Ref.15086
BACCARAT, blue crystal vase with waders, circa 1880

Founded under Louis XV, the French crystal factory Baccarat demonstrated its excellence at Universal Exhibitions throughout the 19th century. This baluster-shaped vase has a wheel-engraved and gilded decoration on the steel blue crystal. Japanese-style, its decor presents two pairs of waders, whose varied positions bring the surrounding aquatic landscape to life. Its gilded bronze frame takes up the motifs of cherry blossom branches from the decoration of the body. The influence of Japanese prints is perceptible in the theme, as well as in the way of constructing the space and representing the landscape and animals. The decoration of this vase was used several times for the manufacture's creations, and affixed to different supports. Indeed, the Marc Maison gallery has a pair of opaline glass vases with an identical decoration. The “Clair de lune” vases created by Baccarat based on the model of Eugène Rousseau present the same principle of blue crystal vases with Japanese decoration, equipped with a very similar setting.

Ref.16136
L’Escalier de Cristal (attributed to) Quadrilobed covered bowl with stand, crystal and gilt bronze

This quadrilobed crystal bowl rests on an openwork gilt-bronze base decorated with pseudo-Oriental script and vegetal motifs. Executed in the same material and technique, the cover features scrolling foliage ending in peonies. At its center, the legend of the Qilin has been adapted to the taste of the 19th-century French public: the legendary animal from Asian folklore gallops through stylized clouds. Born from the union of a cow and a dragon, the Qilin is recognizable by its hooves and dragon’s head. A symbol of peace and felicity, the chimera is engraved in the crystal on one side of the bowl, whose upper register features a frieze of enamel motifs heightened with gold. The reverse side displays finely engraved peonies and vegetal scrolls. Founded around 1808 by the widow Désarnaud, L’Escalier de Cristal was taken over by the brothers Georges and Henri Pannier from 1885 onward. They embraced the Japonist aesthetic then in vogue while maintaining the high level of craftsmanship for which the house was renowned. This bowl can be dated to around that period.