French Cut Crystal Salad Bowl - Late 19th Century c.1880

Details

Description

…A stunning example of French crystal artistry from the late 1800s, this heavily cut crystal salad bowl showcases the masterful … Read more …A stunning example of French crystal artistry from the late 1800s, this heavily cut crystal salad bowl showcases the masterful techniques that made French glassmakers renowned worldwide. Measuring 8" in diameter by 4" in height, this elegant serving piece features intricate geometric cut patterns that catch and refract light beautifully, creating brilliant prismatic effects. ***Salad Utensils are available in another listing,NOT included***
Condition: Very good vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or significant wear - a testament to both the quality of French crystal and careful preservation over more than a century.
Historical Significance:
France's glassmaking tradition reached extraordinary heights during the 19th century, building upon centuries of refinement that began in the medieval period. The late 1800s marked the golden age of French cut crystal, when master artisans in regions like Lorraine and the Vosges Mountains perfected techniques passed down through generations. French crystal houses became synonymous with luxury and precision, creating pieces that graced the finest European tables.
The intricate cutting on this bowl represents the pinnacle of 19th-century craftsmanship, when each piece was hand-cut by skilled artisans using traditional copper wheels and abrasives. These techniques created the deep, precise facets that give French cut crystal its distinctive brilliance and weight. The geometric patterns were not merely decorative but demonstrated the cutter's skill in creating perfectly symmetrical designs that enhanced the crystal's natural light-refracting properties.
This salad bowl would have originally graced the table of a prosperous French household, used for serving elegant salads during multi-course dinners that were central to French social life. Today, it serves as both a functional serving piece and a beautiful example of French decorative arts from this golden period.
Perfect for collectors of antique crystal, French decorative arts, or anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship. This piece would make an elegant addition to any dining room or display cabinet See less