Maison Baguès, Important Pair, Ormolu & Rock Crystal Flower Pot Form Candelabra

Description

Pair of Very Fine Antique French Art Deco Period Rock Crystal and Doré Bronze Flower Pot Form Candelabras Attributed to Maison Baguès, Paris Among the most accomplished expressions of Maison Baguès' celebrated floral lighting tradition, this exceptional pair represents the firm at the height of its creative and technical powers, objects that transcend their functional purpose and operate as monumental sculptural compositions. This pair of French Baguès ormolu mounted rock crystal flower pot form candelabra is modeled as flowering plants rising from carved rock crystal jardinières. Each candelabrum is composed of branching ormolu stems issuing from a fluted ormolu collar set above a rounded rock crystal vessel. The branches divide naturally and are fitted with carved rock crystal tulip blossoms, closed buds, and elongated petals arranged among gilt leaves of varying lengths. Three candle sockets are concealed within larger crystal flowers positioned at different heights, allowing the floral composition to retain its botanical appearance. The ormolu branches display chased surface detail that follows the contours of stems and leaves, while the transparent rock crystal flowers are carved with overlapping petals and natural veining. Each candelabrum is supported by a carved rock crystal plinth mounted within an ormolu frame finished with a beaded border and ball feet. These candelabra were produced by Baguès, the French lighting firm recognized for naturalistic lighting models combining gilt bronze with carved crystal elements. The firm became closely associated with floral lighting designs that transformed botanical subjects into functional illumination through concealed candle or electrical fittings. The construction of these candelabra reflects that approach, integrating carved hardstone with cast and chased ormolu components secured to a concealed armature. The quality of the carving is evident throughout the crystal blossoms, buds, and vessels, while the ormolu mounts retain crisp chased detail across the leaves, stems, collars, and bases. Baguès workshops specialized in assembling individually cast bronze components with carved crystal elements to create dimensional floral arrangements. Rock crystal was selected for its clarity and ability to be carved into petals with defined contours while remaining durable for use within lighting designs. The ormolu framework provided structural support for the branching composition, with each element individually mounted to achieve a balanced arrangement. The combination of carved rock crystal, chased ormolu, and architectural bases is characteristic of the firm's floral productions and remains closely associated with French decorative lighting of the late 1800s to the early 1900s. At 24.5 inches in height and 18 inches in diameter, these are exceptionally large examples of the type. The majority of surviving Baguès floral candelabra known in the market measure considerably smaller, and the structural integrity of both examples speaks to exceptional original construction and careful preservation. Maison Baguès, founded in Paris in 1860, became the preeminent French house for naturalistic lighting in gilt bronze and carved crystal, counting the Hôtel George V, the Savoy in London, and Maison Jansen among its most notable clients. Pieces of this quality, scale, and attribution appear with increasing rarity, making this pair an opportunity of uncommon significance for the serious collector. Paris, Circa Early 1900s H: 24.5 in D: 18 in

Details

Dimensions