Louis Philippe Opaline Vases, Late 19th Century, Set of 2

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An enamel opaline baluster-shaped pair of vases decorated with polychromatic flowers in lobed cartridges on light blue background hightened with … Read more An enamel opaline baluster-shaped pair of vases decorated with polychromatic flowers in lobed cartridges on light blue background hightened with white and gilded rinceau. The base and collar are underlined with gilded stripes. Light wear to the gilding. Opalines are to be distinguished from opaline glass, a process mainly developed in the 16th-18th centuries to imitate Chinese porcelain. Progress in the crystal industry led to technical changes throughout the 19th century. The white opaline of the early days (1800-1810), or "opal crystal", was soon joined by a new process combining silica, potash, lime and phosphoric acid. This other white opaline, known as "rice paste", was a great success. It was a semi-opaque glass that could be made in shades of pink, yellow, blue or green and yellow by adding metallic oxides. In the first 3rd of the 19th century, the prevailing neoclassicism led to the adoption of simple shapes inspired by Greek, Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian art. More fanciful lines appeared in the second third of the 19th century, from the reign of Louis-Philippe onwards. Technical improvements - particularly in moulding - led to a diversification of shapes, which initially tended to become rounder. Other foreign influences Other foreign influences became apparent, as evidenced by comparisons with Middle and Far Eastern ceramics and glass, and Bohemian glassware (moulded pieces imitating exotic flowers or fruit). Opalines were very much in fashion from the early 19th century, adorning the interiors of the French aristocracy and bourgeoisie with elegance and fantasy. The great crystal manufacturers - such as Baccarat and Saint-Louis (founded in 1764 and 1767 respectively) - produced them in a range of colours and bold shapes. See less