A Pair of French Blue Opaline Crystal Baccarat Vases with Gilt Accents

Description

A Pair of French Blue Opaline Crystal Vases with Gilt Accents Attributed to Baccarat. This pair of vases was produced most probably by the Baccarat manufactory in France and is composed of blue opaline crystal with gilt accents. The vases are unsigned, which is consistent with Baccarat’s mid-19th century opaline production, particularly in the period before the widespread use of acid-etched factory marks. Known for its innovation in colored glass, Baccarat was a leading producer of opaline crystal in various hues, including this distinctive turquoise blue. The glass exhibits uniform coloration throughout, a hallmark of the firm's high-temperature glassblowing techniques and careful mixing of opacifiers. Each vase features a slender baluster form with a narrow neck that widens into a flared mouth and tapers again toward the base. The body rests on a circular foot with tiered moldings. Gilded bands encircle the rim, shoulder, and base, forming a subtle contrast against the bright blue ground. These mounts follow a clean linear profile without applied ornament, highlighting the purity of form and allowing the opaline to dominate visually. The surface is smooth and highly polished, with no surface tooling visible, indicating blown rather than pressed glass. Baccarat began producing opaline glass in the 1800s, and by the 1850s, its blue opaline wares had become popular among French and international clientele. The even tone and quality of the coloring on these vases reflect Baccarat’s mastery over pigment integration during the fusing process. This type of design, with minimal surface embellishment and a focus on vivid color and classical form, was intended to align with neoclassical decorative trends prevalent in the mid-1800s. France, Circa: 1890

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