19th C. French Baccarat Opaline Crystal Vase w/ Hand-Enameled Floral Decoration

Description

A 19th Century French Baccarat Opaline Crystal Vase with Hand-Enameled Floral Decoration and Gilt Highlights. This baluster-form vase features a trumpet-shaped neck, rounded shoulders, and a circular foot, all executed in white opaline crystal. The body is extensively decorated with large, densely painted floral bouquets, including roses, lilacs, pansies, daisies, and morning glories. These flowers are arranged in oval-shaped cartouches connected by floral garlands that encircle the vase. The enamel decoration is painted with exceptional precision, with each petal and leaf rendered in vivid, naturalistic tones ranging from deep crimson and violet to soft pink, pale blue, and yellow. The composition captures a wide variety of species and colors, reflecting a high level of technical control in the layering and firing of the enamel. The upper and lower portions of the vase are decorated with an elaborate raised gilt trellis pattern, composed of alternating diamond and foliate motifs over the white opaline surface. This pattern appears on both the flared neck and foot, framed by gilt scrollwork borders. The gilding is evenly applied and finely detailed, demonstrating excellent adherence and tonal consistency. The contrast between the matte enamel surfaces and the reflective gilded sections adds visual depth across the form. This type of polychrome enamel painting on opaline crystal required multiple firings and exacting brushwork, consistent with Baccarat’s most refined decorative production during the mid to late 1800s. The clarity of detail in the floral painting, the density of the composition, and the quality of the gilt ornamentation align with documented Baccarat exhibition pieces from this period, which were created for elite domestic markets and international display. France, Circa: 1860

Details

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