rich historical significance associated with the renowned 1878 exhibition.
Elevating the allure of this stunning creation, the Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor comes complete with four raised gold and overlay glass bottles, allowing you to savor the liquor of your choice, accompanied by twelve shot glasses that gracefully rest on the saddle of the elephant.
I. The Design and Symbolism:
The design of the Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor is a testament to the artistic vision of its creators. Drawing inspiration from the Elephant of Bastille, a colossal statue commissioned to celebrate the French Revolution and a symbol of strength, resilience, majesty and good fortune, this masterpiece exudes a sense of grandeur and historical reverence. Every contour and line of the Baccarat Elephant is carefully crafted, capturing the majesty and strength associated with the original Bastille monument. The inclusion of the liquor compartment within the elephant's back adds a functional element to its design, seamlessly merging artistry and practicality.
II. Frosted Glass and Cut Crystal:
The choice of materials for the Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor exemplifies Baccarat's commitment to excellence. Frosted glass, known for its delicate translucence and soft texture, lends an ethereal quality to the elephant's appearance. This frosty effect, achieved through acid etching or sandblasting, diffuses light and enhances the overall aesthetic. Complementing the frosted glass, the intricate details of the elephant's body are expertly carved from cut crystal. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the frosted glass exterior bestows an ethereal radiance upon the masterpiece, while the cut crystal accents accentuate its brilliance, creating a captivating interplay of light and reflection. The addition of Ormolu, a lavish gold alloy, infuses an opulent touch, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Baccarat's mastery in crystal craftsmanship is evident in the precision of the cuts and the resulting brilliance, captivating the viewer with its scintillating play of light.
Unlock a world of sophistication and indulgence as you delight in the functional aspects of the Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor. The four raised gold and overlay glass bottles, designed to hold your preferred liquors, provide an exquisite presentation that showcases the richness of their contents. With each sip poured into the accompanying shot glasses, which elegantly perch on the elephant's saddle, every moment becomes an elevated experience of refined pleasure.
This exceptional piece not only serves as a luxurious centerpiece but also holds a deeper symbolic meaning. Elephants, revered in many cultures as bringers of good luck, bless your surroundings with their presence. The Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor invites you to embrace the positive energy and prosperity associated with these majestic creatures, creating an ambiance of fortune and abundance within your space.
With its historical significance, meticulous craftsmanship, and remarkable functionality, the Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor holds immense desirability and market value. It is an exquisite addition to any discerning collector's ensemble, a conversation starter that evokes admiration and intrigue. Whether displayed as a centerpiece in your luxurious bar or cherished as a cherished heirloom, this masterpiece is an investment in both artistry and taste.
III. The Exposition Universelle of 1878:
The Exposition Universelle of 1878, held in Paris, was a significant event in the history of art and culture. As a platform for innovation and creative expression, the exposition showcased the finest achievements of the era. Baccarat, renowned for its exquisite crystal creations, seized this opportunity to present the Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor, cementing its reputation as a purveyor of luxury and elegance. The presence of this masterpiece at the exposition further solidified Baccarat's position as a leading force in the world of fine craftsmanship.
IV. Artistic Legacy and Collectability:
The Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor is not merely a decorative object but an embodiment of artistic legacy and historical significance. Its association with the Exposition Universelle of 1878, coupled with Baccarat's distinguished craftsmanship, endows this piece with immense collectability and cultural value. As a coveted artifact among connoisseurs and collectors, its rarity and desirability have only grown with time. Owning the Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor grants one entry into an exclusive realm where art, history, and luxury converge. Indulge in the allure of the Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor and elevate your luxury collection to new heights. Own a piece of history, embrace the charm of the Elephant of Bastille, and celebrate life's special moments with unrivaled elegance and sophistication.
Elephant: 25" high x 23.5" wide x 9.25" deep.
This 'elephant' liqueur tantalus set is in overall excellent condition. Ready to place. Minor rubbing to some areas of ormolu on base.
This model was first exhibited in the Glass Pavilion at the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Although Baccarat was awarded a gold medal for another artistic creation, this piece was purchased by the Marharaja of Baroda in honour of the Feast of the Elephant in India. The model was inspired by architect Jean-Antoine Alavoine's fountain project which was commissioned by Napoleon in 1808 to the site of the infamous Bastille prison. The Elephant de la Bastille as it was then known was never built, but a monumental model of the fountain made out of wood and plaster stood on the site of the present Opera Bastille between 1813 and 1846.
Provenance:
Private European Collection since early 1990's.
Comparative Literature:
M. Lerch and D. Morel, Baccarat, The Legend of Crystal,Catalogue of the Exhibition at the Petit Palais,
October 15th 2014-January 4th 2015, memorial exhibition of 250 years of the factory of Baccarat.
D. Sautot, Baccarat, Paris, 1998.
J.-L and V. Curtis Nansenet, Baccarat, Paris, 1991.
M. Beauhaire Mr. Béjanin, H. Naudeix, Napoleon's Elephant, Verona, 2014.
*A comparable model is located at The Hôtel Crillon, Paris.
Ambani
- Creator:Cristalleries De Baccarat (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Depth: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)
- Style:Napoleon III (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:C. 1875
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1798235266772
Cristalleries De Baccarat
One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Starting in the early 19th century, objects produced by the French company — from stemware to chandeliers to brightly colored paperweights — became a staple of noble and wealthy households across Europe and as far afield as India. Along with the purity and quality of their glass, Baccarat crystal makers can boast a remarkable fluency with a range of design styles — from cut-glass neoclassical pieces to sinuously etched Art Nouveau designs.
Baccarat began as a kind of industrial development project. In 1764, the Bishop of Metz and other landowners in heavily forested northeastern France persuaded Louis XV to sanction a glassworks in the area — timber being a key resource required for the furnaces used in glass production.
In its early years the company produced humble products such as window panes and simple drinking glasses. In 1816 a new owner began making crystal, and seven years later Louis XVIII — who had taken the throne after the defeat of Napoleon — gave Baccarat its first royal commission, for tableware. In the ensuing years, an estimated one-third of the company’s workforce was dedicated to commissions to the Russian imperial court alone.
Spurred by the intense competition between global industries in the latter 19th century — fought in public view in the many world expositions of the era — Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat, as it had finally become known, elevated its level of artistry by adopting new technologies and creating a rigorous training program. The firm broadened its stylistic range, embracing Asian influences and new engraving methods, and increasing production of its now iconic millefiori paperweights.
The designer Georges Chevalier, who worked for Baccarat for more than five decades beginning in 1916, ushered the company into the realm of modernist design. In recent years, Baccarat has employed such renowned contemporary designers as Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders, ensuring that Baccarat crystal will continue to enjoy pride of place on up-to-date tables. But as you will see from the offerings on these pages, Baccarat has items to suit any taste.
Find antique Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat furniture and decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
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Comparative Literature:
Lerch, Moscou, Splendeurs des Romanov, Exhibition catalogue, 11 July – 13 September 2009, Monaco, pp. 214-217.
M. Lerch, Baccarat: la légende du cristal, Exhibition catalogue, 15 October 2014 – 4 January 2015, Paris, pp.68-69.
D. Sautot, The Story of Baccarat, Paris, 1993.
Cristalleries de Baccarat:
The origins of the manufacture, also known as the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat, can be traced to 1764. On this year, King Louis XV accorded to the Bishop of Metz permission to establish a glass factory on his land, in the small village of Baccarat in Lorraine, in order to compete with the celebrated Bohemian production. Lorraine is traditionally a glass-making region, due to the abundance of silica in the soil and due to its large forests, which supplied the wood to fuel the ovens. Francois-Eugène de Fontenay, who joined the company in 1841, discovered that the addition of nickel oxide in the manufacturing process resulted in a perfectly clear product, 'crystal glass', that was free of discoloration and that imitated precious rock crystal. For this discovery, the Baccarat company was awarded a gold medal at the French Expositions des Produits de l'Industrie in 1844. Continually experimenting with their manufacturing process, the quality of Baccarat's 'crystal glass' improved, reaching the highest level by the end of the century.
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