A Pair of French Ormolu Cake Stands/Centerpiece w/ Bohemian Amber Crystal Plates

Description

A Fine Pair of French Ormolu Mounted Cake Stands/Centerpieces/Tazza's with Bohemian Amber Crystal Plates. Each centerpiece is made with wide circular crystal plates supported by elaborate ormolu base. The plates are shallow and broad, designed to hold and display pastries, fruits, or confections. Each is elevated by a central ormolu stem that rises from a triangular, scrolled base set with multiple seated figures. The overall form emphasizes stability through the wide tripod feet and balance through the circular tops, making them both decorative and functional. The plates are crafted from amber crystal of Bohemian origin, etched with vine leaves, birds, and butterfly motifs. The decorative border is continuous around the rim, incorporating naturalistic grape clusters and scrolling foliage. The warm amber tone is enhanced by the transparency of the crystal, allowing the light to pass through the etched decoration and highlight its fine execution. The crystal plates are fitted securely into the ormolu mounts with molded collars supporting their weight. The ormolu bases are constructed with multiple cast and chased figures arranged around a central column. Each stand features three seated figures, male and female, dressed in traditional attire. The bases are ornamented with hounds at the feet of the figures, while the central column rises to support the bowl above. The upper section of the mount incorporates a fruiting vine and flower cluster, executed with detailed casting to suggest abundance. The bases terminate in scrollwork feet with acanthus and foliate ornament, designed in the Rococo revival manner. Functionally, these stands would have been used as table centerpieces during formal meals or receptions. Their large surface area allows for the presentation of cakes or desserts, while the elevated form ensures that the contents are visible to all seated at the table. The combination of crystal and gilded bronze would have harmonized with other luxurious table services of the period, contributing both utility and visual splendor to dining arrangements. Historically, ormolu-mounted objects were a hallmark of French decorative arts from the 18th century onward, continuing into the 19th century with adaptations for changing tastes. The combination of French ormolu mounts with Bohemian glassware reflects the circulation of luxury goods across Europe, where Bohemian crystal was renowned for its quality and decorative potential. French bronziers specialized in mounts that transformed utilitarian glass or porcelain into elaborate centerpiece objects, aligning with the traditions of court dining and aristocratic display. These cake stands demonstrate the technical and artistic exchange between French and Central European workshops. Bohemian glassworkers supplied crystal of fine clarity and color, while French artisans added mounts that aligned with local stylistic preferences, in this case Rococo revival. The integration of figural groups, animals, and vine ornament situates these pieces within a long tradition of allegorical and festive table furnishings, designed not only for practical use but also for their role in the visual theater of dining. France, Circa: 1880

Details

Dimensions