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Baccarat

Crystal Manufacture

An Exceptional Crystal Chandelier

France
Circa 1870

Height : 140 cm (55,11 in.) ; Diameter : 105 cm (41 1/3 in.)

A very important thirty-five lights Baccarat cut-crystal and gilded bronze chandelier. The centered stem is made up of baluster-and-bowl-shaped cut-crystal pieces, all of very high-standard quality. Adorned with an elegant gilt bronze mount forming the light-arms, alternating bouquets of six and one, all decorated with climbing ivy. Below, thirty-eight beveled-sided knives form a star, from which descends a bell. Richly adorned with finely cut crystal pendants, prisms, myrzas and diamonds.

Biography

The crystal manufacture of Baccarat, that dates back to the 18^th century, was awarded its first medal at the 1823 « 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. In all reports one can read about the « perfection of the material and of its cut ».

This remarkable crystal chandelier is to be linked to another masterpiece executed by the Baccarat manufacture (Private collection).