Vannes-Le-Châtel, Cristalleries French Lead-Crystal Centerpiece

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Exceptional and important lead-crystal centerpiece in clear glass. Its silhouette, defined by soft curves and elegantly rounded edges, captivates with … Read more Exceptional and important lead-crystal centerpiece in clear glass. Its silhouette, defined by soft curves and elegantly rounded edges, captivates with its remarkable sense of fluidity and lightness. Master glassmakers transformed a substantial block of crystal into a delicate, almost weightless creation through twisting, hand-shaping, and traditional tong work. An acid-etched maker’s mark appears on the underside of the base, allowing this refined and sculptural centerpiece to be attributed to the renowned Vannes-le-Châtel glassworks, located in the namesake village in Lorraine, within France’s Grand Est region—an area historically celebrated for its glass and crystal production. The piece can be dated between 1965 and 1968. The history of the manufactory traces back to around 1765, when it was founded under aristocratic patronage and quickly became one of France’s leading glass producers, initially specializing in tableware. In 1930, production expanded to include ornamental works and, beginning in 1963, decorative lead crystal—reaching its peak output during the 1960s and 1970s. The glassworks later became the Compagnie Française du Cristal (CFC) and was subsequently incorporated into Daum under the name CFC Daum. Despite the exceptional quality of the pieces from this period, they continued to bear the Vannes signature, as does this centerpiece. Around 1970, production under ART Vannes ceased, leading to the establishment of Cristal de Sèvres, while the Daum mark appeared only from the 1980s onward. Regardless of the various names adopted over time, the glass and crystal creations of Vannes-le-Châtel remain an integral part of France’s decorative arts heritage. The centerpiece is in excellent condition. Dimensions: diameter 37 cm (14.57 in); height 14 cm (5.51 in). See less