Mid 19th Century French Silver Sugar Bowl With Cobalt Blue Glass Liner Export Mark

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Refined French silver sugar bowl crafted in cast and chiseled silver, dating from the mid- to late 19th century and … Read more Refined French silver sugar bowl crafted in cast and chiseled silver, dating from the mid- to late 19th century and designed in the Rococo Revival style. It features a removable oval liner in vibrant cobalt blue glass, beautifully preserved and offering a striking color contrast. The body rests on richly scrolled feet and is adorned with elaborate foliate and floral motifs, characteristic of the rocaille aesthetic. The handles are gracefully curved and decorated with leaf scrolls and clusters of grapes in relief. The domed lid is finely engraved with naturalistic patterns and crowned with a finely modeled three-dimensional finial depicting two birds perched among branches, executed with remarkable skill. The hallmark, though partially worn, appears to depict the head of Mercury facing left—a mark used for silver items made in Paris for export between 1840 and 1878. Most likely crafted in Paris during this period, the piece is an outstanding example of pre–Belle Époque French silversmithing, where technical excellence is matched by refined decorative artistry. A superb collector’s item, it also serves beautifully as a table centerpiece or ornamental accent in both classic and eclectic interiors. Dimensions: Width: 22 cm (8.7 in). Depth: 11 cm (4.3 in).
Height: 15 cm (5.9 in). See less