Mid 20th Century Art Deco French Crystal Centerpiece, Produced in the Vannes-Le-Châtel Area

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Exceptional and important lead-crystal centerpiece in clear, transparent crystal. Its elongated and daring silhouette—defined by fluid curves and softly rounded … Read more Exceptional and important lead-crystal centerpiece in clear, transparent crystal. Its elongated and daring silhouette—defined by fluid curves and softly rounded ends—captures the eye with its remarkable elegance, sculptural presence, and sense of lightness. Skilled artisans transformed a substantial block of crystal into an almost ethereal form, shaping it by hand through twisting techniques and hot-working with pincers, ultimately creating an object of extraordinary visual impact. The piece was crafted in the Art Deco style between 1950 and 1955 in an artisan workshop in Vannes-le-Châtel, a small town in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department of the Grand Est region (France), historically renowned for its glassmaking tradition. Many local craftsmen collaborated with the Vannes Glassworks and often, as in this case, drew inspiration from its models for their creations. The origins of the Vannes Glassworks date back to around 1765 under aristocratic patronage. It quickly became one of France’s leading producers of table glassware before expanding into ornamental work in the 1930s. In 1963, the manufactory began producing decorative lead crystal, reaching its peak between the 1960s and 1970s. The glassworks later became the Compagnie Française du Cristal (CFC), eventually integrating Daum under the name CFC Daum. Around 1970, production under the Art Vannes name ceased, giving way to Cristal de Sèvres; only from the 1980s were pieces marketed under the Daum signature. Regardless of the various marks used over time, the glass and crystal masterpieces of Vannes-le-Châtel remain an essential chapter in French decorative arts and have deeply influenced the artistic production of the region.The centerpiece is in good condition. Dimensions Length: 54 cm (21.25 in) Depth: 16 cm (6.30 in) Height: 23 cm (9.05 in) See less