ref. 1753

Baccarat

Crystal manufacture

H. Vian

Bronze-caster
(19th Century)

Splendid pair of crystal Vases

France
Circa 1880

Signed H.V. on the bronzes

Height : 60 cm (23,6 in.) ; Diameter : 24 cm (9,5 in.)

A very fine pair of amphora-shaped covered vases made of faceted ovoid cut-crystal and adorned with a bronze mount of exceptional quality and kept with its original gilding. Each topped with a pierced cover surmounted by a finial; flanked by scrolled handles finishing in doe feet, and joining abundant blossoming floral garlands. Raised on a circular foliate-cast base.

The model of these vases has been made by Henry Dasson.

Between 1764 and 1860, with rare exceptions, the crystal Manufacture of Baccarat doesn’t sign its works. The first paper labels appear in 1860 and represent inside a circle, a carafe surrounded by a goblet and a cup above which is marked BACCARAT.  From 1875, the brand BACCARAT in stick letters and in relief is present on  some blown models and on the bronze parts of the mounts. It’s from 1936 that the carafe, surrounded by a goblet and a cup with BACCARAT marked above, appears systematically on the production.

Biography

The famous crystal manufacture of Baccarat, dates back to the 18th Century, was awarded its first medal in 1823, during the « Exposition des Produits de l’Industrie » for the « brilliance and the sharpness of its crystal » and became then the most renowned French cristallerie. Baccarat was undoubtedly the only French manufacture, that exhibited steadily and magnificently its products at the various Universal Exhibitions, and especially between 1855 and 1867. In all reports one can read about the « perfection of the material and of its cut ».

Henri Vian, a bronze-caster active in the second half of the 19^th Century, made a lot of interior decorations with chimney mantelpieces, ormolu and patinated-mounted vases, chandeliers,… He became especially renowned for his light decorations of high quality.