Pair of 19th Century Ormolu Mounted Baccarat Crystal Celeste Blue Opaline Vases

Description

A Pair of 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Baccarat Crystal Celeste Blue Opaline Vases. Each vase is of amphora form with a wide upper mouth that extends downwards to a slender neck which rests on a bulbous body. The color of this crystal is exceptionally rare; Baccarat crystal is one of the most dense crystals manufactured in all of Europe and this blue opaline color is no exception in quality and scarcity. Opal stones are crushed into the crystal during its manufacturing process and when heated, they emit a gorgeous color into the crystal. The transparency of this crystal is quite unusual as well with a high opacity, this translates to a larger amount of opal being used to create the crystal for these vases. The more opal used in the making, the higher the quality and richer the color of the crystal becomes. More spectacular are all the hand-chased and hand-chiseled ormolu mounts throughout the vases. Each section is cast with an incredibly difficult open-work design. The craftsmanship of such mounts involves intricate detailing and high precision. The sphinxes, with their mythical and regal presence, are often depicted with a meticulous attention to anatomical correctness and graceful posture, embodying a blend of strength and elegance. The floral elements and vines are skillfully rendered to create a sense of naturalistic beauty, with delicate petals and curling tendrils that enhance the vases' aesthetic appeal. Trees and maiden masks, included in the mounts, showcase masterful artistry, with the trees possibly featuring textured bark and lifelike branches, while the maiden masks exhibit detailed facial features and refined expressions. Each element is carefully cast and finished, ensuring that the ormolu retains its golden sheen and highlights the artistic details. The quality of these mounts is further evident in their seamless integration with the vases, enhancing rather than overpowering their design. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of ornamental splendor and artistic sophistication. France, Circa: 1840

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