Ref. 1410/0 and 1753

Baccarat

Crystal manufacture

For   

H. Vian

Bronze-caster
(1860-1905)

A Beautiful Set of Four Ormolu Crystal Vases

France
Circa 1880

Signed H. V on the bronzes

Height : 59 cm (23,2 in.) ; Diameter : 24 cm (9,5 in.)

A very fine set of four baluster-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.

Theses vases have been made by Henri Vian, after a model created by Henry Dasson, from whom he bought some of his bronze models in 1894 when Dasson ceased his activities.

Biography

The famous crystal manufacture of Baccarat, dates back to the 18^th 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.